The best price means little if parts are slow or service is hard to book. Ask these before you buy.
How far out is the service schedule? Do they offer field service? Who does warranty work?
Are common wear parts stocked locally? How long do special orders usually take?
Read recent customer reviews for patterns in service and parts, not just one-off stories.
Two quotes for the same tractor can differ by hundreds of dollars once fees are added. Always ask for an out-the-door price in writing.
Is freight included? What do setup and prep cost? Are documentation or delivery fees extra? Are attachments, a battery or a first service included?
Ask each dealer for the same configuration so the numbers can be compared fairly.
Save the quote, the invoice and your messages in one place.
A short inspection can save you thousands. Bring a flashlight and take your time.
Start it cold. Look for heavy smoke, listen for knocking, and check oil and coolant for contamination.
Shift through every gear, engage the PTO, and run the hydraulics through full travel. Look for leaks at hoses and cylinders.
Uneven tire wear, slack steering and loose loader pins all point to a hard life.
Ask for service history and make sure the serial number matches the paperwork.
The right tractor depends on acreage, terrain and the jobs you want it to do, not just horsepower.
Mowing, snow removal, hauling, loader work and post-hole digging all load a tractor differently. Write down your top three jobs before you shop.
Check the PTO horsepower an attachment needs, not just the engine rating. A rear implement that is too big for the PTO will bog down.
Loader lift capacity and the hitch category decide which implements you can use. Ask for the lift capacity at full height.
Slopes, mud and tight spaces change what you need. Ask for a demo or a rental day if the dealer offers one.