Skip to main content

Search

Type a word or a name to search the news.

Before you buy a used tractor: a simple check

Check the hours, the smoke, the hydraulics and the papers before you agree a price.

Before you buy a used tractor: a simple check
Photo: Illustration: Tractorbay Farm (synthetic)

Key points

  • Black smoke under load means engine wear.
  • The lift should hold the implement without dropping.
  • Match the chassis number with the papers.

A used tractor can save money if it has been serviced well.

What to do

  1. Start the engine cold.
  2. Check for oil leaks.
  3. Test brakes and steering.
  4. Ask for the service book.

Take a mechanic you trust, and test the tractor with a load.

Members

Support independent journalism

Our reporting is paid for by readers like you. Become a member to read without limits and keep it going.

Topics

In this story

Comments

Comments

Get our newsletter

Stories worth your time, in your inbox. Free, and you can leave in one click.

Choose your newsletters

We only use your email for the newsletters you choose.