Back

Buying a Tractor

Mar. 1 2022 Buying Guide By Ball Equipment

Share

If you’re hunting for a powerful multitool to help around the farm, construction site, or other worksite, a tractor is the perfect choice—but how do you get the right one?

We here at Ball Equipment want to help you find the equipment you need, so we’ve put together a few tips for buying the right tractor, below. To learn more, or to see the tractors and tractor accessories we have for sale, contact our stores in Richmond and Sandusky, Michigan, today!

Size

One of your first considerations should be the tractor’s size. Keep in mind that different manufacturers and brands use different definitions and terms for different sizes of tractor, but there tend to be three primary categories: sub-compact, compact, and utility. Sub-compact are, understandably, the smallest, and are ideal if you need a powerful tool that can nevertheless navigate tight spaces and maneuver efficiently.

Compact tractors pack a bit more power and remain agile, allowing you to use more implements and attachments without driving around a monster of a machine.

On the other hand, if you need a monster for its power, efficient PTOs (power take-offs), and high weight and hauling capacities, a utility tractor is likely to be your go-to. These machines pack a punch and are compatible with just about every attachment and implement there is.

Power

Of course, size isn’t necessarily everything. Even within those size categories, there’s quite a variety of options that provide different amounts of power, but you probably have specific needs if you’ve got a specific job in mind. Make sure to examine the tractor’s key specs, including:

  • Horsepower
  • Number and efficiency of PTOs
  • Hauling capacity
  • Towing capacity

Ask the seller or research online which models have the right specifications for your specific situation. Try to find a balance between getting more than enough power and getting a power potential you’ll never get close to needing. You don’t want to waste money on power you won’t use, but you also don’t want your machine to constantly struggle to keep up with the workload.

Budgeting

And of course, like with any large purchase, it’s important to set a firm budget before you get to shopping for real. You’ll want to strike another balance between paying for a quality model that will do the job for years to come and buying something that you can’t quite afford.

Unless you have a hefty savings account, you’ll likely want to budget around financing and loans. That will require a 10-20% down payment up front with the rest paid off in monthly installments with interest. See how much you can afford to spend at once (or how much you’ll need to save up), then how much you can afford to pay monthly.

For more information, or to see the tractors and tractor accessories we have available, contact us at Ball Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Richmond, Sandusky, and Detroit, Michigan—let us serve you today!