The word ‘farm’ tends to evoke the feeling of going back to a time when life was much simpler than it is today, or so would think some people. The truth is that farming now is just as advanced as any other field in operation today. Farmers, as well as anyone working in any other field, require modern technology to facilitate their tasks, save energy and effort, help increase productivity and profit, and basically make the process much easier.
Tractors are some of the most important technological tools that a farmer greatly relies on for their work. These amazing machines are quite versatile, and they’re extremely handy since they get so many difficult tasks done in little time, and they also save a considerable amount of direct human effort.
Since there are so many different types to choose from, we bring you this expert guide to give you the most useful tips you need to know when choosing the right tractor for your farm. Here are some expert tips that will make it much easier for you to identify the best type that works for you.
Consider the Size of Your Farm
This machine is something you get for the long run. You don’t buy one that you can use for a few months or a year so you can get a new one shortly after. A custom tractor machine can be expensive, so you need to make sure you’re investing in the right product.
This means that if you plan on expanding your farm later, you should consider a larger tractor with greater horsepower. It will help you cover larger areas of land with spreading fertilizer, mowing the land, distributing the seeds, and all the other farming chores, without over exhausting the machine and having to get repairs done regularly.
Learn the Purpose of Getting the Tractor
As previously mentioned, tractors are versatile, so think about what you’ll need it for. For those who have small lawns, they may not need one at all, unless they work in fields other than farming. They may need one only temporarily, which is why they don’t need to make a sizable investment in buying a new one. In this case, the best thing to do is to rent one.
Some people find a small lawn mower a big hassle. It requires a lot of physical energy, and some believe that they could save this energy for doing other activities. In this case, zero-turn powers are the best option. According to many reviews, Altoz zero-turn mowers offer more stability, traction and safety for those who need to take good care of their gardens while using a more power-efficient and comfortable mower. They are rather small, but they get the job done perfectly well.
If you work in construction, you still need to determine what you need the machine for. Some are perfect for carrying heavy weights, others specialize in removing earth. Since construction work requires a lot of moving, and each job has its own requirements, it’s much better to rent the machine that is best for each job.
New Vs Used Tractors
This is one of the most important things you need to decide on: whether to buy a new one or a used one. There are a number of factors that determine which is better for you, and one of the most significant ones is your budget. It may seem like a used tractor is cheaper than a new one, but remember that there are many things to keep in mind when thinking about buying a used one. It may be cheaper than a brand new one and have more advanced specifications, but remember that you may spend a fortune on repairs.
If you decide to buy a used one, make sure it’s in good condition, and that its replacement parts are available for you to buy. You also need to make sure you won’t need to replace it after a short time.
It’s usually more advisable to buy a brand new one, but if you find a used brand that’s in great condition and is an overall good bargain, then go ahead and get it. Just make sure you won’t have to pay so much money on maintenance and repairs that you end up paying more than what you would for a new one.
Ask a Trusted Professional Dealer for Help
Ask your coworkers to suggest good, trusted dealers to help you understand the available options and what you need for your work. When you find a good dealer you can trust, they will help you understand which types are best for you, and which options are best for your type of land. Especially if this is your first purchase, you may find yourself overwhelmed.
The Type of Transmission that Suits You Best
Tractors are a lot like trucks, they’re basically a type of truck that does a lot of difficult work. There are two main types of transmission, which are as follows:
- Standard or Manual Transmission:
This is the classic type, which has pedals and levers that change gear based on speed and the engine power required. The good thing about these standard ones is that their engine is strong and reliable. The negative side is that they require quite a bit of physical work, so they’re not the most comfortable.
Another pro about manual transmission is that you can repair them yourself in case of minor issues or malfunction.
- Hydrostatic Transmission:
This is an automatic transmission, which requires a few pedals to change pressure. It’s much easier and smoother to drive than the manual ones. It’s also easier to shift between speeds in a hydrostatic machine, and they’re much easier to stop.
The downside to this type is that it’s less powerful than the manual ones. They’re also not as efficient at ascending hills. Unlike manual transmission, you have to take your machine to a professional if it needs any minor repairs.
Deciding which is best for you depends on the size of your property, the type of land you have, and the type of tasks you need it to do.
Buying a tractor is a huge investment in your life and career. You need to do a lot of research to understand the various options available in the market, and what your job requires. Getting the right one for your work will help you become more productive and successful in your line of business, so exercise caution and do your homework before you make the purchase.