Choosing the Right Tractor
A tractor is one of the most durable and reliable machines you have on your agricultural enterprise. These machines were made to get the work done quickly, efficiently and accurately. They’re built to be sturdy and, with good maintenance, a tractor should last you for years, if not decades. If you’re looking for a new tractor, we know you’re probably overwhelmed by the amount of options you have. To help you make a more informed decision, we at West Hills Tractor have compiled this short guide. Read on to learn more or come on down to our location in Jonesborough, TN. We also cover the areas of Johnson City and Greenville.
The Right Implements
You don’t get a tractor to just sit around looking pretty. You put them to good use! To get the most out of them, you need the right implements and attachments that your tractor can loan its phenomenal power to. Have a huge field to keep mowed? Hook up a pull-behind mower and tear through that brush. Got crops? You’ll want something big that can pull heavy implements like spreaders and rotary tillers. Make a note of everything you want your tractor to handle before picking out the right implements that are compatible with your tractor. Then you can put your machine to work!
To decide if the implements will be compatible with your tractor, you need to look at the components. The PTO (or power take-off) is a drive shaft that powers other equipment. Another method for this is a series of hydraulic pumps, which transfer energy back into the implement. If you have neither of these, you should at least have a drawbar that allows the tractor to tow. If none of these mechanisms are present, you won’t be able to get any practical work done on your field, so always check that your tractor is equipped with what you need.
Your Property
Even if you get a great tractor and all the right implements, if they aren’t a right fit for your farm, they’re useless for you. Different farm equipment was made for different types of terrain. Tractors have a harder time on land that has a lot of trees and other obstacles. If you have wide and open fields, it’s beneficial for you to get a fast tractor to save yourself time. Overall, it just takes a little bit of common sense to decide how each tractor could perform on your land, so simply put some thought into it before making a decision.
Key Specifications
While it’s easy to use a metric like a tractor’s horsepower output as a way to decide which one you want to get, that isn’t really the first thing you should be looking at. Instead, look at the equipment that will be able to apply power to the parts of the job most beneficial for you. A more powerful PTO is more useful than just a big engine alone. The same goes for hydraulic systems and drawbar ratings. Considering whether you need more strength or more versatility is important for finding the right tractor for you.
A Trusted Name
If you’ve been looking to buy a tractor, you’ve probably heard of some brands favorably and may have formed an opinion about which brand will work for you. While shopping, focus more on what you need from a tractor, instead of simply going for a brand. Good manufacturers make good machines that save you money down the road by needing fewer repairs and replacements. So it’s good to get a machine that has a reliable brand behind it but if the sticker price is too much for you, there are plenty of sturdy options from lesser known brands too.
We hope you have a better idea now about how you want to make your tractor purchase. If you need additional help, visit West Hills Tractor in Jonesborough, TN and have a chat with one of our helpful staff. We’re proud to serve the good people of Johnson City and Greenville.