If you want to boost productivity on your farm or job site without breaking the bank, consider purchasing a used tractor. However, getting a second-hand model can be a challenging task, especially for those that aren't familiar with the process. Shady sellers can con you into buying a machine that’s not worth the money you are paying for it.

At PrairieLand Partners, we want your investment safe and your business operating rolling. Our experts have created this guide to highlight a few tips that you can follow when buying a pre-owned tractor. Read on to learn more, and then visit our dealership to explore our latest collection of used tractors. We serve all of Kansas, and we can’t wait to assist you!

Buy from a Reputable Dealership

Though you can seek out a private seller, purchasing from a reputable dealership will be a better option for you.

A dealership will likely have more options to show you, giving you a better chance to find a model that suits your unique needs. They will also have a reputation to maintain, which is why they won’t hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure their customers are happy. You can expect them to do fair business, and rest assured knowing they will sell you a good quality used tractor.

Hop online to explore the options near you and check their online reviews and credentials. If the dealer you are talking to is making any excuses about the proof of ownership of the model or hesitating to show you the service logs of the used tractor, you will want to give them a pass.

Inspect Vehicle Condition

Once you have found a trustworthy dealership, inspect your preferred used tractor and determine its condition. Examine the cab and the state of the tires, battery, and engine. You will also want to check the 4WD swivel pin for wear and the inside of your model for leaks to see if you are getting the quality you expect.

Ask as many questions as you want about the machine, such as why the previous owner chose to sell it. You will also want to see if the age and overall condition of the tractor match the number of operation hours the dealership has quoted to you.

If you are satisfied with the answers, take a test drive of the tractor. When operating it, check how the model feels and keep an eye on any operating inconsistencies.

Perform Background Check

Finally, you will want to perform a background check of your given model.

Try finding out whether the dealership owns the given piece of equipment or if it is under a lien. Check ownership of the model against its serial number or VIN and figure out if it is a model you’ll want to purchase. You won’t want to invest in machinery with a questionable history, only to witness your deal falling apart after your final decision.

Now that you are more familiar with the process of buying a used tractor, you are ready to explore a few models yourself. Come down to PrairieLand Partners, where we have a fine selection of second-hand models for sale. Our friendly team can give you a complete tour of the available options and help you choose a machine that’s perfect for your tasks. We have dealerships in multiple locations throughout Kansas, so visit one that’s nearest to you.