Tractor Buying Basics
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Tractor Buying Basics Your guide to choosing and using John Deere utility tractors.

Tractor-buying begins here. Whether you just moved to your rural retreat, or you’re considering taking on a few more chores…if you’re reading this book, you’ve probably decided it’s time to think about a new utility tractor. To help give you the information you need to make the best buying decisions, the tractor experts here at John Deere have put together this guidebook. The First Steps. The first step in choosing your utility tractor is deciding on the chores you expect it to handle, both now and in the future; that allows you to narrow your choices down to a particular horsepower range....

Power: How much do you need? One of the quickest ways to measure a tractor’s capabilities is by considering its horsepower…too little, and you may not be able to handle all the chores you’d like, while too much power may mean you sacrifice fuel efficiency. As a rule, it’s better to have slightly more power than you think you’ll need; this allows you to ‘grow into’ your machine as you become more comfortable with its capabilities, and as your needs change. And while straight horsepower is a good figure to start with, more power doesn’t necessarily mean more usability. ● Tractor-buying tips....

Shifting gears: Utility tractor transmissions. The range of available transmissions may also affect which model or series of utility tractor you consider. In many ways, the transmission choices are similar to those available in most automobiles. Gear-driven manual transmissions The standard gear-driven transmission is the most efficient and reliable, and is the most common in utility tractors. However, there are still several types of manual transmissions, including: ● Tractor-buying tips. n f you do much front-loader work, I you may want MFWD, or four-wheel drive. If you’re just mowing,...

Lifting, loading, digging: Hydraulics 101. Don’t ignore the hydraulic capacity of any tractor you’re considering. The hydraulic system runs everything from the power steering and brakes to loaders, backhoes, and other attachments. Look for a ‘GPM’ figure, or gallons-per-minute; the higher the number, the greater the hydraulic capacity of the tractor ● Tractor-buying tips. n ome tractors have a single S hydraulic pump that powers both steering and implements. This can cause less steering power when using a hydraulic implement with a heavy load (a full loader bucket, for example). n any...

Hook it up: Hitch basics. You’ll probably see references to a tractor’s ‘three-point hitch.’ This hitch consists of the three ‘arms’ at the rear of the tractor, and serves as the mounting point for many of your implements. The two lower arms, or ‘lift arms,’ do most of the heavy lifting. The upper arm, or ‘top link,’ serves to stabilize the implement, while allowing adjustment for the angle of the implement. The iMatch™ Advantage ● Tractor-buying tips. n ook for a quick-coupler hitch L system. This system lets you quickly attach the implement without having to adjust hitch geometry. The...

Comfort matters. If you plan on spending hours in your tractor, you’ll appreciate all the comfort and convenience features you can get. And the best way to get a feel for a tractor’s comfort level is to get in, buckle up, and take a test drive. As you do, consider this: Seat comfort. Is the seat itself comfortable? Is the range of adjustment large enough to suit your needs? Controls. Consider your most commonly used controls. Are they all within easy reach, or do they require awkward reaches? Are the controls out of the way, or will you have to step over a lever just to climb into the seat?...

Stay safe: A few precautions. n sk if the tractor has an operatorA presence system. This is a switch in the seat that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator is not seated. Keep your balance. Lifting something heavy in front? Add ballast (extra weight) to the rear of the tractor to keep the rear tires on the ground. Pulling a heavy implement? Add ballast to the front. Get in the zone. Stay within the ROPS (rollover protection structure) zone. This U-shaped bar over the seat protects you in case of a rollover. Buckle up. Wear your seat belt. The ROPS is ineffective without it. n...

Put your tractor to work. Once you start looking around at all the attachments available for your utility tractor, you’ll be amazed at the number of chores you can do with your new machine. While you’re thinking about attachments, talk with your dealer about everything you’d like your tractor to do, and under what conditions. Start with the number of acres you have to mow, till, or plant. Don’t forget to include any future needs that may arise, such as additional acreage. With your dealer, list the implements that can help you get the job done, then consider each implement’s horsepower...

Dirt or materials work. If it needs to be smooth as glass, go over it with a box blade, land plane, or other leveling implement to re-grade or fill potholes. Put up hay. If you grow and bale hay, a John Deere mower-conditioner cuts and conditions for faster, more even drydown. A John Deere square baler (shown here) lets you put up tight, uniform bales. Snow Removal. If your part of the world turns into a winter wonderland, you’ll appreciate having a front- or rear-mounted snow-thrower or snow sweeper. Save your back. A posthole digger is a must-have if you’re putting up a fence. Powered by...

More of what you need to know. ● Tractor-buying tips. n tractor’s resale value is an imA portant consideration. Purchasing a bottom-dollar tractor now may result in lower resale value down the road. n heck out the resale values on used C tractors to determine which models and brands best retain their value. Maintenance Before you buy, make sure you understand what maintenance your tractor will require, and how often. At a minimum, you’ll need to know how to check the engine and hydraulic oil levels, how to locate oil and air filters, and how to reach the battery. Cost of ownership Don’t...