Whether new or used, there are things IMHO that go beyond just the price and size and what you think you need, as a there are critical issues which need to be looked at. Like will this manufacturer be there when I need parts and service, to say nothing of it having financial troubles and being phased out by its parent company or ceasing operations altogether. What do the reviews show on this tractor manufacture from long term owners as well as satisfaction of new owners, as well as its track record. So to me, you have to look for a manufacture that is stable, having a good record on sales and service and great dealer support network to start with before you even look at the actual tractor. Find out what you can expect when you need help with the tractor, what does the MFG Warranty actually cover and what will the dealer do if there is a problem that cant be fixed on the tractor, and is there a escalation ladder for these critical issues.

So a good rule of thumb at least for me, is MFG stability, good dealer relationships and dealer support, and getting good feedback on sales and service, then looking at what you would call the actual tractor issues of reliability and performance, cost of ownership, and how it fits your need. I think I cover the basics, but everyone chime in on what I might have missed.

So what is everyone's view on the most important things to look for when buying a tractor?

Red, what you're saying is 100% logical here and there is nothing that you have said that I would disagree with. In fact, I took the exact same methodical approach as you to shopping for a tractor BUT here is where logic and reality do not always coincide. John Deere for example has the best betting average in the industry when it comes to reliability. They have the best warranty and extended warranty and they have the most dealerships nationwide. They have been around the longest and they have the best parts support. So based on what you're saying John Deere theoretically is the best brand to pick hands down on paper. In reality John Deere is bringing less value per dollar then any other manufacturer out there, the local dealers are terrible to deal with, the manufacturer is terrible to deal with and John Deere is the biggest opponent of the right to repair law, making every part 100% proprietary so you can't ever buy aftermarket or third party. So reality does not follow logic here.

Looking for lower risk buys is always the goal when you are smart shopping. It's the same objective as looking for lower risk investments when you are smart investing. The problem is at what cost are you willing to pay to avert risk? If you play your hand too conservative you can end up overpaying for the return on value that you actually get thus making the value to price ratio imbalanced. If you play your hand too risky you can end up with a lemon product and a bad company that erodes every bit of that value and savings the buy was supposed to bring you leaving you with no reward for the risk that you took. This is where you have to personally research and evaluate your individual market to come to the best determination about where the sweet spot is for you as a buyer. A brand that makes sense in one market may not make any sense in another market. Some areas of the country have good Deere dealers and for those markets Deere could be the winner despite all the factors I pointed out above. Roy Jackson is a TBN member that only buys Deere and in his market Deere has worked out great for him. The same goes for Kubota. Here we have quite a few Kubota dealers but none of them impressed me and none of them have pricing that now makes any sense. However, if you talk to the TBN member Kubota is the only choice that makes sense to him due to his long standing relationship with his dealer. Brands fair differently in different parts of the country due to a number of factors. This is the nature of franchised businesses. This is why many here always talk about shopping for a dealer as much as a brand because a good dealer can make all the difference in the world in your experience of doing business with that brand. This is often due to their commitment to customer service. Like any business, some care about the customer and some don't.

Tractor Buying Checklist

If you’re in the market for a new tractor, there are many different factors to consider. From functionality to the final purchase price, it’s important to check all the right boxes. To help ensure you have everything accounted for, use this helpful tractor buying checklist. It covers everything you need to know to find your ideal machine.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Tractor Buying Checklist: 10 Factors to Consider

When you’re equipped with the right knowledge, purchasing your perfect tractor is easy. As you start to shop around, keep these 10 key factors to consider in mind.

Reputation

There’s no shortage of tractor manufacturers to choose from. Before you go straight to the most well-known brand names, do some research to find out if their recognition matches their reputation. One of the best things to evaluate is how the manufacturer is perceived within their own industry. For example, Yanmar has been rated #1 in product quality by the Equipment Dealers Association for the last five years in a row.

Warranty

When you buy a tractor, you should have peace of mind it’s built to be durable and reliable for many years to come. You can quickly tell if a manufacturer stands behind their product by reviewing the warranty terms. In the case of Yanmar, no other warranty in the industry comes close. All new tractors are backed by a 10-year limited powertrain warranty that covers all major components.

Owner Support

Will the tractor manufacturer you choose be there to support you for the long run? Or do they just want to take your money and move on? Whether you have questions about the operator’s manual or are seeking advice on how to tackle certain jobs, you should be building a relationship, not just a transaction. 

At Yanmar, we have a dedicated Customer Experience Team to help you every step of the way. It doesn’t matter if you’ve owned one of our tractors for 20 years or are just looking, we’re committed to providing the best customer service in the industry.

Land Size

The size of your property plays a critical role in selecting the right tractor. If you only have a handful of acres, a sub-compact tractor like the Yanmar SA Series will often serve you better. The smaller size makes them easy to navigate in tight spaces, but they still have the power you need to handle heavy lifting. 

Those with larger parcels probably want a more powerful model like the YT3 or YM Series. Their stature allows you to cover more ground and work more efficiently across your acreage.

Link to Langkerui

Land Use

Another important factor in buying a tractor is how you plan to use your land both now and in the future. What you need for clearing brush can be very different from maintaining a hobby farm. To help execute your vision, try the Yanmar Landowner’s Planner. It has worksheets and exercises that will help determine what kind of landowner you are and the tools you need to get started.

Maintenance Needs

Regular maintenance is essential to getting the most out of your tractor. Though many of the day-to-day upkeep can be handled fairly easily, it never hurts to have a trusted service partner nearby. Authorized Yanmar dealers are trained at the Yanmar//Academy to get hands-on experiences in repair, diagnostics, maintenance, customer service, sales, and sustainability.

Safety Features

As with any type of heavy machinery, safety should always be a top priority in your tractor. Fortunately, most modern machines come equipped with essentials like a rollover protection structure (ROPS), seat belts, and work lights. All of these help minimize your risk and allow you to operate your tractor for long hours without concern.

Horsepower

Even if you have all the bells and whistles, they don’t mean much without the performance to back them up. You’ll hear a lot about horsepower, but what does it really mean? In simple terms, horsepower is what moves the tractor forward and helps pull and lift heavy objects. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to have an overpowered machine than underpowered. More horsepower means more options as you grow into your land.

Transmission

Your tractor’s transmission type makes a big difference in ease of use. Most modern tractors – including those from Yanmar – use the latest technologies to simplify operations. Features to look for include clutchless shifting, repeatable operating speeds, and throttle boost that can change engine speed without changing ground speed. Such advanced features will simplify your work and make your time more efficient.

Available Attachments

The best way to enhance the productivity of your tractor is through attachments and implements. Want to streamline your planting in the spring? The Four-In-One Planting Toolkit lets you till, raise and shape beds, lay mulch, and lay drip tube all in one pass. Thinking about producing your own hay to feed your livestock? The round baler makes compact, manageable bales that can be moved by hand. Whatever your needs are, make sure the tractor you choose has the attachments to support them.

Try the Yanmar Custom Tractor Builder

If the wheels are turning and you’re ready to start exploring different tractor options, start with the Yanmar Custom Tractor Builder. This free tool allows you to create the tractor you’ve always dreamed of. From accessories to tire tread, everything can be configured to your liking. Once you’ve built your perfect tractor, you’ll receive a quote for MSRP and our team will work to find it available at a dealer near you.

Build My Tractor

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