How to Judge a Used Tractor’s Life Expectancy
Tractors are the backbone of modern agriculture—if only they weren’t such a large investment! Stretching your dollar with a used model can help a lot, but how do you know how long it will be in good working order? We here at Magnum Power want you to rest easy with your purchase, so we’ve put together a brief guide on how to judge a used tractor’s life expectancy, below. To learn more, or to see the used tractors we have for sale, contact our store in Lawson, Missouri, today!
Average Tractor Lifespans
A tractor’s lifespan is best measured in operating hours. The average model will survive for 4,000 hours, while some nicer ones will last up to 10,000. The tractor’s operation changes as it ages. At 500 hours, it won’t feel as shiny and new. At around 2,500 hours, hydraulic pumps, clutches, and injectors will need some dedicated maintenance. At 5,000 hours, the engine’s going to need some help.
Factors Impacting Tractor Lifespan
Brand
Some manufacturers just build their products better. Look around online to see the average lifespans of any brand you’re interested in.
Hour Usage
As we’ve mentioned, the number of hours a tractor has been used for will impact its lifespan. On average, tractors get used for about 100-200 hours a year. If it’s used more frequently than that, it won’t last quite as many years.
Maintenance History
If the tractor’s previous owners weren’t on-schedule with all regular maintenance, the tractor’s lifespan might be reduced. It’s important to ask for a used tractor’s maintenance history to ensure yours has been cared for.
Storage
Tractors are built to work outside, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the weather. Being exposed to the elements more than is necessary can seriously lower a tractor’s life expectancy.
The Work
Some tractors have it easier than others. Any model that’s doing more intensive work than is typical will probably have a shorter lifespan than the average.
Finding Your Used Tractor’s Life Expectancy
Make sure to ask the seller plenty of questions to help determine your tractor’s expected lifespan, including:
- What terrain it was used on.
- How it was stored.
- What tasks was it used for.
- If any parts have been replaced or upgraded.
- If there were older previous owners.
The more you know about a used tractor’s history, the better you’ll be able to predict how well and how long it will serve you.
We hope this guide helps you find a used tractor that will last you for years to come! Contact us at Magnum Power for more information, or to see the used tractors we have available. We proudly serve the people of Clay County and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!