Deciding on Your New Tractor

A hardy tractor is the staple of modern farming equipment. With the strength to get any job done and durable design, these machines can last for decades. Like any big equipment purchase that needs to last a long time, you’ll want to figure out how to get a great deal on the right tractor for you and your needs.

Here at Birkey’s Farm Store, we know all about different manufacturers and can help find the vehicle that works for you. We’ve put together this short guide to get you thinking about what to look for in a new tractor. And when you’re ready to take a look at the best new and used equipment from Case IH and other manufacturers, visit Birkey’s Farm Store at one of our 17 locations throughout the Illinois and Indiana area!

Implements

Tractors are all about purpose. If you have a few different uses in mind for your new equipment, the right implements will be needed to get things done. But not all tractors can handle the wide variety of tasks and problems that come up on a larger property or farm. You might want to mow a big lawn, which would only need a smaller tractor while hauling trailers and larger equipment requires a more powerful machine. From spreaders to rotary tillers, make sure to select the right tractor based on what you know you’ll need it for.

One way to determine which implements will work is to look at a tractor’s components. A PTO (power take-off) drive shaft transfers power from the engine and should have enough oomph working under the hood to utilize whatever you hook up to it. Hydraulics are another option. They feed energy back into the implement. If neither of these components is present, there’ll at least be a drawbar for using your tractor as a tow vehicle.

Without a component to transfer power from your tractor to its implements, you’ll have no way to do any real work, so always check to make sure the tractor you’re interested has the power to do what you want it to do.

Your Property

There’s no sense getting a tractor that can’t operate effectively on your property. Different terrain requires different equipment, and a lot of trees or other obstacles can make wider tractors impossible to move around effectively. If you’re working in open fields and flat land, a faster tractor can save a lot of time. Just apply common sense to figure out how each tractor can best serve you and your land.

Specs

Dealers love to talk about horsepower in vehicles, and it can often seem like that’s all that matters. Although power and speed can be a deciding factor in a new tractor purchase, it’s probably not the first thing to consider. A big engine doesn’t mean anything if the PTO can’t get enough power to the components, and the fastest tractor in the world is useless if it can’t do real work. So don’t get bogged down in the numbers that might impress on a different vehicle. Focus on what you’ll be using the tractor for.

Manufacturer

We all have favorites when it comes to manufacturers. Here at Birkey’s Farm Store, we love our Case IH agricultural equipment, but it’s best to focus on the performance and dependability for your unique needs. Sometimes a low price can be attractive in a new piece of equipment, but a less-than-quality machine might end up costing more in maintenance over time. Better equipment also leads to bigger yields and productivity, so investing with a higher upfront cost can pay off in the long run and more than make up for your investment.

The tractor is one of the most useful pieces of equipment you can have on your property, so it’s wise to take your time and select the right machine for you and your needs. And if you need any professional help making a decision about purchasing or maintaining a tractor, feel free to stop by Birkey’s Farm Store. We’ve served the state of Illinois and western Indiana since 1954 with products and support second to none. Committed to satisfying our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations, we provide quality service and a genuine relationship. Come in today!