A used tractor may be sufficient for your small block.

When you’re considering the options, you’ll probably be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of information available and if you’ve never purchased a tractor before, all that information can be confusing.

The main factors to be considered when looking for a tractor are the weather in your area, and the kind of paddocks you have, whether flat, hilly or rolling. Then, other than your budget considerations you need to decide if you need a tractor with special features – such as being four-wheel drive.

Regardless of your budget, price up what new would cost you – you might be surprised at how affordable it is once you take into account the peace of mind buying new with a warranty and reduced ongoing servicing costs.

Tractor power is measured in horsepower and while it is good to know the horsepower of a tractor, but it doesn’t really tell you what it can do. Higher horsepower doesn’t necessarily mean more useable power.

Power Take Off  (PTO) is the other horsepower number that you’ll see for a tractor - an indication of the “useable” power the tractor has to have to operate implements. The PTO connects the tractor’s engine to the implement through a rotating shaft at the rear of the tractor.

Buying a new tractor offers peace of mind.

Transmission choices for your tractor are much the same as on your car. Gear-driven or “manual” transmissions use mechanical systems. Hydrostatic or “automatic” transmissions use a hydraulic-based system. As you move up in horsepower range, gear-driven transmissions are the most common, as they are the most efficient and reliable for heavy-duty work.

There are three basic categories of gear-type transmissions: Non-synchronized is an economical, reliable choice for mowing or plowing; Partially synchronized is smoother and more flexible than non-synchronized; in Fully synchronized transmission, you can shift gears without stopping the tractor or clutching.

Hydrostatic transmission is usually more expensive. However, it’s the most user-friendly, with instant direction and unlimited speed changes.

At the back of the tractor is a three-point hitch or linkage, and has three mounting points for implements. A Category 0 three-point hitch is for tractors with up to 20 horsepower, Category 1 is for tractors with 20 to 50 horsepower, while Category 2 is for tractors with 50 to 90 horsepower.

Tyres are one of the very important parts to look at when buying a tractor. There are three types of tyres suitable for utility tractors: R1 (ag or bar tread) tyres provide the best traction, but can cause the most ground damage; R3 (turf tread) tyres with less aggressive tread are meant for jobs like mowing and have the least traction; R4 (industrial-tread) tyres have excellent traction, and are softer on turf than R1’s.

It’s also important to keep in mind certain safety points when using a tractor.

Make sure the front and rear of the tractor are balanced. Add extra weight to the rear of the tractor if you’re lifting something heavy in front - it will keep the rear tyres on the ground. The same goes for the front.

Stay within the ROPS (rollover protection structure) zone. This U-shaped bar over the seat protects the driver in a rollover. Don’t buy a tractor unless it has a ROPS fitted.

Always wear your seat belt. ROPS is ineffective without the seat belt which keeps you inside the protection zone should the tractor roll over.

Turn off the engine and wait for it and all moving equipment to stop before dismounting the tractor. Remember to set the parking brake before getting off the tractor.

Farm machinery is the leading cause of injuries and deaths in rural New Zealand each year. Check out the ACC website for information on injury prevention:

http://www.acc.co.nz/injury-prevention/rural-safety/vehicles-machinery-and-equipment/index.htm.

The manufacturer’s warranty is a key consideration when purchasing a tractor. Most manufacturers offer a 24-month basic warranty and a 36-month power-train warranty on new tractors.

Don’t forget that the cost of owning a tractor is not just the purchase price. Operating costs include fuel, oils, repairs and scheduled service. Also take into account finance, depreciation and insurance. Taking care of your tractor ensures a longer operating life and higher resale value.