Whether you’re buying your first piece of major equipment or just need to replace a broken machine, exploring used tractors is the best way to get what you need at a price you’ll love.

Face it, a brand new tractor would be an awesome purchase, but it’s not always in the budget. More importantly, it may not be necessary to get the latest model when a previous version gets the job done.

When you’re deciding about whether you buy a used tractor or spring for something new, there are a few things to consider:

1. The Total Cost

The sticker price of a tractor isn’t the only cost you have to consider. A used tractor will have fewer taxes and be cheaper to insure. You should also consider maintenance costs. While older models may require a little more work, modern tractors are handling harder work over longer periods of time. A good used model still has quite a bit of life left on it.

2. Available Data

One of the biggest drawbacks of brand new machines is that there isn’t a lot of data available. You don’t know if a particular model is going to have some major flaw, if it handles certain kinds of work well, or how far you can push it.

Used tractors, on the other hand, have tons of reviews and data sets available. You can read stories of other users and how their machines worked for them. You can also find out if there were any recalls or significant issues that would make you rethink your purchasing decision.

When it comes to a large decision like buying a tractor, you want all of the information possible.

3. It’s Already Worn In

The other issue with a fresh tractor is that it comes to you in pristine condition. That means you might not put it to work as hard to help avoid adding any scratches, dings, or dents. You could work less efficiently just to save the tractor’s paint job.

A used tractor has some experience under its belt. You can go straight to work without worry. There’s something freeing about hitting the dirt without worry.

Which Used Tractor Is Right For You?

Since tractors come in all shapes and sizes, it’s hard to say that one specific tractor is perfect for everyone. There are, however, well-known brands that continually release quality models that never stop giving. If you look for these tractor brands in the used section of your local lawn equipment shop, you won’t be disappointed.

John Deere and Company

No other tractor brand has the name recognition like John Deere. That distinctive green color represents decades of reliability. You’ll find options that range from 22 horsepower to 640 hp. That means there isn’t a job out there that can’t be tackled by a Deere.

Kubota

The Japanese Kubota brand is synonymous with excellence. While these models have only been available in the U.S. since 1969, the company can be traced back to 1890. You’ll find a little something for everyone: 16 ho to 200 hp, sub-compact to oversized, and general use to specialty models.

Case IH

The original Case and Company organization is actually credited with creating the first-ever self-propelled steam-powered tractor in 1876 and the first gas-powered model in 1892. These American-made tractors range from 30 hp to 620 hp. You’ll find models meant for utility, agriculture, and more.

Don’t wait until your current tractor bites the dust. Stop by your local equipment provider and start exploring used tractors today.