Choosing the Right Tractor
Picking a Quality Tractor
In the modern farming environment, a good tractor is vital to your success when working the land. These vehicles are strong enough to get any job done, and thanks to stronger engines and more durable constructions, a tractor can oftentimes last for several decades. But if you don’t know how to pick out the right tractor, you might wind up with something unreliable and unproductive. At Cliff Jones Tractors, we want you to have all the knowledge you need to find only the best farm equipment, so we put together this brief guide to help you pick your next tractor. When you’re ready to buy one, feel free to come check out our inventory, right here in Sealy, Texas.
Considering the Implements
If you’re buying a tractor, you obviously already know how you want to apply it. This means that you’ll need to consider which implements you’ll need for those applications, and then figure out whether or not the tractor in question is compatible with those accessories. Smaller tractors can carry small farm equipment for simple tasks like mowing or small tilling projects, but you’ll need a much larger vehicle for heavier implements. For instance, the majority of farmers put rotary tillers and spreaders on their equipment. In order to install most of these heavier accessories, you’ll need a tractor with the right components. PTOs, hydraulic pumps, and drawbars are three different pieces that allow you to attach implements to your tractor. A power take-off, or PTA, is a simple drive shaft that runs power to the attachment. Hydraulic pumps work in a similar way, in that they simply transfer some of the tractor’s energy to the implements. Finally, drawbars are simple, but they’re effective if you just need to tow something.
Property
Implements are very important, but picking the right size and design also affects your tractor’s usability. Consider the size of your property: if you have obstacles like trees all over your field or yard, will you be able to fit a larger tractor in between them? Alternatively, you probably don’t want smaller equipment if you have an enormous field to till, as that would simply take far too long. Consider this before purchasing a tractor, and talk to the experts at our dealership if you need any additional advice.
Power
With most vehicles, you might think about horsepower before anything else. Speed might be important on a tractor, but ultimately, you’re looking for something that can the job done effectively. This means you should prioritize performance capability over horsepower. A fast engine is nice, but something with really powerful PTO would be far more practical. Similarly, more force behind those hydraulic systems or higher drawbar ratings will pay off far more than engine performance.
Picking a good Manufacturer
Your last consideration should obviously be the manufacturer. Once you’ve got all your specifications figured out, you might have narrowed down the list, but there are still plenty of brands to choose from. Overall, don’t limit yourself by looking for cheaper products. Even if the sticker price looks a little higher, more expensive equipment tends to last longer, perform better, and typically requires less maintenance.
With so many different types of tractors out there, you can pick one for just about any type of field work. This means that you have a lot to choose from, so this guide from Cliff Jones Tractors will hopefully help you narrow down your options and find the right vehicle. You just need to consider what implements you need, what size of a tractor is best suited for your property, and how strong your equipment will be while working. Once you’re ready to make a choice, or if you have any other questions, come on into our dealership in Sealy, near Houston, TX.