Buying An Antique Tractor For Sale – 7 Questions To Ask

When you start searching for a vintage or just about any pre-owned tractor for use on your place, there are a couple of points it is advisable to consider. First, never become caught up from nostalgia. Acquiring and restoring an antique tractor may be a delightful fulfilling pastime. But it also can become a really expensive one.

It is easy to fall in love at first site with an antique tractor and to buy the first vintage farm tractor you find. Careful thought has to be given to be sure you make the right purchase decision.

Vintage tractors are a part of our farming heritage and many models have a history. Is this what you want to buy? Are you looking for a piece of history and the nostalgia that goes with it? Or do you need a working tractor in good condition and are looking at old tractors because you can buy them cheaper? These may be basic questions but many buyers of vintage farm equipment do not give them proper enough consideration.

It is a fact that old tractors cost less than new ones. But the initial purchase price is only a beginning. Factors other than price are important.

Don't Skimp On Your Research
Talk to others to get recommendations. Check on-line with a resource such as Yesterday's Tractors. Your local library is also a good resource for production information on your favorite tractor models. This will give you a good idea of rarity and value. It will also indicate how easy it will be to find repair parts.

Whether you want a working tractor or simply want the pleasure of restoring a vintage farm tractor there are certain questions you need to ask.

Is It In Running Condition?
If not, what does it need? Are parts available? After you get it running, will it be worth the time, money and effort you put into it or would it have been better to take a pass and keep looking?

Is It Structurally Sound?
Check and double-check areas of welds and joints. Wipe them clean so you can get a good evaluation.

How Are The Hydraulics?
You won't know until you work them, so make sure the tractor runs and then work them to the stops. Is the pressure good? Are leaks visible?

Do The Brakes Work?
Again, don't ignore this as a minor item. Replacement parts may be readily available but some models may require extensive tear down to get to them. Is this something you want to tackle?

How Is The Clutch?
This is another fairly inexpensive part that requires major work to replace.

Do You Hear Clunking Noises When It Runs?
This is not good and you will never know if it isn't running so you can put it under load when you are checking it out.

Is The Electrical System Okay?
Does it indicate a charge when running?

Does It Smoke Excessively?
White or black smoke may be easily corrected but heavy blue smoke can indicate more serious problems.

There are other items you also need check, such as fluid leaks and over heating. Some dealers and auction houses with antique tractors for sale will assist you in checking out your purchase but most auctions are "as is". So be sure you know what you are bidding on. A recommended place to start your search is Ebay which has an extensive listing of vintage tractors and tractor part for sale.

Before you begin looking for your tractor, be sure you understand what you really would like. This may appear overly basic, however it is easy to become side tracked and buy something that you didn't start out to buy. Only if you are able to create a complete listing of the requirements should you begin your hunt. Don't forget to include your technical and performance needs in your listing. If you do not know just what you are searching for, how are you going to determine how and where to search?

If you are sincerely hunting for an antique tractor, be careful and not let enthusiasm run away with you. If you do, you might well be in trouble before you begin the project. Rebuilding an antique tractor or other old farm implement is rewarding. However it is not an overnight project plus it is able to become costly quite swiftly. Components for lots of older tractors are obtainable but some are difficult to find and can be on the spendy side. Original tires may be impossible to purchase and reproduction tires can cost more than your tractor. You might find that rather than buying a project tractor, it would be just as fulfilling to buy one which somebody else has already put all of the time, effort and expense into. Chances are favorable that you could purchase it for less money than the owner put into it, to say nothing of all of his labor.

Test the tractor before you acquire it. Do you find it easy to start and appear, sound and feel right? Are the tires in good shape? Is there any kind of hydraulic seepage apparent? Can you observe any missing parts or equipment? Be certain and give just as close an inspection to any attachments. Lastly, be sure that an antique tractor really fulfills the needs of the task you desire it for. It is difficult to go wrong with an antique tractor like a John Deere if you shop cautiously.