Buying a Second-Hand Tractor: What Does the Engine Say and How Bad Is it?

Tractors are invaluable assets for any farmer. You can use them to tow a trailer and carry stuff in the field. Additionally, you can attach various tools such as ploughs and harrows and use the combination to prepare your land for planting. However, buying a tractor is no mean feat. They can cost you dearly. Second-hand tractors are often cheaper than the new ones, making them a good option when you are short of cash. Some minor problems can keep you from a good buy, yet they do not amount to anything significant and are usually quick fixes. Here are minor problems to keep an eye out for when looking at tractors for sale.

The Engine Does Not Turn Over

A dormant engine is a common problem for many people who are looking to buy second-hand tractors. All the engine gives you is the click of a sound when you turn the ignition, and nothing more than that. A common cause of an engine that isn't turning over is the battery. Since sellers can let the machine lie idle before the next owner, the battery loses voltage over time. It will not have the power it needs to ignite the big engine when you attempt to start it.

Such engines should not be written off at the first attempt. Ask the seller to find a replacement battery and try starting the engine again.

The Engine Turns Over But Doesn't Start

There are incidents where the tractor's engine turns over but does not start. It responds to the ignition but goes off immediately after you turn the key back from the "start" position. This often means that the fuel supply to the engine is not sufficient to get the engine started. Check the fuel filter for any clogging and clean it appropriately so that fuel can pass through to the engine. Additionally, it is also wise to ask your mechanic to inspect the fuel lines for any unwanted material that's keeping the fuel from getting to the engine.

The Engine Overheats

Tractor engines have a cooling mechanism that keeps them from overheating when running. Therefore, a significant rise in the temperature of the tractor's engine shortly after starting indicates a problem with the engine. You need to get off the engine and examine the fan and radiator to see if they are functioning correctly.

The issues discussed here are minor problems that the seller can rectify and deliver the tractor in good condition. Normally, they just occur because the tractor has been sitting idle for too long before you came along.

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