Understanding Used Tractors’ Life Expectancy
A used tractor's lifespan is an important factor in the shopping process. You want to make an educated guess about how long a used tractor can last...before investing a significant amount of money purchasing it. No one wants to buy a piece of equipment that fails a few years later! We've created the following beginner's guide to used tractors' lifespan. If you have any questions or want to explore used tractors for sale, visit Rivera's Machinery, Inc. Our dealership is based in Dona, Texas, and we also serve those in Harlingen and San Benito.
The Average Used Tractor Lifespan
A tractor will usually last for at least 4,000 hours. Some models can even last up to 10,000 hours of work! But the tractor's operating experience does tend to change as the tractor ages.
For example:
- around 500 hours: the model usually does not feel new anymore
- around 2,500 hours: the hydraulic pumps, clutches, and injectors usually need some maintenance
- around 5,000 hours: the engine usually needs some work.
Factors Affecting The Used Tractor Lifespan
The lifespan of a given used tractor will be influenced by many factors.
The Tractor Brand
Some companies construct their tractors with higher-quality materials and designs, which leads to the models lasting longer. Kubota tractors, for example, tend to offer a higher-than-average lifespan of 4,500 to 5,500 hours.
The Hour Usage
Most owners use their tractors about 100 to 200 hours a year. If the used tractor was run more frequently than that, it's predicted lifespan will be lower.
The Past Owner's Maintenance Efforts.
If the previous owners kept up with maintenance, the used tractor will enjoy a longer lifespan. If they skipped important upkeep steps or waited too long to handle them, the model isn't going to last as long.
The Used Tractor’s Storage
Yes, tractors are designed to work in the great outdoors. But nature can take its toll. Sitting exposed in the sun and rain can damage a tractor and reduce its lifespan. In contrast, a used tractor stored securely in a shed will offer a longer lifespan.
The Intensity Of The Work
Maybe the tractor hauled heavy loads over difficult terrains for hours at a time. That model isn't going to last as long as a tractor used for short, easy tasks.
Discovering A Given Used Tractor's Life Expectancy
You won't be able to look into a crystal ball and find out exactly how many years a used tractor has left. But you can gather information to make an educated guess!
The seller is going to be your best resource, whether you are buying from a private seller or a used tractor dealership. Ask them plenty of questions, such as:
- What terrain did you use this tractor on?
- How did you store the tractor?
- What types of tasks did you use the tractor for (such as hauling heavy loads)?
- Have you replaced or upgraded any of the parts?
- Are you the only owner? If not, do you know anything about the previous owners and how they used the tractor?
The more you know about the used tractor's past, the better you can predict its lifespan. Most used tractors on the market are sold after 1,000 hours of use, giving them plenty of life left. With a little research, you can find a low-priced used tractor with a long-expected lifespan.
Ready to shop used tractors for sale? Check out the selection of models at Rivera's Machinery, Inc. Our friendly staff is always available to answer questions and help you find the best equipment for your farming needs. Our dealership is located in Donna, Texas. We also proudly serve those in Harlingen and San Benito, Texas.