Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Warranty
New tractors usually have a full 2-year or 2000-hour warranty for parts and labor. Used
tractors might have a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty if reconditioned and sold through
a dealer, but otherwise used tractors are usually sold “as is”; that is, “Buyer beware.” Al-
though you will pay more for a reconditioned tractor than an “as is” tractor, you will have
the peace of mind and financial assurance that if anything goes wrong, it will be fixed.
Most things that are going to require fixing seem to turn up within the first few weeks of
operation. An “as is” 8N Ford might cost $1500 while the same one reconditioned, from a
dealer, with a warranty, might cost between $2000 and $2200. Dealers have to add at least
a 25 to 30 percent margin to the price for their risk. A dealer may also offer a fifty-fifty
engine drive train warranty for 90 to 120 days, wherein the cost of any repairs will be split
between the dealer and the customer.
TRACTOR MAINTENANCE
For every $1 spent in maintenance, $10 is saved in repairs. Completely service your tractor
every 150 hours of real working time. This can be monitored by the engine hour gauge or
by using a logbook. Each time you service your tractor, change the oil, replace the oil filter,
clean or replace the fuel filter and the air cleaner, and grease all zerks. Check hydraulic flu-
id levels when servicing and regularly in between servicing. Keep radiator free of all bugs,
dirt, and chaff.
If you are in a temperate climate, every fall be sure the antifreeze in the tractor's radiator
is good for −30°F. This maintenance item is not to be taken lightly; the damage that occurs
when an engine block freezes and breaks is very costly to repair.
Tractor repairs can be very expensive. It is best to spot little problems before they be-
come big ones. Just like you give your horse or your tack a daily check, on a regular basis
walk around your tractor to identify any loose, broken, or missing parts.
Before operating the tractor, visually check for oil leaks on the engine, transmission, and
axles. Correct leaks as soon as possible. Hydraulic and diesel fuel leaks can occur under
high pressure; these require special diagnosis and repair. Place a piece of cardboard under
your tractor when you park it to help you locate suspected leaks.
While operating your tractor, keep your eyes and ears open for odd sounds or change in
operation.
Maintenance checks
