Buying a tractor is a significant investment. Careful inspection and research can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure the machine meets your operational needs.
Please note: This guide does not constitute legal advice. Any information provided here should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. DoneDeal does not accept any liability for any loss caused by reliance on this guide.
Know Your Needs
Before viewing any tractor:
Identify the tasks you need it to perform.
Review specifications carefully.
Confirm the tractor has the capacity and features required for your workload.
Research the make and model thoroughly. Tractors require maintenance, so ensure spare parts and servicing support are readily available.
Request the serial number so you can verify the year and model.
Check Its Age and Usage
Used tractors can remain reliable for many years, provided they have not been overworked.
Ask:
What year is it?
How many working hours has it logged?
What is the average annual usage?
Why is it being sold?
High annual hours may indicate increased wear and potential future repairs.
Horsepower and PTO
Confirm the tractor’s horsepower and ensure it meets your needs.
Check whether it has a functioning Power Take-Off (PTO) for running implements.
Inspect the PTO shaft to ensure it rotates correctly and connects securely.
How to Inspect a Tractor
Air Filter
Check that seals are intact.
Ensure dust has not entered the engine.
Oil and Leaks
Look for oil or fluid leaks.
Check the ground beneath the tractor for oil spots.
Inspect tyres for oil contamination, which may indicate shaft seal issues.
Once warmed up, check again for leaks.
Ignition
Turn on the ignition.
Confirm oil and alternator lights function correctly.
Start the engine and ensure warning lights switch off.
Radiator
Remove the radiator cap and inspect inside.
White deposits may indicate cooling system problems.
Check for corrosion or damaged fins.
Monitor the temperature gauge.
Exhaust Smoke
Blue or white smoke may indicate fuel injection issues.
Dark smoke may suggest worn piston rings.
Oil discharge from the breather tube could signal engine wear.
Gears and Clutch
Test all gears in both ranges.
Assess clutch responsiveness.
Listen for unusual noises such as squeals or tapping.
Hydraulics
Examine the hydraulic system and three-point hitch.
Attach an implement and test lifting function.
Ensure lifting is smooth and not jerky.
Wheels and Tyres
Inspect welds around wheels.
Check tyres for uneven wear, cuts or weather cracking.
Tractor tyres are expensive to replace.
Operator Comfort
Check the seat condition and comfort.
Replacement seats can be costly.
Test Driving and Licensing
To drive agricultural machinery on a public road:
You must hold a Category W licence.
The minimum age is 16.
The tractor must be covered by third-party insurance.
Insurance must also extend to any trailers in public places.
Refer to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland for detailed guidance on agricultural vehicles.
Taxation
Tractors must be taxed.
Ask whether the tractor is currently taxed.
Agricultural tractors and machinery have lower tax rates than general haulage vehicles.
Vintage tractors benefit from reduced annual rates.
Check current rates via Motor Tax Online and request the tax book.
Registration
Tractors used exclusively on private land do not require registration.
However, any tractor used on a public road must be registered.
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) for tractors is €200.
Registration must be completed through an NCT centre.
Trailers
When purchasing a trailer:
Inspect suspension and tyres.
Check the condition of the floor.
Confirm hitch compatibility.
Ensure brake lights function correctly.
Verify towing capacity of your vehicle.
Note the number of axles, as fewer axles typically carry lighter loads.
Additional Equipment
If you need spare parts or farm equipment:
Browse DoneDeal listings.
Use the Wanted Ads section.
Set up email alerts for specific items.
Final Advice
Inspect thoroughly, ask detailed questions and, where possible, bring an experienced mechanic.
A well-maintained tractor can provide many years of reliable service, but skipping proper checks may result in significant future expense.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.