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The Life Expectancy Of Used Tractors

Jul. 3 2023 Buying Guide By Bucklin Tractor & Implement

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As the backbone of your operation, you rely on a tractor for a wide range of tasks and jobs, and you need as much uptime as possible from it. Buying used can save you a pretty penny, but you need to be sure you’ll get your money’s worth from it.

Average Used Tractor Lifespans

Generally, tractors can manage at least 4,000 operating hours, though some can even work for up to 10,000. But operating a tractor tends to change as it ages. At 500 hours, the tractor no longer feels like new. At around 2,500 hours, the hydraulic pumps, clutches, and injectors tend to require maintenance. If and when it hits 5,000 hours, the engine itself will need some work.

Factors That Affect Lifespan

There are a number of factors that will affect your tractor’s lifespan. The brand is first—higher-end brands and models will be made with better materials and designs, which can keep them working for longer. Well-built tractors, for instance, can give you an average of around 4,500 to 5,500 hours!

On average, most folks use their tractors between 100 to 200 hours a year. More frequent usage will impact the lifespan significantly. The maintenance efforts of past owners should also be considered. If they neglected regular maintenance, your tractor isn’t going to last as long.

Where you keep the tractor also matters. A cool, dry shelter like a barn or garage is ideal. Nature tends to beat down a machine’s lifespan if it’s left exposed. Any tractor that works harder than most will also have a shorter lifespan, so intense jobs take their toll.

Discovering A Tractor’s Life Expectancy

Unless the seller took careful, daily notes, it’s unlikely you or even they will be able to find the exact age of the tractor and how it’s been used. But ask the seller the following questions, and you’ll get a good picture:

  • What terrain did this tractor navigate?
  • How was it stored?
  • What tasks did it perform?
  • Have you replaced or upgraded any parts?
  • How was the tractor used?

With the right information, you can predict how much time a tractor has left. Most used tractors are sold after 1,000 hours of use, but make sure to do a little digging before investing in a particular model. When you are ready to browse, Bucklin Tractor & Implement has an array of used tractors you can choose from. We have 6 locations in Kansas, and our experts are standing by to help you choose.