3 Features to Consider When Buying a New Tractor
A tractor can be needed for a number of homesteads; even if you're just working a large garden or very small farm, you'll need a tractor for digging trenches, harvesting, and hauling heavy materials from one end of your property to another.
Buying a tractor can be overwhelming because of the many features and options available. Price alone should not be the deciding factor for the type of tractor or features you need, as you don't want to overpay for features you don't need but should invest in a tractor and features that offer the power you need. Note the following.
1. Three-point hitch
Tractors are often used for hauling materials as well as other trailers and equipment, and a three-point hitch can be the best option for this type of work. The three-point hitch is secured to the back of a tractor with three bars that extend from the outside corners as well as the middle of the tractor, and this in turn disperses the weight of what is being hauled. Your tractor is less likely to get bogged down with a three-point hitch than a standard bumper hitch, so look for this feature or accessory if you plan to use your tractor for any type of hauling.
2. Front wheel assist
Front wheel assist works much like four-wheel drive on a car or truck; it offers more power to the front wheels when needed, for more towing capacity and to reduce the risk of your tractor being caught in mud or soft soil. Compact or small tractors often have front and back wheels of different sizes, and this front wheel assist works to give more power to the front wheels during turning so that the tractor doesn't slide. If you're considering a compact tractor, look for this feature to reduce your risk of the tractor getting stuck.
3. Horsepower
The horsepower you need for your tractor should be determined by the equipment your tractor will be hauling. Typically this equipment will note the horsepower required; for example, larger cutters with a longer arm will need more horsepower than a smaller cutter you might use for a smaller farm or oversized garden.
If using your tractor for plowing, invest in higher horsepower for rocky soil that is difficult to cut through, but for soft and moist soil, you may need only a moderate amount of horsepower for trenching. Farming jobs like making hay may also require more horsepower, so invest in what's needed for your specific work without overpaying for a heavy-duty tractor that offers more power than you'll need.
For more tips or assistance, consult companies like Peninsula Truck Parts.
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