Best Time to Buy A New Tractor

One of the questions I get asked all the time is “When is the best time to buy a tractor?”  If you’re shopping for a compact or subcompact tractor, it might be time to start looking.  Generally the best time to buy a tractor under 100 hp is when there’s too much inventory, and at least one sign is pointing toward that situation.

Latest retail numbers indicate North American tractor sales could be cooling off. I’ve posted the sales  numbers below, and you can see there was a drop across the board.

By the way, a 40 hp 4WD tractor is actually classified as a 2WD for reasons only known to the organization that keeps the numbers.  The “2WD” designation means non-articulated.

• 2WD Farm Tractors (<40 HP) – 2.6%
• 2WD Farm Tractors (40<100 HP)  – 4.8%
• 100+ HP -7.4%
• Total 2WD Farm Tractors -3.4%
• 4WD Farm Tractors -15.7%

A Blip or a Trend?

This may have been a blip, because sales numbers on small tractors have been up almost every month for a long, long, time. But if I were considering a tractor purchase, I’d think about doing some serious shopping right now.  Dealers and/or manufacturers may be thinking about  unloading some inventory before winter.

You never know when the cash offer the dealer laughed at in June gets sheepishly accepted in August.  It wouldn’t hurt to circle the wagons again.

Some Serious Help for Buyers

You’ve decided you’re ready to buy a tractor. Want to make sure you get the right size? The options you need?  The attachments you’ll use? And still get a good price? Order a copy of my e-book “An Insider’s Guide to Purchasing a Tractor”.   I discuss all the tractor basics, as well as the behind-the-scenes activities that dictate pricing so you can go in prepared. This book will help you understand what to ask when buying a new tractor. If you are buying your first tractor, reading this book may save you quite a bit of money. 

Learn About Sprayers

My most popular video last month concerned purchasing a sprayer.  In this video I look at what could be the perfect sprayer for the small tractor owner.  I share options that are important to consider no matter what  brand of sprayer you choose.

Hot Summer, Cool Product

I’ve been enjoying my RhinoHide canopy this summer, the first canopy I’ve ever owned. I’m back in the timber a lot and needed a truly removable canopy.  RhinoHide is the only one I’ve ever seen that a 60 year old guy can take off by himself.  Unscrew a couple of knobs and lift it right off; it’s incredibly light.  A canopy is a really nice addition to a non-cab tractor. It greatly cuts down on temperature and fatigue while brush hogging.

Neat Trick with Free Vinyl Groundcloths

I was servicing my tractor the other day and found a neat trick.  If you know anyone who is in the billboard business, become their friend.  Wes and Julie, my neighbors, own a couple of billboards on some property near here. It’s an investment for them, but when the contract for the billboard ad is up, the vinyl ads come down and get discarded. Wes gave me one. It’s about the best thing I’ve ever found to put beneath a tractor you’re working on.

Now I’m not lying right on the hard, dirty barn floor.  I’m on soft, clean vinyl that catches any dropped bolts or nuts and keeps them in a tight area.   Add  a Powerbuilt 3-In-1 Creeper, and work is cleaner and much more pleasant!  The 3-In-1 Creeper is the most comfortable place to be when you’re doing mechanical work…it’s a GREAT INVENTION!