Tips For Buying Vintage Tractors

Autos & TrucksRepairs

  • Author Fred Roaldset
  • Published October 18, 2008
  • Word count 520

When you are considering buying a tractor, there are several tips that you should take into consideration. First, ensure that you check the front axle hub seals before buying the tractor. Grime and dirt can get into this area and rupture the seals. If you spot a line of rust in the bolts from the centre to the outer rims, this can mean that the front wheel hubs will crack. The centre sometimes cracks where it meets the rims. This may cause a slow puncture in tubeless rims.

Also, check the battery terminals for rust or corrosion. Corroded or rusted connections can cause havoc to the electrical components in the tractor. You should also be on the look out for leaks in the turbo. The seals can be broken and they are expensive to replace. Try to fire the engine in order to know its condition.

When looking for vintage tractors for sale, be on the look out for wear and splits in the fan belt. Check also the fan bearings. Vintage tractors with air conditioning have a compressor running in the fan belt set-up. The compressor has a clutch system that engages the pulley when the air-con is switched on. If you run the engine and the air-con is on, the pulley should engage and if it does not, there is a possibility that the clutch is knackered.

It is common for the power steering unit of antique farm tractors for sale to be loosely vibrating and leaking. If these are present in antique farm tractors for sale, they can damage the steering motor. Examine the rear of the vintage tractors such as wear on the hook and play in the lift arm. This will give an indication on the work carried out by the tractor. Check for leaks under the back of the cab and oil leaks around the hydraulic couplings. The switch-back pick-up switch may be damaged due to operator misuse. As the hitch is lowered, it may swing back and out from the back of the tractor.

The key fitted to the hooks that lock the pick-up hitch can wear out and the hooks may become loose on the shaft. Check for any hook wear by shaking the hooks when the hitch is lowered. If the key is worn out, the cable will not release the hitch to be lowered.

One final thing when looking for vintage tractors for sale is to take the vintage tractors for a road test. It is wise to try every gear in the tractor to make sure they are working correctly. Check the dashboard for any error codes and run in the different modes to ensure it is selecting both ranges with ease. Check the four-wheel drive and diff lock to know whether they are selecting and disengaging when requested. It is also wise to test the seat to ensure it is functioning correctly since you may be using the tractor for nearly the whole day in the field. There are many places for tractor supply, so ensure that you do thorough investigations before buying vintage and antique farm tractors.

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