Choosing the Right Tractor
Not much is as durable and reliable as a tractor. The staple of agricultural work, these machines are all about getting the job done efficiently and accurately. Their unique design makes for the kind of dependability that’ll last years, if not decades. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to narrow down what is necessary and what might be overkill. At Bayview Trucks & Equipment, we understand there are a lot of options when it comes to finding the right tractor for you and your work. In that spirit, we’ve put together this short guide with some tips to help you find the right fit. Keep reading for more information or head into one of our locations throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Think Implements
Tractors don’t just sit around and look pretty. They get to work! And they work best through attachments and implements they can loan their phenomenal power to. Have a huge field to keep mowed? Hook up a pull-behind mower and tear through that brush. Got crops? You’ll want something big that can pull heavy implements like spreaders and rotary tillers. Whatever you have in mind, it’s important to start with the kinds of implements you intend to use to make sure the tractor is up to handling them.
You can determine whether or not your tractor will work with such implements is by looking at the components. The power take-off, or PTO, is a drive shaft that powers other equipment. Another common method is a series of hydraulic pumps, which transfer energy back into the implement. If neither of these are present, there should at least be a drawbar that allows the tractor to tow. Without one of these mechanisms present, you won’t be able to get any practical work done on your field, so always check that it’s equipped with what you need.
The Right Tractor for Your Property
Buying a powerful tractor with all the implements you need won’t get you far if they aren’t right for your property. Different terrain types need different farm equipment. A lot of trees and other obstacles mean a harder time for larger tractors. Wide and open flat fields mean you can employ a faster tractor to save time. Overall, it just takes a little bit of common sense to decide how each tractor could perform on your land, so simply put some thought into it before making a decision.
Specifications That Matter
It’s easy to use a metric like a tractor’s pure horsepower output as a way to shop, but this isn’t the first quality you should be thinking about. Instead, pay attention to equipment that can better apply power to the parts of the job most beneficial to you. More powerful PTO is going to be more useful than just a big engine alone. The same goes for hydraulic systems and drawbar ratings. Considering strength vs. utility is important for finding the right tractor for you.
A Manufacturer to Trust
Not every brand of manufacturer is going to be right for you. You might have a favorite brand in mind, but keep in mind what you need from a tractor — dependability, performance, and cost of maintenance. Good manufacturers are less prone to damages, which saves you a lot of money down the road, even if the sticker price is a little higher. Similarly, if stronger farm equipment will result in greater yield, it’s worth it to spend a little more initially, because the payoff can more than make up for the investment.
While tractors are across the board versatile and powerful workhorses, you’ll want to ensure you get the right tractor by paying attention to what kind of implements it can employ, the terrain it’s best suited for, and whether it comes from a manufacturer that knows what it’s doing. That’s a lot to think about when picking out the right tractor, but hopefully this guide will make things easier. If you’re in need of more tractor tips, call or head into Bayview Trucks & Equipment, with locations throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We’re proud to serve all of Atlantic Canada, so don’t hesitate to stop by and chat with our team of dedicated professionals who are eager to answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.