Here’s How to Inspect a Used John Deere Tractor Before Purchasing

Buying used equipment is much different from purchasing new equipment. For one, instead of buying your machine essentially directly from the manufacturer, you’re buying a machine that was used by one or more previous owners, which brings both caution and opportunity. Caution, because you don’t know how the previous owner treated the machine, and an opportunity to find a gently used machine for half the cost of new equipment.

At Tennessee Tractor, we only supply our customers with used equipment that has undergone rigorous testing and inspection to ensure you’re getting the best deal on great equipment. However, if you’re still cautious and want to know exactly what to inspect before buying a used John Deere tractor or other equipment, here are the top areas to keep in mind.

The engine is the first place you want to start when inspecting used equipment. Start by checking the hour meter reading on the tractor, which tells you its total operating hours. For example, a 10-year-old tractor with between 1,500-3,000 hours is considered moderately used. For heavy usage on large equipment, 400-800 hours a year, or 4,000- 8,000 hours total, is pretty common. Anything above 10,000 hours, though, should be handled with caution. However, don’t focus too much on hours; if the tractor has been well maintained, it will last for many years, especially if it’s a John Deere. 

Your hydraulics and power take-off control many of the most important functions of your tractor. Test all the hydraulic functions, including the loader, three-point hitch, and any remote cylinders. They should operate smoothly with minimal jerking or slow response. Check the PTO by engaging it and listening for weird noises or grinding. Any noise that seems out of the ordinary can signal expensive repairs down the road.

The transmission and drivetrain on your tractor power your tractor’s speed and steering. That’s why it’s so important to inspect these key components to make sure they function as intended. Whether your tractor uses manual, hydrostatic, power shift, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), you should test all gears and ranges to see if the tractor shifts smoothly with no issues. Check for slipping, grinding, or difficulty shifting gears. If it’s a manual transmission, inspect the clutch operation.

Examine all the tires on your tractor, front and back, to see the tires’ tread depth. A worn-out tread will cause traction and grip issues for you later on and require an extra expense to get your tires replaced. You should also look for signs of dry rot or weather cracking on all tires. Dry rot can quickly lead to a flat or blown-out tire. For the undercarriage, inspect the front axle and make sure the steering components look and feel okay. If the steering doesn’t feel tight and responsive, you may be dealing with a larger issue later on.

Test all the lights, gauges, and warning indicators on the tractor. If the lights are broken or dim, or the gauges are unresponsive, those are small expenses that can quickly add on to the cost of purchasing your used tractor. Make sure all safety features, like the seat switch and PTO engagement, are working properly as well. Check the battery to see if it holds a charge and if the alternator is working as it should.

Finally, the maintenance documentation can reveal important history that complements your physical inspection, so make sure you ask for it when you’re exploring a purchase. Review the maintenance records on the tractor if they’re available for any signs of major component failures and costly repairs. If the tractor has had routine and regular service over the years, then that’s a good sign that the previous owner took care of the tractor. Verify that the serial number matches the title as well, and check for any outstanding loans or liens on the tractor. If there's an outstanding loan or lien on the tractor, the lender or creditor legally still has a claim to it, even after you buy it.