Looking to buy a second-hand tractor? Here's what you can get for under €15,000

One of the key pieces of machinery on Irish farms is a good reliable tractor.

Whether it be used for day-to-day work around the yard or fields, the majority of Irish farmers would be lost without their trusted workhorse.

To make it easier for farmers looking for a new ‘second-hand’ tractor we have looked at what tractors are available to farmers buying on a €15,000 budget from Donedeal.

Looking for a 100hp tractor?

For farmers looking for a little bit of power, this 100 horsepower New Holland 7840 may tick all the right boxes.

According to the Donedeal ad, the seller is asking €12,000 for this 29-year-old tractor, which is said to be a good straight tractor.

The tractor which has 11,000 hours on the clock is for sale in Co. Wexford.

New Holland 7840 – Source: Donedeal

A Fiat tractor for under €15,000

If you are in the market for a four-wheel drive tractor, this Fiat Agri DT 95/90 may be of interest to you.

According to the seller, this is an original tractor that has never been repainted and has spent the last 15 years carrying out the day-to-day work on a farm in Co. Monaghan.

The 24-year-old tractor is fitted with a Dromone hitch and a 30k box and it can be yours for €14,300.

The seller also says that the tractor has been well serviced and there are currently 8,600 hours on the clock.

Fiat Agri DT 95/90 – Source: Donedeal

Looking for a two-wheel-drive tractor?

For farmers looking for a small tractor to carry out the day-to-day work around the yard, this 1972 Ford 4000 may be an ideal tractor for you.

According to the Donedeal ad, the refurbished tractor is for sale in Co. Cavan for €6,000.

The seller says that it is a very tidy machine, fitted with a fully rebuilt engine and tyres that are almost new. All of the glass is also in the cab and all of the lights are working.

Ford 4000 – Source: Donedeal

In the market for a vintage tractor?

For farmers with a flair for rarity, this vintage International 633 SA may be worth taking a second look at.

The Donedeal ad for this 25-year-old tractor shows that it has 6,800 hours on the clock and is powered by a 52 horsepower engine.

The owner says that the tractor is very rare, as only nine were originally imported into Ireland.

The tractor is also said to be in very good original condition and it can be bought in Co. Wexford for €4,500.

International 633 SA – Source: Donedeal

A 115hp tractor for under €10,000

Are you in the market for a 115hp tractor? If so have a look at this Massey Ferguson 3095.

According to the Donedeal ad, this 1994 tractor has 6,500 hours on the clock and can be the new centre piece in your farm yard for €9,500.

The seller, based in Co. Offaly says it is a very tidy tractor that is ready to work and can be seen working on viewing.

Massey Ferguson 3095 – Source: Donedeal

Selecting a second-hand tractor is not a simple process

Selecting a second-hand tractor is not a simple process, according to Teagasc’s Dermot Forristal.

“While web and phone app searching makes it easy to find tractors, they may not make finding the right tractor any easier at all,” the Teagasc Research for Crops and Mechanisation said.

Forrestal said there a number of considerations farmers need to make before deciding to purchase a second-hand tractor.

These include: what work will the tractor do, will the tractor be able to carry out the work it is required to do on the farm and does the tractor match your budget.

The Teagasc Researcher also said that farmers need to consider who the purchase the tractor from.

Where will you buy your tractor?

Franchised dealers will be more expensive but may have best support and good tractors and some warranty.
Small dealers/importers can have good specialised service too.
Beware of traders masquerading as private sellers and offering zero comeback if there is a problem.
Private sellers will be a mixed bag: some genuine and offering good machines; others trying to offload problems and make a quick buck.

Forrestal also said that farmers need to consider the engine power of the tractor, whether it is two or four wheel drive, the gearbox type, hydraulic output, lift capacity and cab spec.

“Remember more spec can cost more to maintain and repair,” he said.

Knowledge is everything, so do as much research as possible before looking at any tractor, he said and don’t be afraid to bring a mechanic for advice prior to buying the tractor.

A guide to purchasing a second-hand tractor:

Check out ownership and finance-owed position; do not transfer money until finance is cleared.
Do not purchase without registration cert and proper ownership transfer procedure.
Evaluate the seller as well as the tractor and beware of absolute bargains; there’s often a reason.

Forrestal also said that mechanical checks are very much make-specific and buyers should make sure that the tractor is in good mechanical and working order.

These checks should include:

Cold starting – ask for engine not to be started in advance and feel the block
Beware of stories about new battery needed if the starter is slow
No blue or excess black smoke and engine should run evenly
Oil and water should be clean and uncontaminated. Filters should look as if they were changed
Recorded hours should tally with condition or service history if available
Clutch take-up should be smooth with no slip or shudder when tested
Hydraulic or manual shuttles should work smoothly
All gears easily selected and check for noise/gear/linkage wear under load and on overrun in each gear
Have a plug-in gauge to check hydraulic pressure and/or lift the heaviest implement you can find,
Check all hydraulic and electrical functions: gear splits; PTO engagement or disengagement and four wheel drive engagement
Check all transmission for leaks, particularly the front axle
Check all steering joints for excess play and condition of wheels and tyres
Examine rear three point linkage and rockshaft for excessive wear and pick-up hitch also.
Check dashboard that all warning lights are working and that none are on when they should not be.
Check all sensors are working: fuel, oil pressure, water temp, rpm, forward speed, PTO speed etc as fitted.
Check wiring condition for poor repairs, fire damage or fire risk.
Look at general mechanical condition and evidence of major repair jobs and match that to claimed history.
Look at all bodywork, cab and lights as an indicator of general condition and likely costs.
Ensure problems are not covered up by poor paint jobs or inadequate patching or the rub of a greasy rag.

Forrestal also said that farmers should also ask lots of questions about the tractor’s history and to not be forced into snap decisions.

He said that farmers should go home and review the tractor and value it carefully compared to other tractors, taking into account specification, condition and working hours.

“If it still is the best option, only then consider purchasing,” he said.