Three-Point Hitch And PTO System

The secret to getting a great deal when buying a used tractor is to be armed with information. Start by knowing how to quickly determine the age, condition and average selling price for any brand and model of used tractor. Then know what problem areas to take a close look at. The final step is to know the seven negotiating statements that will drastically lower the asking price of any tractor -- including the one sound that you can utter that will knock 10% off the price of any tractor.

Let's start at the beginning. The first step to getting a great deal on a used tractor is to do a little research and be an informed buyer. Let's start at the beginning. When you're looking to buy a used tractor don't worry that it may be older than you are.

The power-take-off or PTO is part of this system. Ford introduced the three-point hitch on their 9N tractor back in 1939. Farmall and John Deere waited a little later before they came out with a three-point hitch, but still most tractors you look at will have the three-point hitch, but be sure to check.

The three-point hitch and PTO system is very important because without it you will be limited in what you can do with your tractor. So my advice is to only look at tractors with a three-point hitch. The next step is to determine the age of the tractor you're considering. The best way to determine the age is to find the serial number and look it up on the Internet. Cars change designs every year, but tractors only make changes every decade or two, so you can't tell much about how old a tractor is by just looking at it.

The Internet has a wealth of information about tractors. A good website where you can use the serial number and find the date a tractor was manufactured is Yesterday's Tractors at YesterdaysTractors.com. When you get to this site, click on "Tractor Registry" in the left Nav. panel to find information on any tractor. You can also use this site to see how much a particular type tractor has sold for

The next step is to check prices:

Two good places to check prices (other than Yesterday's Tractors) are TractorHouse dot com and eBay. On eBay be sure to check completed auctions to see what tractors like the one you're looking for really sold for. You can use this information in your negotiating.

One final point: How much equipment (if any) comes with a used tractor can be a big factor in determining the value of the tractor. Also, factor in how you will get the tractor home. If you can get a trailer in the deal, that's that's always a big plus.

When you're armed with all of the above information, your final step is to "Negotiate like a Pro." Here's how to do it.

Seven negotiating techniques for people who don't like to negotiate:

1. Offer way less than you expect to have to pay. Some people say, "I don't want to negotiate and play games with you. I will give you $5,000 for the tractor and that's it." These people almost always end up negotiating and paying a lot more.

2. Always gasp and act shocked and surprised at the other side's first price. Without saying a word, this lets the owner know that you think their price is totally