In farming, a tractor is not just a machine, but a member of the family. When a new farmer dreams of buying a tractor with their first earnings, concerns about budget and EMIs often hold them back. This is where a “Purana tractor” proves to be a blessing.
Many people think that a used machine is nothing but a headache, but the reality is quite different. If you carefully inspect and choose a Purana tractor, you not only save lakhs of rupees but also bring home a powerful companion that will serve you for years to come.
Why a Used Tractor? (The Practical Choice)
Today, the prices of new tractors are skyrocketing. An average 45-50 HP tractor costs between ₹7 lakh and ₹10 lakh. In contrast, the same model, if you buy it 3-4 years old, can be had for almost half the price.
1: Lower Cost, Higher Profit: With a used tractor, your initial investment is lower. This reduces your crop production costs and increases your net profit.
2: Lower Depreciation: The value of a new tractor drops by 10-15% as soon as it leaves the showroom. This is not a problem with a used tractor; you can use it for two years and then resell it for almost the same price.
3: Affordable Spare Parts: Parts for older models are easily and cheaply available in the market. You don’t need to rely on expensive company service centers.
4: Excellent for Learning: If you are a new farmer or want to teach your son how to drive a tractor, a used tractor is the safest option.
5 Things to Check Before Buying a Tractor
When you go to a fair or visit another farmer to look at a tractor, bring your “mechanic’s eye” with you. Here are some points that people often overlook:
- Listen to the Engine’s “Heartbeat”
Start the tractor and let it idle for about 10-15 minutes.
Check the smoke: If black smoke is coming out, there might be a load problem (which can be fixed). But if blue or white smoke is coming out, it means the engine is burning oil and there’s a problem with the pistons.
Sound: The engine sound should be rhythmic. If there’s a knocking sound or a sound like metal clanging, it’s best to walk away from the deal.
- Tire Condition (The Hidden Expense)
The cost of replacing all four tires on a tractor can range from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000.
Check the tire treads. If the tires are more than 50% worn, negotiate a lower price with the seller.
There should be no cuts or cracks on the tire sidewalls.
- Hydraulic and Lift System
The real work of a tractor in the field is lifting the implements attached to the rear.
Attach a cultivator or some other heavy implement to the back of the tractor and test it.
Operate the lift up and down. If the lift moves up in jerks, there might be a problem with the pump.
- Gearbox and Clutch
Test drive the tractor. If you hear a grinding noise while shifting gears, the gearbox might be worn out. The clutch should be neither too stiff nor too loose.
- Meter Reading (Hours Clocked)
Typically, a tractor runs for 600 to 1000 hours per year. If a 5-year-old tractor shows only 500 hours, the meter may have been tampered with. Pay more attention to the wear and tear on the pedals than the shine of the tractor’s body—that tells the real story.
Paperwork: Avoid getting scammed
The machine is in good condition, so now it’s time to check the paperwork. Buying a tractor without the correct documents can lead to legal problems.
RC (Registration Certificate): Always check the original RC. Match the engine number and chassis number with the RC.
NOC (No Objection Certificate): If the tractor is from another district or state, obtaining an NOC is mandatory.
Insurance and Taxes: Check if the insurance is valid. If it has expired, include the cost of renewal in the negotiation.
Pending Challans: Check online to see if there are any outstanding police fines associated with that vehicle number.
How to determine the right price? (Negotiation Tips)
Setting the price for a used tractor is an art. There’s no fixed MRP.
Based on hours of use: Typically, the value of a tractor decreases by 10-15% for every 1000 hours of operation.
Local market research: Visit nearby tractor markets (such as the market in Muzaffarnagar or tractor fairs in Punjab) to find out the going rate for that model.
The power of cash payment: If you are paying the full amount in cash (in one go), you can ask for an additional discount of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.
Caution: Are you being scammed?
Many frauds are happening online these days. Scammers are showing tractors at very low prices on Facebook or OLX and then asking for a “booking amount” or posing as “army officers” to extort money from you.
Golden rule: Do not pay a single rupee in advance until you have personally seen the tractor, driven it, and met the owner in person.
Conclusion: Should you buy a used tractor?
If you want to be a smart farmer who focuses on investment rather than wasting money, a used tractor is a great option. It not only fulfills your farming needs but also saves you from the burden of debt.
Just remember: don’t rush. Look at a few tractors, test drive them, take a trusted mechanic with you, and then make your decision. A well-maintained used tractor can give you the same satisfaction and double the profit of a new one.
Want to choose the best tractor within your budget? Tell us about your type of farming (horticulture, wheat-rice, or commercial) clicking through link below and we’ll suggest which used model would be the best fit for you!
https://blogshuddle.online/2025/12/21/10-tips-for-maximizing-your-purana-tractors-lifespan/
