Tractor Buying 101
Ask the right Questions
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRACTOR IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION - HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN YOU BEGIN THE PROCESS.
HOW MANY ACRES DO YOU OWN?
Horsepower is critical. Buying the right tractor with the right amount of horsepower and features the first time can result in savings over the long run. Think about your needs so that the tractor and equipment can grow with you as your needs grow.
WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTY DO YOU OWN?
Different properties will require different tractor applications. Your property may include pastures or lawns, large cultivated acres, long gravel driveways, or fenced livestock areas with tough to manage spaces. The work you require from your tractor will vary. Your Mahindra dealer will help you match the tractor to your property and its needs.
CAN YOU OPERATE THE TRACTOR?
Considering your level of experience will help you find the best tractor size, transmission (gear drive, hydrostatic or shuttle), and control configuration. Most of the tractors we stock have hydrostatic transmissions for simplicity in operation and maintenance.
WHAT KINDS OF JOBS WILL YOU BE PERFORMING?
Jobs such as mowing, moving hay, grading, landscaping, moving materials, etc., or any combination of these tasks will require different implements & attachments, horsepower, and size.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM SIOUX INTERNATIONAL?
Your relationship with a dealer should be a key factor in your purchase, as you will be working with them over several years. Make sure the dealer takes the time to help select the right tractor for you and supports you after your purchase. Ask about their parts and service departments to make sure you are comfortable with their knowledge, experience, parts availability, and customer service. At both of Sioux International’s locations, we employ over 25 experienced and knowledgeable service technicians and parts associates. After being in the tractor selling business for over 50 years, we know what it takes to take care of our customers long after they purchase their equipment.
TRY IT OUT - SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE:
There is no better way to know if a tractor is right for you than to get behind the wheel and take a seat in a Mahindra tractor. The test drive should be the most important thing you will do before making your final decision. Regardless of your level of experience operating a tractor, your dealer will give you all the help you need to become comfortable during the test drive, so that you can fully evaluate the performance.
While a surprising number of first-time owners buy a tractor without test-driving different models, the most satisfied owners don't skip this important step.
Home / Why Mahindra / Tractor 101
SELECTING AND BUYING YOUR NEW TRACTOR SHOULD BE EASY AND ENJOYABLE. OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE DEALER STAFF IS THERE TO PROVIDE HELPFUL ADVICE, INCREASING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND COMFORT LEVEL FOR THE TRACTOR BUYING PROCESS. FOR NOW, THIS TRACTOR 101 SECTION IS A RESOURCE WITH TRACTOR TERMINOLOGY AND COMMON QUESTIONS TO HELP MAKE YOUR RESEARCH AS EASY AS POSSIBLE.
Tractor Terms to Know:
BROWSE SOME TRACTOR TERMS AND ACRONYMS THAT YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH:
3-POINT HITCH
The 3-point hitch is used to attach rear-mounted implements and attachments like mowers, blades, scrapers, posthole diggers, tillers and backhoes. It consists of two lift arms and one top link where pins attach the implements.
AG TIRES
R1 or R1W tires with deep tread meant for field work and farm application.
BACKHOE
Used to dig holes, trenches, and ditches, the backhoe is made up of two arms and a bucket connected by hydraulic cylinders.
BOX BLADE
Used to move dirt and gravel, backfill or rip up compacted soil. The box blade uses two position, adjustable shanks to break up packed soil surfaces quickly for seedbed preparation or landscape maintenance.
CHASSIS
The framework that supports the tractor frame and guts including the engine, transmission, suspension, etc.
DRAWBAR
A bar on the rear of the tractor used for towing.
FINISH MOWER
a 3-point, PTO driven mower that is used in cutting a manicured lawn. Similar to a traditional mower deck, with 3 blades driven by a belt. Not meant for heavy duty mowing.
HORSEPOWER (HP)
The amount of energy it takes to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
A hydraulically-driven transmission that offers variable speeds with the use of a foot pedal.
IMPLEMENT
Rugged, high performance work tools that can be added to the tractor to increase its job functions. These can include landscape tools, mowers, box blades, and many more.
INDUSTRIAL TIRES
R4 tires with medium tread. Hybrid type tires that work well in field and heavy duty conditions, but are not so aggressive as to ruin lawns and wear better on concrete and gravel than ag tires.
JOYSTICK
The joystick gives the operator complete control of front-mounted attachments such as the front-end loader.
LOADER
The front-end loader operates like a large shovel with the tractor's power and weight behind it. A quick-attach design allows you to get your loader on and off quickly. The most common tool is the bucket, but other tools that work on the loader include bale spears, pallet forks, and grapple.
POST HOLE DIGGER
Used to drill holes in the ground for fence posts or building piers, or to dig shallow holes for flowers, trees or shrubs.
POWER-SHUTTLE
A syncro-shuttle transmission that has a power reverser on the steering column that allows the tractor to shuttle between forward and reverse with out the use of a clutch.
POWERTRAIN
The Powertrain transfers the power from the engine to the drive wheels and power take off (PTO). Main functions include selecting speed ratios, balancing the power to drive wheels for turning, and allowing the tractor to reverse.
PTO (POWER TAKE OFF)
Used to provide power to an attachment, the PTO allows the attachment to draw energy from the tractor's engine.
QUICK HITCH
The quick hitch attaches to the tractor 3-point hitch allowing the operator to easily hook onto implements.
ROTARY CUTTER
3-Point Implement most commonly used to cut pastures or CRP.
STABILIZERS
Pads that lower to stabilize the tractor while the backhoe is in use.
SYNCHRO-SHUTTLE
Allows for the shifting of gears on the move without the gears grinding.
ROTARY TILLER
A rotary tiller is used to till soil in preparation for planting gardens and landscaping projects. The tiller has tines that rotate their way through the soil to loosen and break it up.
TLB (TRACTOR, LOADER, BACKHOE)
This package comes equipped with a tractor, loader and backhoe.
TRANSMISSION
A system of gears that determines the speed and direction of a tractor.
TURF TIRES
R3 tires, that are meant almost exclusively for use on lawn or other areas where ground damage is a concern. Do not provide good traction in dirt, snow, or wet conditions.