Tractors

Check the engine for oil leaks, coolant condition (pull the cap cold), and exhaust smoke color — blue smoke means worn rings, white smoke means coolant leak, black smoke means fuel system issues. Verify the three-point hitch raises and holds under load. Check PTO engagement and all hydraulic remotes. On older tractors, check the clutch engagement feel and brake balance.

Farm tractors are built for extreme longevity. A John Deere 4WD workhorse can reach 10,000–15,000 hours with proper maintenance. What matters more than total hours is maintenance history and whether the tractor was stored indoors. Ask for any maintenance records and note when major services (injectors, clutch, hydraulic pump) were last performed.

A tractor without its original loader or three-point attachments is worth significantly less. Verify which brand of loader is on the tractor (many are aftermarket brands like Quick-Attach or Farm King) and that the mounting frame is matched to that specific tractor. Confirm the bucket and any grapple or pallet forks transfer with the sale — this should be stated explicitly in the listing.

Yes — compact tractors (25–60 hp) from Kubota, John Deere, and New Holland hold value well and are popular on eBay. Low-hour CUTs in good condition often sell at or near retail, while higher-hour examples can be excellent value. Watch for cracked loader frames on heavily used CUTs and verify the subframe mounting points are not bent or cracked.