The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing 70 hp tractor for sale

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So you're in the market for a new tractor. Maybe you need an upgrade, or you're looking for your first tractor and need a place to start. Whatever your situation, we've put together a comprehensive list of tractor buying tips to help you get started.

When You Should Buy a New Tractor

There are many reasons you might need to buy a farm tractor, whether you're expanding your operations or simply need a new machine. You may also be looking to replace an old machine. Signs that you will need a new tractor soon include:

• Your current tractor has worked 12,000 hours or more.
• You need to replace engine parts often.
• New technology is available.
• New parts are increasingly unavailable for the model you have.

If you're looking for your first tractor, rest assured that you have plenty of options available. Learning as much as you can about tractors and their uses can help guide you towards your best fit.

Before the Dealership

While dealership etiquette is similar, shopping for a tractor is different than shopping for a car. For one thing, tractors last years, even decades, longer than the average car. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and proper use, you could even use that same tractor for the rest of your life. 

That's why the first thing you should do when buying a tractor &#; or any farm equipment &#; is to conduct plenty of research. This process should be slow and methodical. You want enough time to weigh all your options before buying your first tractor to make the best choice. 

Asking around is a good place to start because experienced farmers and tractor enthusiasts can tell you what you need to know, from red flags to look out for and any quirks specific models may have. Googling, reading product reviews and consulting with dealers should be your next step.

While you're researching, make a list of everything you need the tractor to be able to do. Consider these factors when buying your new or used tractor as your deal breakers.

Next, list everything that would be nice to have but isn't completely necessary. Things like an enclosed cab or a specific transmission system come to mind. Additionally, while it can help to know about brand specifications, it's better to focus on your own goals for the tractor. 

Budget

You should know exactly how much you can spend on a tractor before you look for one. That way, you can avoid setting your heart on a tractor that is entirely out of your price range. 

When calculating your budget, you should also factor in additional costs like repairs, add-ons and implements. Research what each dealership in your area charges for specific models and compare the prices you find. This method is beneficial when you already have a particular model in mind, but it can also help you determine the most reasonable price.

Additionally, opting out of unnecessary features where you can is a great way to save money. 

New or Used

Should you buy a new or a used tractor? That depends on your budget and your needs. You can save thousands by opting for a used vehicle, but the long-term investment of a new tractor might be better for your situation.

If you do plan to buy a used tractor, make sure you trust the seller. Ask them how they used the tractor. Did they ever experience anything out of the ordinary? What is the tractor's power takeoff horsepower (PTO-HP)? 

Here are some essential things to look for when you're inspecting a used tractor:

• Signs of wear: Check for leaks, rust, abnormal noises when driving or anything that seems off.
• Tire condition: Look out for bubbles, cracks and cuts in the tires.
• Hours per year: The average hours per year for your tractor should be below 900. Tractors logging more hours per year may require more extensive repairs in the future.
• Test drive: Just like with a new tractor, take it for a test drive. Make sure you feel comfortable with the transmission system and driving mechanics. 

If anything seems off to you, it might be best to look for a new seller. 

The Benefits of a New Tractor

While a used tractor might seem more affordable now, you should remember that there will be additional costs down the line. Because it's already logged some hours, you may need to bring this tractor in for more frequent repairs and maintenance. A new tractor will also last longer than a used one, which can be more cost-effective. 

You also want to consider technology and upgrades. How much longer will parts be available for a used tractor? With a new tractor, you have more time before it becomes obsolete. You're also more likely to find energy-efficient and emissions-compliant engines on newer machines, which is vital in the state of California. 

What To Look For in a Dealer

When you're buying a tractor, it's best to buy from someone you trust. Both the dealership and its individual representatives can give you clues as to whether this seller is a good fit.

Some important things you should look for when deciding on a dealership include:

• Inventory: A good dealership will have an extensive selection of tractors. If you're walking around the lot and notice that some models are well-stocked while others only have a few available, it might be worth looking elsewhere. 
• Facility: The dealership facility should be clean and organized, even if it's in an older building. A dirty or messy facility is a major red flag. 
• Ownership: Is it a small, family-owned business or a branch of a large company? This distinction can make all the difference in the kind of service you'll get moving forward.

It's also important to evaluate the sales representative who works with you. Larger dealerships will often have a sales team, but at smaller dealerships, the salespeople might be the owners themselves. 

Here are some traits of a good salesperson:

• Attitude: Your salesperson should have a polite, positive attitude. Essentially, they should feel open and approachable.
• Care: Your salesperson should be attentive and try to get a feel for your needs by asking questions and listening to your answers. 
• Knowledge: Your salesperson should be able to answer questions about their tractors, and if they can't remember something right away, they should know where to get that information.

Ultimately, when you choose a dealer, you're choosing a long-term business partner &#; if you feel at all like you're being mistreated, it's time to look somewhere else.

What To Ask the Dealer

Make sure you let your dealer know what you'll be doing with your tractor, both now and in the future. A good, well-maintained tractor can last decades, so you want to account for any changes in the size and scope of your operations moving forward. 

To get the best understanding of each model, you should ask your dealer about the following features and functions:

Horsepower

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a tractor is the power you'll need. Generally, the bigger the tractor, the higher the horsepower.

There are two types of horsepower &#; the engine's horsepower and the power takeoff (PTO) horsepower. The engine horsepower refers to the full power the engine produces. This number is what many dealers will use to advertise their tractors.

On all tractors, features like hydraulic pumps, power steering and hydrostatic drive leech power from the engine in a process called parasitic loss. That loss means your actual horsepower is lower than what your engine is producing. That excess energy is what you will use to power your attachable implements. 

So why does PTO horsepower matter? If you need to use any implements, you'll need to know your PTO first. This should be a lower number than your engine power. Using an implement that requires higher power than what you have can be dangerous, resulting in a damaged tractor or even personal injury. 

Ultimately, your safest bet is to buy the biggest tractor that's reasonable for your needs. Choosing a tractor with high horsepower can ensure you have the energy to get the job done now and in the future if your tasks change.

Tractor Size

Tractors come in several different size categories, with lawn tractors being the smallest and agricultural tractors being the largest. We'll focus on the middle types here since they're the most common for commercial use:

• Sub-compact: Sub-compact tractors are the smallest commercial tractors available, with engines generating a total of 15 to 25 horsepower. Since they're so small, they're simple in terms of features and only suit light operations like mowing pastures and hauling dirt.
• Compact:Compact tractors weigh in at 4,000 lbs with a 40 to 60 horsepower engine. They're best for lighter commercial tasks like hauling small loads, removing snow and maintaining roads. Some larger models may come with an enclosed cab. 
• Utility: Utility tractors range from 40 to 100 horsepower and tend to come with more bells and whistles. Enclosed cabs are standard on these tractors, and some may even have advanced technology like computer systems or artificial intelligence (AI). They're most useful for heavy work like large-scale hay operations and livestock hauling.
• Compact utility: Compact utility tractors (CUT) are essentially smaller utility tractors. Their engines can range anywhere from 20 to 70 horsepower, and they often have similar features to utility tractors. These are best for smaller-scale operations that might require heavy lifting.

You need to know two things before choosing a specific size &#; your daily operations and the size of your land. If you need to squeeze into smaller spaces, buy a compact or sub-compact tractor. However, if you need high horsepower to do heavy tasks, you should look into something a little larger, like a utility tractor or a CUT. 

Transmission Systems

The transmission controls the power output in your tractor. Specifically, it controls your direction and speed.

There are four main types of transmission in tractors today &#; gear-drive, power shuttle, hydrostatic and continuously variable transmission (CVT).

1. Gear-drive: A classic transmission system, the gear-drive is the oldest and most straightforward in use today. It uses a clutch and gear shift mechanism to change the tractor's speed and direction. This type of transmission is generally more affordable than others and allows for greater PTO horsepower. However, the clutches in this system are typically not lubricated with oil, so they tend to wear down faster.
2. Power shuttle: A gear-based transmission system that automatically clutches and shifts gears based on the tractor's speed and rpm. This transmission is most helpful if you frequently shift between forward and reverse, like with a front loader. Additionally, the clutch is usually lubricated, giving it smoother control and a longer lifespan.
3. Hydrostatic: This type of transmission relies on pressurized oil to turn the wheels. It changes the direction and speed by adjusting the amount of oil flowing to the hydraulic motor. Hydrostatic transmission maintenance involves regularly changing the oil, cleaning oil cooler fins and changing the filters.
4. Continuously variable transmission (CVT): At the moment, CVT is rare in smaller tractor systems. It automatically shifts based on the pedal input from the operator. These incredibly efficient transmission systems use less water than hydrostatic and wear out slower than gear-drive systems. 

If you're interested in a gear-shift transmission, there are also four subtypes to consider:

• Sliding gear: A shift fork slides the gears into position.
• Collar shift: Instead of sliding the gears directly into position, this system places a fork and collar between each gear to increase reliability.
• Synchro: This system is like a collar shift with a synchronizer, which slows the shifting process to prevent gear grinding. As a result, synchro systems provide a quieter shift. 
• Power shift: These transmissions replace the collar with a clutch pack for more effortless shifting. Depending on the model, you can shift by pressing a button or pulling a lever.

Some transmission systems will be better for your purposes than others, so make sure to ask your dealer for their recommendation. 

Implements

The tractor's implements are the attachable parts that carry out your intended actions. Common tractor implements include:

• Cutters: These implements typically attach to the back of a tractor to cut grass and weeds as the tractor moves. 
• Rotary tillers: Rotary tillers attach to the back of your tractor and till the soil behind it using rotating tines. 
• Front-end loaders: These versatile implements attach to the front of your tractor to lift and carry heavy loads depending on whether you add other parts. You can connect it to other tools like pallet loaders or buckets to fulfill more specific purposes.
• Rear blades: These blades attach to the back of the tractor and flatten the ground. They're useful for scraping surfaces to reach the bottom layer, such as large expanses of snow or when creating level paths.

How To Choose Your Implements

Once you know what you need, it's time to choose the specific model. Knowing how much horsepower your tractor can supply is a great start, as each model will have different power needs. Your implement's horsepower should be within your tractor's PTO range.

• Weight: Your tractor should lift the implement and whatever you need the implement to move. 
• Width: Your implement should fit the tractor in terms of physical size as well as weight. The appropriate width depends on the implement, so speak to your dealer if you have any questions.
• Components: You need the right pins and attachments to securely hook your implement to your tractor. Look into what each model requires and make sure you either have or can buy the right parts.

In general, as long as you stick to the rule of matching your implement to your tractor, you should be on the right track. 

Find Your New Tractor With Holt Ag Solutions 

Holt Ag Solutions is a trusted source for large-scale farm equipment in California. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find a suitable model for your operation, or you can browse our inventory online.

Contact us to speak with a representative today, or request a quote if you have a specific vehicle in mind. 

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Rationalisation of models and specifications is the name of the game for several manufacturers listed in the edition of the Ultimate Guide to tractors.

Supply chain issues remain problematic but the changes also put the focus on more popular models and features, simplifying ordering and stocking.

Read details below and download the tractor buyer&#;s guide (PDF).

Download the full tractor listings 

Armatrac

The Armatrac line-up has been tightened, with the Perkins-powered 50hp version not currently available and the 79hp 854 Lux making its debut in place of the 68hp and 75hp models.

Likewise, the 95hp Deutz-engined 904 Lux is out, while the 101hp Lux gains a power shuttle for its 16×16 transmission.

The 105hp Lux CRD4 has departed too, leaving the 120hp version as the sole 54 Series machine.

See also: Tractors: where are they made?

Bobcat

Following its launch of a range of compact tractors, Bobcat enters the guide for the first time, represented by the 50hp and 58hp tractors with their 16×16 synchro shuttle transmissions.

Both are open platform models only, although there are cabbed machines below the 50hp threshold of the guide.

Case IH

With 90hp and 100hp tractors joining the Farmall A line-up, running ManualDrive synchro or power shuttle transmissions, Case IH has expanded its entry-level range but dropped the 86hp model from the moderately larger Farmall C Manual Drive, although it remains an option with the 24×24 ActiveDrive 2 transmission.

In preparation for a new range, the 101-117hp Luxxums with their 3.6-litre FPT engines and 32×32, four-speed powershift transmissions, are no longer available, and rationalisation among the Maxxums sees the 125/145hp 115 and 145/169hp 135 dropped.

Case IH&#;s Puma range has gained the new flagship 260 CVXDrive with 280hp for draft work and 302hp when the boost feature kicks in, while the three-model Optum line-up continues unchanged in providing a bigger, heavier option from 273-313hp.

Meanwhile, the entry-model Magnum 310 with 347/382hp departs the Case IH family.

Claas

A comprehensive rationalisation of Claas tractor models available in Britain focuses on the most popular power outputs and specifications, resulting in just two or three models in some cases.

Four models dropped from the Arion 400 line-up leaves just the 115hp Arion 430, the 125/135hp 450 and range-topping 145/155hp 470 in place, while the larger Arion 500 loses two models to leave the 125hp 510 CIS Classic as the sole model with Hexashift 24×24/6 transmission, and just the 165hp 550 Cebis with CMatic stepless drive.

The Arion 600 series is trimmed to the 165hp 630 and 185hp 650 with Hexashift, and the 630 and 185/205hp 660 with CMatic.

The cull continues further up the power/size scale, with 205hp Axion 800 Hexashift and 215hp 800 CMatic dropped and only top-spec Cebis equipment level available, while the Axion 900 range is reduced to just two models &#; the 355hp 930 and 410hp 950, both available in wheeled and Terra Trac form.

The latest Xerion tractors, meanwhile, gain upgrades that include a new heavier-duty version of the ZF Terramatic transmission geared to allow lower, more economic engine running speeds, plus a number of control and precision farming upgrades.

Deutz-Fahr

In addition to a power shuttle option becoming available for the 66-97hp 5D Keyline tractors, the Deutz-Fahr range now includes the four-cylinder 6.4 Series machines from 136-156hp with RVshift and TTV transmissions and specs.

While TTV is continuously variable and comes with a 120-litre/min piston pump hydraulics system, RVshift is a CVT that emulates a powershift for operators who prefer a stepped transmission.

It comes with 90-litre/min gear pump system as standard but this can be upgraded to the variable output hydraulics; both come with a separate 40-litre/min steering and ancillaries pump.

Farmtrac

Having featured just a single 75hp model for the past 12 months or so, there are now three new models with Stage 5 emissions engines on offer.

They comprise the 95hp DT V with 12×12 synchro shuttle or 24×12/2 power shuttle transmission, and the 112hp DTn and 122hp DTn, which have a 24×24 creep synchro shuttle or the 24×12/2 power shuttle package.

Fendt

The new 700 Vario tractor range features in the Fendt listing for the first time.

These larger and more sophisticated Generation 7 machines complement rather than replace the existing 150-246hp Gen6 models.

With power outputs from 203-283hp &#; the 728 also gets a multiuse power boost to 303hp &#; the tractors emulate the 900 Vario and Vario machines in several respects, including the VarioDrive single-range CVT with separate and variable power and torque delivery to the rear and front axles.

Under the hood sits a new engine &#; the 7.5-litre Agco Core AP75 &#; tuned for low-speed, high torque operation to minimise fuel consumption and lifetime wear and tear.

JCB

The Fastrac listing now includes two specification levels for the 235hp icon and 348hp icon, the Field Pro and Pro Line packages encompassing a number of practical and driver comfort features.

Kioti

Its largest tractor to date &#; the HX Series &#; makes its Ultimate Guide debut with two models: the 101/111hp HX PC and the 117/127hp HX PC.

Both come with a 32×32/2 creep transmission, 74-litre/min gear pump hydraulics supplemented by a 46-litre steering pump, and 4.4t rear lift.

Massey Ferguson

The MF AL entry-level tractors have been replaced by the upgraded MF 3S AL line-up featuring a new 30×15 transmission with two-speed high/low and a power shuttle, and power outputs now spanning 85-105hp.

McCormick

The flagship X8 range is being trimmed from three to two models with the introduction of latest Stage 5 specification, which includes a new-style cab roof panel with enhanced work lights.

And while some markets now have a lower-spec Efficient option, the UK market continues with the Premium specification that includes a seat-mounted control and display console.

They also have a little more power &#; 273hp for the X8.627 and 313hp for the X8.631.

New Holland

The T5 S series has entered the New Holland line-up with 90hp and 100hp models featuring a 12×12 or 20×20 creep transmission with synchro or power shuttle, while the T5 Utility range has lost its synchro shuttle option and the 80hp and 90hp models, although they remain available with the Dual Command 24×24/2 package.

All get upgraded gear pump hydraulics, with the T5 Utility Powershuttle machines also gaining increased rear-lift capacity.

New Holland&#;s innovative gas-fuelled tractor &#; the 158/175hp T6.180 Methane Power &#; is now available with Dynamic Command eight-speed powershift transmission in addition to Electro Command with four powershifts.

Also new is the latest T7 LWB (long wheelbase) series, now featuring PLM Intelligence following a substantial upgrade to the electronics and precision farming architecture and functionality, and the addition of a 280/300hp flagship.

Rationalisation further up the scale sees the T7 HD line-up trimmed from three to two models, and the T8.380 and T8.410 dropped from the T8 Genesis range.

Valtra

Slotting between the T5 and S4 series, Valtra&#;s Q5 tractors are listed for the first time, spanning power outputs from 230/250hp to 305hp.

All feature 7.4-litre Agco engines and continuously variable transmissions, with 200-litre/min variable output hydraulics and 10t rear-linkage capacity.

Zetor

A trimmed-back Zetor range loses the 78hp and 88hp Proxima CL and GP Plus models (the 99hp and 109hp versions continue, albeit with synchro rather than power shuttle 12×12 transmission for the CL versions), and the same, plus the 99hp machine, applies to the Proxima HS Power line-up.

All surviving machines are now powered by Deutz instead of Zetor&#;s own engines to meet Stage 5 emissions rules.

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