What to Look for When Test Driving a Tractor

There’s no better way to know if a tractor is right for you than to get behind the wheel. In fact, the test drive should be the most important thing you’ll 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.      

Before you test-drive however, review the checklist below and consider what is most important to you in a tractor. Use the Test-Drive Worksheet to note your priorities and compare how each tractor performs during evaluation.

For example, are you looking for performance, comfort and easy operation? Do you have a budget you must stick to? It’s critical to prioritize what is most important to you and keep in mind there may be trade offs based on your priorities. Below are factors to consider when test-driving.

Comfort

• Does the seat feel comfortable if you are going to spend extended time in the tractor?
• Is the seat adjustable?
• Is there a suspension system to soften the ride?
• Can you easily reach the controls without extending yourself too much?
• Can you easily operate the pedals?
• Does the operator platform provide you with the roominess you desire and need?
• Go through range of control motions (i.e., use the loader joystick). How far must your arms reach in order to move the control through its full range of motion?

Convenience

• Are the controls within easy reach?
• Do the controls appear intuitively placed?
• Are the controls placed in a manner which limits obstruction during operation?

Getting On and Off the Tractor

• Is it easy to step on and off?
• Are the steps placed and spaced for easy access to the platform? Access is traditionally from the left but you may occasionally be entering from the right.

Maneuverability & Responsiveness
Consider your main uses for the tractor. You want to ensure that the maneuverability and responsiveness is in line with the work that you’ll be doing.

• While the tractor is moving, test the smoothness of the power steering and maneuverability.
• Turn in tight circles with and without the turning brakes (if available). Can you get in and out of tight spaces?
• For tasks like loader work where you are making a lot of directional changes, how easy is it to make forward and backward changes?
• How easy is it to change your speed?

Service & Convenience

• Ask your dealer representative to show you the major service points. Many tractor manufacturers overlook the importance of the service points being easy to access.
• Is it easy to flip up the hood and get access to the engine for routine maintenance?

Implement Operation
Ask questions about operating implements and attachments for your tractor such as a loader, mower, backhoe, etc.

• If using a loader is new to you, you will get better with practice. Try raising the loader up, and dump and curl the bucket.
• Cycle through the loader hydraulics to test the comfort and responsiveness of the joystick.
• Test the loader’s cycle speeds, which correlates to productivity.

Easy Implement Attachment and Removal

• While you may or may not physically attach or remove a mower or loader when test-driving a tractor, ask for an explanation from the dealer. Attachments should be easy and convenient to attach and remove.
• If you decide to buy, ask for a full demonstration when the implements are delivered to you.

Related resources: Tractor will help establish your priorities and compare various tractors.