How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor? (2024)

How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor?

You work hard on your land, putting your blood, sweat and tears into it. Your tractor must be reliable, affordable, and highly productive. While you'd love to save money by purchasing a used machine, you're not sure if it would cost more due to repairs and replacement in the long run. Doing your research will ensure that you get the tractor you need at a price you can afford.

How Long Does a Tractor Last?

How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor? (1)

While there are certain products that have a very definite shelf-life, tractors are not one of them. You may be wondering how long a tractor lasts, but the question doesn’t have a simple answer.

Unlike cars, which measure mileage on an odometer, tractor usage is measured in hours. Any time the engine is running, the hours are being logged. The challenge, is that depending on the age of the tractor, those hours may have been calculated differently. A newer tractor (within the last 15 years or so) will count clock hours regardless of engine speed. An older tractor depends on the speed at which it was running.

Whenit comes to purchasing a used tractor, the engine should still work after 5,000 to 10,000 hours. However, other aspects of the machine, like the transmission, clutches, hydraulics, and more may need to be replaced to keep the tractor in good running order. A general rule of thumb is that 2,000 to 2,500 hours is well broken-in while anything above 35,000 hours is considered high. This isn't, however, the only factor you should look at.

How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours on a Tractor?

There is no set answer to "how many hours is too many hours?" for a tractor. While the usage is measured differently than in automobiles, there are some similarities. Imagine that you have a choice between one car with 50K miles and another with 100K. The former has fewer miles but is from an unreliable brand and was poorly maintained, while the latter is from a company known for reliability and was treated like a part of the family.

Which car would you choose?

The same considerations apply when you are looking for a tractor. It is more important to learn how the machine was maintained than to simply look at the number of hours on its engine.

When Is It Okay to Buy Tractors With High Hours

Now that you understand there are more important factors than the number of hours on a tractor, it's time to look at some best practices when tractor shopping.

Pay attention to the overall appearance. It should be fairly easy to spot a tractor that was neglected for decades. Are there rust spots or poor paint jobs to hide the rust? A paint job could also suggest that the tractor underwent fire or flood damage. Does the inside look well-maintained? Do the tires look cracked or worn?

  • Look for any potential leaks. This could show up as streaks of oil across the tires.

  • Request a maintenancehistory. If the previous owner isn't able to give you a straight answer or produce a log, this may be an indication that the machine was "abused" instead of "used."

  • Haveareliable mechanic look over any tractors you're considering before you purchase them. A mechanic can look for signs of use such as how loose the 3pt hitch is, whether there is floppy steering, excessive drawbar and lift arm wear, ease in starting and shifting, etc.

  • Consider purchasingthrough a dealer who can potentially finance your purchase, will know more about the maintenance that's been done on the tractor, and can assist you with any necessary service.

Make an Investment You're Sure About with a New Tractor from Powersports Company in Wisconsin

Purchasing a tractor for your land is a very big decision and an even bigger investment. Thankfully, understanding how used tractors are judged, doing your homework, and consulting professionals can ensure that it's a wise decision and a sound investment that you'll only have to make once. Have questions? Want to take your next tractor for a test ride? Come see us at in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin at our Powersports Company showroom for personalized service and a tractor that's perfect for you.

How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor? (2)
How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor? (2024)

FAQs

How Many Hours Is Too Many Hours for a Tractor? ›

When it comes to purchasing a used tractor, the engine should still work after 5,000 to 10,000 hours. However, other aspects of the machine, like the transmission, clutches, hydraulics, and more may need to be replaced to keep the tractor in good running order.

How many hours is too much for a tractor? ›

A high-hour tractor might have 4,000 hours on it but if it is well-maintained, it could last you for another 6,000 or more hours. Will you have to do repairs? Probably but, it may still be a good value to you, especially if you are not using the tractor for a lot of hours each year.

Is 500 hours a lot for a tractor? ›

The Average Used Tractor Lifespan

For example: around 500 hours: the model usually does not feel new anymore. around 2,500 hours: the hydraulic pumps, clutches, and injectors usually need some maintenance. around 5,000 hours: the engine usually needs some work.

How many hours does a tractor last? ›

A typical tractor should last for around 4,000 hours of operation. Many factors go into how long equipment will last, including how the equipment was stored (outdoor storage will shorten the lifespan). But for a baseline, you can estimate that a used tractor will last for around that long.

How long should a tractor run? ›

Many tractors are built to last for 10,000 hours or more of operation, with some models capable of running for 20,000 hours or more.

Is 400 hours a lot for a tractor? ›

No. 4000 hours is not considered as long running hours for a tractor, while they are designed to last more than 15000 hours without any major issues in engine. Many of my relatives reported that even a 35 HP tractor which has crossed 15000 hours runs fine. But we should also maintain in a good way.

What is the most reliable tractor brand? ›

Kubota- Kubota is a Japanese firm importing tractors into the United States since 1972. The same Progressive farmer survey that named John Deere as having the highest customer loyalty rating awarded Kubota as the most durable.

Is 600 hours a lot for a tractor? ›

A newer tractor (within the last 15 years or so) will count clock hours regardless of engine speed. An older tractor depends on the speed at which it was running. When it comes to purchasing a used tractor, the engine should still work after 5,000 to 10,000 hours.

Is 1000 hours a lot for a Kubota tractor? ›

What's Considered High Hours for a Used Kubota Tractor? Every tractor is worked and maintained a little differently. Still, you can think of the service hours as like the mileage on a car. Aim for 1,000 hours or less when shopping for a used Kubota tractor, which is similar to 100,000 miles on a used car.

Is 1000 hours a lot on a lawn tractor? ›

How Many Hours Should A Riding Mower Last? Most riding mowers last between 500-700 hours, although some can run for as much as 1,000 hours if cared for and maintained properly.

Is 500 hours a lot for a Kubota tractor? ›

A well maintained Kubota tractor should last between 4500-5500 gauged hours. As many tractor owners report using their tractor for only 100-200 hours a year, this can translate into years of use. If you have the time and skill to optimally tend to and care for a Kubota tractor, you have a chance to exceed 10,000 hours.

Is it better to buy a new or used tractor? ›

Though the charm and history of a used tractor can have strong appeal, there are many compelling reasons why investing in a new tractor may be the wiser choice, including: Better reliability and performance. Peace of mind offered by a warranty. Fewer maintenance and repair costs.

How long should a farm tractor last? ›

Treated right, a quality tractor, can easily last 20-30 years or longer. Now keep in mind that hour-meter hours are how long the tractor has been used. If you only use the machine a few hours a week, it may, with proper care, still be running far longer than 30 years.

What is considered high hours on a Kubota tractor? ›

Kubota tractors are renowned for their long service life, with a well-maintained machine typically lasting between 4,500 to 5,500 hours. Given that many owners use their tractors for only 100-200 hours annually, this translates to many years of reliable service.

What is considered high hours on a diesel engine? ›

depends on how they were used/abused, maintenance and type/brand of engine. High revving, high HP, lightweight diesel... lucky to get 2000 hours. Slow turning, low HP engines like Ford Lehmans or Perkins, good for 10-15,000 hours, re-build and get another 10000 hours.

How long can a diesel tractor run? ›

Properly maintain your diesel engine and you can easily run it for 10,000 hours or more without needing an overhaul.

How many hours should a Kubota tractor last? ›

The most common Kubota tractor warranty is for 72 months or 2,000 hours of use, whichever comes first. With this in mind, know that a quality tractor should last at least 4,500 to 5,500 hours. It's also not unheard of for equipment to exceed 10,000 hours if it receives exceptional care and maintenance.

How many years does a tractor last? ›

Treated right, a quality tractor, can easily last 20-30 years or longer. Now keep in mind that hour-meter hours are how long the tractor has been used. If you only use the machine a few hours a week, it may, with proper care, still be running far longer than 30 years.

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