How to Prepare Your Tractor for Trade-in

There comes a point when your well-loved tractor is due for an upgrade. A great way to get advanced equipment while utilizing your current machine’s value is by trading it in. This way you’re able to save a little money toward your purchase and give your current tractor a chance to work on someone else’s farm.

1. Make it Run Well

You likely still use this tractor often, but it can be important to make sure it runs well before inquiring about a trade-in. Ideally you’ve already kept up with preventative maintenance and routine service, but giving the tractor a good once-over can help prove its value. Obviously you don’t need to spend a lot of money when you’re preparing to pass it on, but consider checking the fluid levels and general condition of the moving parts.

2. Clean it Up

Even if your tractor is in top shape, you should clean it up a bit before showcasing it to a dealer. Much like trading in a car, make sure you remove all personal items and spend some time shining it up. Clean the interior by removing dirt and debris, sanitizing surfaces, and cleaning any upholstery. For the exterior, give it a nice wash and touch up any paint.

The dealership will likely detail the tractor before reselling, but having clean equipment shows that you cared for it and kept it in good condition.

3. Gather the Paperwork

One of the top ways to have a good trade-in value is by providing all of the tractor’s paperwork. You should be able to share service records, registration information, and other recordkeeping documents. Knowing and sharing the history will boost the dealer’s confidence in making the sale later on.

Advancements continue to be made in the farm equipment industry and at some point you will likely see reason to upgrade. Our team at Central Machinery Sales, located in Moses Lake, WA, would love to speak with you about your options. We proudly serve the Spokane and Pasco areas.