Tractor FAQ

* This post has been sponsored by KIOTI Tractor. All views and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experiences.*

I recently asked my Instagram followers if they had any general tractor questions for me. I got a lot of great responses, so I thought it would be helpful if I answered them here so that they are all in one place!

Owning a tractor is not only a financial investment, but it is also an integral part of the operation of your farm. You want to find the perfect piece of equipment for you and your needs, but also need something that works for your budget and will give you peace of mind. For us, that was a KIOTI CK4010SE. Whether you are just starting the tractor buying process or learning the ins and outs of tractor ownership, I hope you find my answers to the below FAQ helpful!

Q: How much does a tractor cost?

A: The cost of a new tractor varies based on a number of factors: horsepower, features, brand and attachments/implements, among other variables. Tractors are broken into classes, the lowest being sub-compact tractors. Sub-compact tractors have a horsepower between 15-25 and typically range between $9,000-$12,000.

The next size up is a compact tractor, which is what we have - KIOTI CK4010SE. Compact tractors have a horsepower between 40-60. The price of a compact tractor will vary primarily based on attachments and region, but the average cost is typically around $20,0000-$30,000. We purchased the following attachments with our KIOTI tractor: front-end loader, grapple, box blade, and an auger. We now also have a bush hog.

The next class is Utility, followed by Agriculture. Utility tractors range between 40-100+ horsepower, where Agriculture tractors jump to 230-400+ horsepower. These tractors have a much wider range in price based on dealer, brand, and accessories. Both of these tractor categories are built for heavy work and are typically found only on large, working farms.

Click here to see all the tractors made by KIOTI.

Q: Can you finance a tractor?

A: Yes! Most tractor purchases are financed and paid off over time. Check with your local dealer to learn about available financing options.

Q: How do you maintain a tractor? Who do you call if it breaks?

A: Like your car, tractors need regular maintenance to ensure they run smoothly and last a long time. Typically, the recommendation is to have your tractor serviced, to include an oil change, every 100 hours. Other things to include are changing out air and/or fuel filters, fluids, coolant, and the battery.

We get our tractor serviced by our local dealer, but you can also use a third-party service company. Most of the service companies will include pick-up/delivery if you do not have a trailer to transport your tractor. There are even mobile tractor mechanics that will come to your property!

KIOTI tractors are designed for easy maintenance. With their liftable hood feature, it makes daily maintenance checks quick and easy.

Q: What is the lifespan of a tractor?

A: If maintained and treated correctly, a quality tractor can last 20-30 years if not longer. We anticipate our KIOTI tractor to be running for a very long time!

Q: How does your tractor do with stability on inclines?

A: Great! KIOTI tractors are built for optimal comfort and stability. Its power steering system is designed for maneuvering over a variety of terrains and the hydrostatic transmission on our CK4010SE makes it easy to operate in one of the three range transmission – high, mid, and low (we always operate on low when driving on an incline). It also has a twin pedal system (forward and backward), making operation smoother and A LOT safer.

Q: Do I need to add liquid ballast to my tractor tires?

A: To start, let me explain what ballasting means for anyone who does not know. A lot of tractor owners will add liquid ballast to their rear tires to help weigh down their tractor, increasing traction and lowering the center of gravity. It is also very helpful to counterbalance the weight of heavy implements or heavy material in the front-end loader. Common materials used for ballasting are water, with calcium chloride so it doesn’t freeze in the winter, beet juice, or molasses. Since our tractor is around our animals, we use molasses.

While these questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to buying and owning a tractor, I hope that you found them informative and helpful. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!