Are Used John Deere Compact Tractors Worth It? Pros and Cons for Homeowners

For homeowners with a few acres, a large yard, a hobby farm or large garden, a compact tractor can be an essential tool. When browsing compact tractors, you’ll come across John Deere’s line of 1-4 Series compact utility tractors. They’re popular for their durability, performance, and strong resale value. So, is buying a used John Deere compact tractor worth it? Here, we’re looking at the pros and cons of shopping new and shopping used.

Why Should You Choose a Compact Tractor?

Compact tractors are an excellent tool for those managing mid-sized properties with no use or space for full-size agricultural equipment. They’re ideal for:

Mowing large areas
Hauling soil, mulch, and other materials
Snow removal
Digging, grading, and leveling
Light farming and food plot management

With a wide range of attachments like loaders, backhoes, box blades, and more, they can take on almost any task you throw at them.

Why Choose John Deere?

So, why are John Deere compact tractors so popular? John Deere is a long-trusted name in agriculture, and their compact equipment is built to the same standard as the equipment they’re famous for. Models like the 1 Series, 2 Series, and 3 Series are known for:

High quality builds
Easy access to parts and attachments
Extensive dealer support
Industry-leading resale value

Pros of Buying Used Tractors

Savings

Not every homeowner has the spare money to purchase a new tractor. After you consider the added costs of maintenance, attachments, and other various expenses, a new model is simply not an option for many buyers. Used models are cheaper, and as a benefit, you open your buying pool to more features, technologies, and more.

Lower Depreciation

We all know that a new piece of equipment depreciates quickly the second it leaves the lot and continues to lose value for the first few years. When buying a used tractor, you’re saving yourself from the initial depreciation–especially if the tractor has been well-maintained.

Proven Reliability

When purchasing used equipment from WADE, Inc., your equipment has been meticulously inspected by our experts. We’re happy to offer documented maintenance history so you can have a good idea how many hours are left on your machine. Remember–used doesn’t mean abused!

Access to Attachments

With John Deere’s Quick Attach system and other general hitch systems, your compact tractor is compatible with over 100 implements all specialized to take on specific tasks and make your life easier.

Drawbacks of Buying Used Equipment

Potentially Unknown History

A potential downside to buying used equipment is limited access to maintenance and service records, making issues like PTO or transmission trouble harder to detect. When shopping with WADE, Inc., though, you’ll have access to everything we know about your machine, removing all of the risky guesswork.

Fewer Financing Options

While your financing options may be limited when shopping for used equipment, we still have plenty of solutions for you. Reach out to your local WADE, Inc. for information on multi-use accounts through John Deere, trade-in value, and more.

Outdated Technology

John Deere continues to lead the industry in integrated technology and innovation. When purchasing used and older equipment, you may not be benefiting from the most up-to-date technologies.

Tip: Not everyone finds use for the most updated technology, and many operators can access all they need on older models. Research your specific model to see which technologies it supports, or contact an expert at WADE, Inc.

Tips for Buying a Used John Deere Compact Tractor

Whether you’re purchasing a well-inspected machine from a dealer or buying directly from a previous owner, here’s a quick checklist you should always review before buying:

Review Hours: Operation hours are similar to miles on a car. Review each model’s hours for a good idea as to how much life is left in your equipment.
Inspect Hydraulics: Pay attention for fluid leaks, delayed responses, or unexpected noises.
Test Drive: Spend some time in the driver’s seat. Engage the PTO, raise and lower the loader, and if possible, drive it over some varied terrain.
Verify Specs: Make sure that the tractor can handle the work you’ll be doing. Check for horsepower, lift capacity, PTO power, and size.
Research Attachments: Be sure that your tractor is compatible with the necessary attachments, and that it has enough PTO power to operate them.

So, Is a Used John Deere Tractor Worth It?

Yes! But it’s important that you find a well-maintained model that is capable of the jobs you plan to use it for. John Deere compact tractors are excellent for homeowners. With their high value retention, a used tractor can be a worthwhile long term investment.

In short, consider your budget and equipment needs. Shopping used helps to free up some budget space for additional attachments, horsepower, and other perks.