Buying a tractor for your business can be a major investment, and you need to be sure that your heavy equipment continues to run flawlessly for years. Seemingly minor problems with your tractor can quickly spiral out of control and bring your company to a grinding halt.
Create a Protected Storage Area
Even though most modern tractors are incredibly durable, your new equipment is going to last much longer if you prevent unnecessary wear and tear. When the tractor isn’t being used, it should always be stored in a covered area where the sunlight won’t damage the rubber and plastic. During the coldest months of the year, the tractor will need to be winterized and kept in a dry area.
Invest in the Right Attachments
Trying to use the same attachment on every project could result in a wide variety of mechanical issues down the line. Before your tractor gets used too much, you should consider taking a look at a company like Steve’s Equipment Attachments to get a better idea of various upgrades and add-ons. Investing in different attachments is also going to make your tractor much more versatile, and that will save you money in the long run.
Consider Renting It out to Other Businesses
Your tractor could be one of your company’s largest physical assets, and it might be tough to make that investment worthwhile. Even if you are using the equipment every week, you should still think about renting it out during your off-hours. Before you rent out your heavy equipment, it needs to be protected with a comprehensive insurance policy. You might also need to come up with a solid contract that limits your risks.
Get a Good Warranty
The average tractor is going to come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty, but that protection won’t always going to be enough. Fixing commercial equipment can be prohibitively expensive, and that is why you should ask the dealer if they offer additional protection. Many heavy equipment dealers also have maintenance contracts that will cover tire inspections, topping off fluids, replacing hoses, checking belts, reading error codes, and other important tasks.
In addition to these few tips, you should also make sure that the tractor is properly serviced by an experienced mechanic. If the tractor is being used quite frequently, then it might need to be fully serviced as often as once every two or three months.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.