With thousands of new and used tractors for sale across Ireland, FarmandPlant.ie gives you a wide choice of farm, row crop, utility, compact, subcompact, and lawn and garden models, from the smallest grass care tractors to the largest field models.
Read More (About Tractors)Even for brand-loyal farmers, the first thing to consider about a tractor is not whether it’s a John Deere or a Massey Ferguson, but the power output necessary to do the work. The size of farm, type of soil, and the crops being grown will all help to determine the top tractor for the job. We’ve offered some helpful tips below for buying a new or pre-owned tractor, including nearly new and late-model examples.
To help you find the right new or second-hand tractor, FarmandPlant.ie categorises them by engine power. Newer tractors tend to be more fuel-efficient with lower emissions levels.
300 or greater horsepower. Brawny 300+ horsepower (220+ kilowatt) tractors are the most expensive, feature-packed, and versatile. They have the power for large-scale commercial farm, hay, dairy, livestock, and construction operations. Besides large wheeled tractors, tracked models are also available for especially heavy-duty jobs and soft-terrain or other low-ground-pressure applications.
175 to 299 horsepower. This second tier of tractor power, 130.5 to 299 kW, offers multiple transmission options, precision farming technologies, larger fuel tanks, wider tyres, multi-control armrests, and comfortable enclosed cabs, not to mention the power to handle nearly any job or implement.
100 to 174 horsepower. Workhorse tractors in the 100- to 174-HP (75 to 130-kW) category can deal with heavy ploughing and other power-intensive operations as well as livestock, dairy, mixed-crop, field, and loader work. John Deere’s 6000 series is a particular Irish favourite.
40 to 99 horsepower. Featuring compact, midsize, and utility tractors used on small and medium agriculture operations, these 30- to 74-kW tractors are often equipped with a front loader for hauling stones, feed, and other materials.
Less than 40 horsepower. This section contains plenty of small, sub-30-kW tractors, used for jobs such as turf management for maintaining Ireland's excellent golf courses. Designed for acreages, small farms, and big gardens, these tractors include subcompact and smaller-frame compact models used for mowing, hauling, light grading, tilling, and more.
Having selected a size and power rating for your tractor, weigh up your requirements for the front loader, rear linkage, and so on. You should also consider the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) power, which indicates how much horsepower will actually be available to your implements and attachments, as well as its rotation speeds such as 540 and/or 1,000 rpm.
Similarly, check the litres-per-minute flow rating of the tractor’s hydraulic system and the number, position, and control of the remote valves to ensure they are suitable for your requirements.
The technology of tractors advances inexorably, and it can pay dividends in performance, efficiency, uptime, and operating cost. Some tractors have automated headland turning systems, for example. Many support wireless telematics systems including remote diagnostics and troubleshooting by the dealer. Look past the marketing and focus on technology that will actually help you on the farm.
The ergonomics and comfort features of the cab or operating station may be more important than you think. A relaxed, comfortable operator is more productive and alert, so it is also a matter of economics and safety. Look for adjustable steering wheels, air-sprung seats, and cab suspension. Most modern cabs have a good heater and air-conditioning system and many also offer a carbon cabin air filter to keep out dust, pesticide vapours, pollen, and molds. Visibility is paramount, so make sure that the view is clear from the driver's seat.
Finally, scrutinise the tractor’s fuel consumption figures and service intervals. Look at the pricing and availability of parts, and make sure that all user-serviceable components are within easy reach.
FarmandPlant.ie lists new and pre-owned tractors from sellers throughout Ireland and beyond. Major manufacturers include Case IH, Deutz Fahr, Fendt, Ford, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, and Valtra.
Popular models include the Case IH Puma 165 series, Deutz Fahr’s Argotron range, John Deere 6155R- and 6120-series tractors, Massey Ferguson’s 8S and 6480 series, and the New Holland T7.210 model family.