A tractor is a go-to equipment for various activities, including field preparation, planting, and crop harvesting. Yet, with costs for new models ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, tractors may seem like an expensive investment for farmers.
This begs the question: why are tractors so expensive? In this article, we’ll look at the factors that go into the high price of tractors, such as the sophisticated engineering and technology used in their design, the price of raw materials, and the economies of scale used in production and distribution.
This way, farmers better understand how to buy, use, and maintain this essential machinery.
Tractors are an Important Farm Equipment
For many farmers, tractors are an essential piece of equipment for the farm. Although they may need a sizable initial investment, the spending is worthwhile due to the enhanced productivity, efficiency, and value they provide to the farm business.
Often, they are essential at ranches to excavate and move tons of earth, not to mention the daily transfer of thousands of haystacks to the barn. Additionally, tractor breakdowns are rare due to their durability, making them useful all year round.
However, it is undeniable that tractors keep their value over the long term, especially when farmers ensure their complete maintenance.
Why Are Tractors So Expensive?
Tractors are sophisticated equipment made to survive constant usage and demanding working environments. As a result, they can be expensive to produce, which raises the cost of the product as a whole. Some of the significant factors that contribute to the high cost of tractors include:
1. Complexity
Tractors are more complex than they appear to be. Unknown to many, they have many moving parts and fragile little pieces. This information implies that if something does go wrong, fixing it will be costly. Furthermore, tractors are pretty complicated, which is why repairs to them are expensive.
2. Contemporary Technology
Tractor costs have gone up as a result of technological developments throughout time. As the launch of newer versions happens, the price of the older model drops. This drop is because of the modifications made to the newly released tractor models.
Often, they will be lighter, safer, and more manageable than the older model. For instance, the manufacturers could change the maximum weight they can sustain or the fuel they need.
Therefore, they cost more than their predecessors, but people are okay with paying a little extra. Nonetheless, they are often more trustworthy and secure for customers.
3. Extended Lifetime
Since tractors have long lives, their owners can use them for a while. The longer a tractor can last, the higher the price.
Additionally, the notion that brands usually raise the prices of highly durable products counts. These products save you repair money, so you don’t have to spend much when using them often.
So, when you buy a tractor at a greater price upfront, you are confident of its durability, which saves money over time and makes your investment worth it.
4. High-Cost to Replace Parts
Tractor spare parts can be expensive, especially from the original manufacturer. Since buyers of tractors are aware that the expense of repairs and upkeep can mount up, this can be a significant barrier.
Additionally, there is the bother of having to either wait for someone to have what you need in stock or find someone selling it at a reasonable price. One of the main reasons tractors have such a bad image for being expensive to maintain is due to the unavailability of the component during replacement and repair situations.
5. High Need
All around the world, there is a considerable demand for tractors. As a result of the sizable market for them, brands that produce them can raise their prices. Farmers also pay more for them, which drives up the cost of the products they cultivate.
6. Pricey Materials for Production
Due to the high cost of materials used in their construction, tractors are expensive. The tractor’s frame and other parts are made of steel, aluminum, and other metals. The price of the tractor increases since the materials cost a lot.
Due to its adaptability and durability, steel is essential for manufacturing a tractor. It was an easy choice for making tractors because it is also lightweight yet robust enough to be used in many applications.
7. Research and Design
Creating and researching a tractor takes time and money because it is a complicated piece of equipment with many moving parts. Before they complete the design and begin manufacturing, tractor manufacturers must test new designs for years.
How Much Does a Farm Tractor Cost?
According to recent statistics, a new tractor could cost as much as $620,000 and be as affordable as $4,500. The following elements affect how much a new farm machine costs:
- Year of production
- Model
- Size
- Suspension system type
- Attachments (backhoe, loader, rake) (backhoe, loader, rake)
- Customization level
The price range ensures that most farmers who cannot afford modern equipment can afford other brands of tractors. Furthermore, they concentrate on used tractors since they are more affordable and dependable than new tractors.
A farmer can own a used tractor for as little as $3,500. All you need to do is locate a machine with less than 5,000 used hours and have it serviced.
Given that replacement parts for older machines are pretty pricey and accessible, you will only need to spend a few dollars on restoring the equipment. So, you might think about getting repairs from a nearby technician. Furthermore, used rigs are simple to change.
Furthermore, used tractors may not have the latest technology improvement, but it still satisfies the basic need of the farmer.
What Tractor is the most expensive?
Many tractor models have come off the assembly line since 1892. The following models have stood out as the most expensive, as many others have gone out of production over time.
- Quadtrac 580 from Case IH
- 540 Case IH Quadtrac
- 9620RX John Deere
- NEOHORSE T9.700
In any case, the Case IH Quadtrac 620 comes in first place as the most expensive machine. The colossus’ 628 horsepower engine makes it a good choice for farms that need sowing and tilling. The rig also has the most recent HI-eSCR2 exhaust system, contributing to its high cost.
If you want one with the best performance and consumption figures, the Case IH Quadtrac 620 is the farm machine you need. Without a doubt, the rig can navigate any terrain and do any work.
Conclusion
Tractors are expensive because of how complicated their design and construction are and how much money manufacturers need to produce, operate, and maintain them.
Now that you know this, you understand that the tremendous value tractors provide to the agricultural sector and their critical role in sustaining the global food supply is essential. So, adding this machinery to your farm is a good investment.
