I have spent over 6 months actively researching purchasing tractors in person, at auctions, and over the internet.  I want to share some of the things I have learned as to help prevent others from making costly mistakes.

• Newer or low hours do not necessarily equate to no issues. I have been at auctions where tractors 1 year old and less than 200 hours had serious transmission or other issues. This was not mentioned in the ads... Also, by the time a tractor had about 3000 hours it usually was in need of major repair work. You really should go see the tractor.
• Use. County or gov owned equipment typically have high, hard use, hours. Plowing and brush hogging is tough on tractors. Beware the seller that says I do not know. They should know as that is thier responsiblity as the seller.
• Pictures typically do not show up flaws. In every case where I have seen pictures and then went to see the tractor there were minor to significant flaws that the pictures did not show, and was not mentioned by the seller. These were things like rust holes, cracks, leaks,  tire checking, engine skip, poor clutch, brakes, non functioning PTO, etc. Some sellers do try to list and show all defects, MOST DO NOT and have a buyer beware attitude, so be cautious, and beware ads with little detail and picture quality. Also, keep in mind that NO picture can ever tell you how the mechanicals operate. Demand details!
• Beware sellers that do not provide a detailed review of the tractors mechanical and cosmetic conditon, and list as is where is. In almost every case I have found serous issues not listed in thier ads and even in discussions over the phone. If the tractor is in good shape or thay have listed all known issues, they should have no issue with the buyer checking the tractor out before or AFTER the sale.  If they do you should be cautious.
• Demand a detailed review of the tractors condition. A few sellers do try to do this, MOST do not. They SHOULD, it is thier responsibility as the seller. They SHOULD know the general condition of the tractor, The engine, transmission, brakes, clutch, pto, 3 pt hitch, hydraulics, etc., can be checked for operation in a matter of MINUTES, there is no excuse to not provide this. If they do not have the expertise, they should get someone that does. Beware those that do not provide detailed information.
• Beware those that demand a large down payment before actually seeing the tractor or coming to pay for it. Beware new sellers, They MAY be ok, but then again, they may not.  People are getting scammed everyday and it is on the increase. Once the money is in thier hands it is almost impossible to get it back.. use common sense here if  something does not feel right... CHECK IT OUT BEFORE you send money... a real seller should have no issue exchanging information, or working out alternate payment methods, etc.