Somewhat embarrassing question.

LMan1967 · Sep 5, 2011

Um....how does one go test-drive various tractors...when you've never driven one before? :ashamed: I don't want to embarrass myself at the dealership.

I'm new to my area and don't know anyone here to ask to 'practice' on their tractor.

It's embarrassing to admit this, but I'm afraid of pulling the wrong lever or backing over something in the parking lot at the dealer. Any ideas? :ashamed:

jenkinsph · Sep 5, 2011

Simple answer to your problem, go to a dealer farther away and get a demo, make sure you tell the salesperson you have no experience. Not the way I would do it but in short this would work for you.

Now about your signature line, if we help you once I guess this means you are going to be coming back for more help?:laughing:

massey990 · Sep 5, 2011

IMO,"driving" a tractor is not much different than driving anything on four wheels.
They have steering wheels, throttles and brakes etc. What is more important when "test driving" a tractor is all the other functions like the 3ph, gear range selectors, PTO, loader controls etc. etc.

Have the salesmen demonstrate all these things and then see which configurations you are most comfortable with for the things you will be needing or using the most.

stevess · Sep 5, 2011

you will also find which dealer is actually good. if they point you in the direction of the tractor or take you to the tractor and show you how it's done. thats the place i would want to buy from.
steve

rekees4300 · Sep 5, 2011

Just tell the dealer you have no experience and perhaps he will have an open field in which you can test drive without any risk of collisions. Most modern tractors have a key like a car so if anything goes wrong just turn the key.

EddieWalker · Sep 5, 2011

Since you are wanting to buy a tractor, do you have land out in the country? A really good way to get to know your neighbors is to go ask them about their tractors. My guess is that if you ask to drive it and a lesson on how it works, they will be more then willing to teach you.

As for knowing what everything does, most are the same on every tractor, but it's not uncommon to get into a tractor and not have a clue what does what. Just take it slow and easy when trying everything out. Dealers get newbies all the time, and it's part of the job to explain to you what everything does, and to teach you how to run it.

Eddie

aebsmithcreek · Sep 5, 2011

i had run some tractors and equipment when i bought mine but knew nothing about picking one out. i started out by talking to folks i know who use tractors and telling them what i expected to do with one, i then took that info and went to atleast a dozen dealers via email/phone and got quotes on new and used equipment in the HP class i was interested in, almost without exception i was offered a at home demo from the dealers within 40 miles of the city i work in so that could be your out. one thing that surprised me with the guys i know who operate equipment every day was the lack of brand loyalty like you see with trucks, as a result im a ford man with a JD.

i cant be speakin for LMan Steve but i'll sure be back

, best knowledge base on the net i bet!!!! i sure hope he comes back, i wanna know what he buys and how he likes it overtime.

Now about your signature line, if we help you once I guess this means you are going to be coming back for more help?
__________________
Steve

aebsmithcreek · Sep 5, 2011

EddieWalker said:
Since you are wanting to buy a tractor, do you have land out in the country? A really good way to get to know your neighbors is to go ask them about their tractors. My guess is that if you ask to drive it and a lesson on how it works, they will be more then willing to teach you.

As for knowing what everything does, most are the same on every tractor, but it's not uncommon to get into a tractor and not have a clue what does what. Just take it slow and easy when trying everything out. Dealers get newbies all the time, and it's part of the job to explain to you what everything does, and to teach you how to run it.

Eddie

Excellent point Eddie. one of my neighbors had a tractor when i moved here, he stopped by before i was even moved in and told me to come get his ford anytime i needed it and when another moved into the community a few years later he stopped in to introduce hisself and offered his JD. i used the JD twice to mow. i made sure when i got my tractor to make sure to let them and my other close neighbors know the key is under the rags in the cup holder and to come get it when they need it wheather i'm home or not. thats one of the advantages of livin in dog patch..... the neighbors.

earl

creekbend · Sep 5, 2011

I don't know what part of the Country you live in. If approached by your request, most farmers would be "PLUM HAPPY" to show you their tractors and help assist you in driving and operational skills or at least help guide you through the steps. That is, if they are not too busy. Here in my part of NC, I and most of my neighbors, would be happy to oblige.The majority will understand that they, themselves, were beginners once. You shouldn't fear possible ridicule. Good Luck and Happy Tractoring.:tractor: