John Deere’s compact utility tractors are a popular tool for many individuals and businesses.
These versatile machines can be used for various tasks, from lifting pallets to scooping dirt and scraping fields. They are basically an all-in-one tool for your needs.
You have a lot to consider if you’re in the market for a compact tractor.
For example, there are more than 20 John Deere compact tractor variations across four series. With each variation, you’ll get a different set of functions, capabilities and features.
Once you’ve researched and settled on what kind of compact utility tractor is right for you, consider whether to buy new or used.
How should you make this decision?
For more than 50 years, RDO Equipment Co. has sold, serviced, and supported John Deere machinery.
Over the last five years, we’ve sold more than 4,700 compact tractors, including more than 500 used tractors.
In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of buying a new tractor over a used one and vice versa.
Advantages of Buying a New Compact Tractor
John Deere makes top-of-the-line compact tractors. When you’re picking out yours, rest easy knowing that with proper maintenance, storage and support, it can last you decades.
Here are four advantages of buying a brand-new compact tractor.
Advantage 1: Tap Into the Latest Innovations
John Deere is an innovative company. The world around us is changing rapidly and their products are changing with it. Each year, John Deere’s compact utility tractors feature upgrades to the previous versions, created to help you complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
When you buy new, you’ll take advantage of the latest and greatest in the compact tractor lineup. This is a key advantage of buying a new tractor.
Advantage 2: You’re the First Owner
Purchasing a used machine can be more risky than buying new. Used compact tractors may have hidden issues, which can lead to hefty maintenance bills, productivity delays and more headaches than you bargained for.
Although a good dealer (like RDO) will dedicate time and resources to inspecting and fixing up its used machines so they’re ready for you, the potential for issues should be mentioned.
You’re the first owner of a new machine, which means you know exactly what it has been through and can manage its maintenance.
Advantage 3: Fresh Warranties
The warranty on a compact tractor starts the moment it's purchased. Each John Deere compact tractor comes standard with a 72-month, 2,000-hour warranty, covering repairs on specific components.
Where you’d have limited (if any) warranty left on a used tractor, with a new one, the warranty is all yours.
Although you can buy extended warranties with John Deere PowerGard, this can only be done when the original warranty is still active. This is a major reason why having fresh product warranties is an advantage of buying new.
Advantage 4: More Purchase Incentive Opportunities
You'll usually find an active purchase incentive as you browse new compact equipment listings — either online or at a local dealer. This could be in the form of financing incentives (0 percent of 72 months), price reductions, cash incentives and attachment packages (buy x and get y thrown in).
Used inventory offers fewer incentive opportunities, especially when it comes to financing.
Advantages of Buying a Used Compact Tractor
Although they can be a great fit for many, buying a new compact tractor doesn’t always make sense for everyone. Here are the advantages of purchasing a used John Deere compact tractor.
Advantage 1: Lower Purchase Price
From a sticker price perspective, used compact tractors can be less expensive than new versions.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll get the most bang for your buck purchasing a three-year-old compact tractor, but you also have to pay attention to the machine hours.
If price is a concern, expect to save 10-30+ percent buying a used compact tractor.
Advantage 2: Depreciation Savings
John Deere makes a great product. These compact utility tractors can withstand the test of time and remain in your family or fleet for decades.
Like any other new machine, John Deere compact tractors can depreciate significantly over the first couple of years.
You can avoid the main portion of this price depreciation by purchasing used.
Advantage 3: Lower Insurance Costs
Insurance is another way to save money when purchasing new vs. used machines. This is tied to the estimated value of the machine. There is a sweet spot where a lower-value machine in good condition equates to lower insurance costs.
Although often overlooked, saving money on recurring insurance premiums is a great advantage of purchasing used.
Advantage 4: Less Risk If You Want to Exchange
Buying a compact tractor, especially your first one, can be intimidating. It’s difficult to know which variation will meet your needs. Should you buy a 1 Series? If so, does the 1023E or 1025R make the most sense? Or, does a 2 Series make more sense?
Talking with a trusted source (like a salesperson at your local RDO store) is a great way to figure this out, but it’s still hard.
Should You Buy New or Used?
Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a black and white choice.
What makes sense for one person might not make sense for another. However, if price is your primary concern, purchasing a used compact tractor usually makes sense.
On the flip side, if you’re less concerned with price and want the peace of mind of having a warrantied machine, we recommend buying a new compact tractor — there are fewer unknowns. Also, if you’re doing a lot of work where performance is a big area of need, we recommend buying a new compact tractor.
It’s up to you to make this decision.
Doing your research, talking to experts and getting hands-on with the machines you’re considering are all important in this process.
Alex Mitchell
Alex Mitchell is passionate about customers, John Deere machines and RDO Equipment Co. As an Account Manager, Alex enjoys educating potential customers on what John Deere equipment can deliver, and he especially loves showing them they can turn their dreams of owning a Deere into reality.
