What To See When Buying A Tractor

If you're looking for a small or compact tractor, it is important to make sure that you select the right machine - one that will do what you want it do, and do it safely, in comfort and with ease of operability. You should therefore aim to choose a machine with the design and specifications that will suit both the type of work you will be using it for and the environment in which it will be operating, and that you can also maintain without difficulty.

Small tractors need to be versatile machines, as they are generally put to a multitude of uses in a variety of climates and environments, and in all types of industries. Therefore, you need to consider the horsepower capabilities that are available and what will best suit your productivity needs. Leading manufacturers produce ranges of machines that have models with varying horsepower and this, combined with the tractor's power-to-weight ratio, should play an important part in your deliberations. You will also need to consider the type of transmission the machine has, especially if your work involves the tractor travelling at very slow speeds for extended periods of time. Similarly, it is important to think about whether you need either a two-wheel or a four-wheel drive option. Fuel efficiency is also important today more than ever, so you should examine closely what a potential new machine is designed to offer in this regard.

In addition, it is unlikely that you will be using a small tractor to perform one type of job only. Therefore, you might want to think about choosing a machine that can be used in agricultural, transport and field situations, or one that can also be used for PTO jobs or as a loader. Versatility is the name of the game, and so you should be looking at a machine that can take on the most roles with the least effort.

Operator comfort is vital when choosing a tractor. Like the machine, you will no doubt have a lot of long working days, and so it is important to look at how well the tractor's design considers user comfort. For instance, how intuitive are the controls? Are the ones that you will use most frequently conveniently located? You should also look carefully at the seat and the amount of swivel it has, vitally important if you need to look to your rear frequently. You should also consider whether it will be necessary to have an instructor's seat.

It is also more than likely that you will at one time or another be using your tractor in some extreme weather conditions, and so the quality and efficiency of the air conditioning system should play a role in your decision. Ideally, a cab that has numerous, individually adjustable vents creates the most pleasant working environment, whether you are out in the baking heat or working in extreme cold.

If you do decide to opt for a tractor with a cab, make sure that that there is sufficient headroom and good visibility on all sides - including above and to the rear - and that you can see the front of the machine from your driving position, especially important when you are using a front end loader bucket, for example. Likewise, if you are likely to be using the tractor in a situation where you have to get in and out frequently - to operate a fork lift, for instance - then it is important to make sure that the cab door opens widely enough so that you can get up and down quickly and easily, and that there is a flat floor in the cab.

Operating safety is of course paramount. If you will be operating the tractor on steep or uneven ground, then ROPS is essential. 

Tips for Safe Driving On High Traffic Roads

For many of us, the drive to work in the morning is a slow one. Rush hour traffic can 

easily turn a 10 minute commute into an hour long crawl. In truth much of this slowdown is unavoidable given the number of people taking to the road to get to work, but inconsiderate driving maneuvers are making the slowdown much more dramatic than it needs to be. With a more careful and considerate approach to navigating through heavy congestion, much of our daily rush hour traffic can be alleviated.

When you find yourself in heavy traffic, stay in your lane. Unless you need to make your way to the next freeway exit, there is no need to make these unnecessary lanes changes. There are no fast lanes when congestion hits. In reality, much of the backup created in rush hour traffic actually comes from these impatient drivers trying to exploit faster lanes. In making these constant lane changes, both their original lane and the lane they move into are slowed. By sticking to your original lane, traffic can flow at a consistent pace, and sudden stops are avoided.

When lanes changes are necessary, take note of the speed of the next approaching vehicle in the lane you are attempting to enter. If their speed is such that you changing lanes into them would require them to slam on the breaks, wait for them to pass. The key to a safe lane change is to wait for a gap where your vehicle can easily fit into without breaking the lane's flow. There is no sense forcing your way into another lane when there is no room for it. Traffic moves at an inconsistent pace, and gaps between vehicles form frequently.

It is also vitally important to give proper signaling before making any lane changes. In traffic, this means engaging your turn signal well before you attempt the maneuver to ensure that everyone in the neighboring lane is aware of the impending move. If you simply dart into a new lane, other drivers may be caught off guard, prompting a sudden and dramatic stop which has the potential to cause an accident or increased slowing.

On the other side of the spectrum, it is also important to keep an eye on the indicator lights of cars in neighboring lanes looking to merge into yours. When another car wishes to enter your lane, their available space will dictate your response. If room is lacking and sudden stoppage would be needed to prevent contact with an incoming vehicle, you should continue forward, and let that car marge in behind you. If ample space is available, you should allow them access, and avoid quickly accelerating to maintain you spot in your lane.

What To Watch Before Buying A Used Car

For many consumers, buying a new car is no longer realistic as new cars have gotten more and more expensive. Purchasing a used car allows a consumer to buy the make and model of car they want that they may not have been able to have afford as a new car. Used cars can be purchased from a small used car lot, from a manufacturer authorized dealership, or from an individual owner of the vehicle.

Regardless of where the car is purchased, there are many things that you must beware of, such as when someone says they ran the car through its 50 to 150 point inspection. All that means is that they had a check list and they can assure you the car has tires and the breaks are not falling off. The best used car will have one owner that has taken care of it and who has an accident free history. It is not uncommon to find that many used cars have been subject to prior accidents, use as a rental car, had its odometer rolled back, and even have been deemed to be a lemon. Here are some helpful tips when looking for and buying a used car.

1. The Carfax

We have all seen the commercials with the little fox popping up between a salesman and the customer telling the dealer to show the carfax. Carfax is the leading database on automotive histories and provides the history of the vehicle including accident damage, number of owners, mileage markings at various stages, then a vehicle has been declared a total loss, as well as service and maintenance history. Most dealerships have access to Carfax and use it regularly themselves. Request to see the Carfax report, as any retail seller will have it. If a dealer doesn't willingly supply you with the report you may want to look at another car or dealer. If you do your homework on- line before going to the dealer or you are purchasing from an individual that may not have a report for you, you can access it for about $30 by going to the website; all you need to do is have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

2. Warranty History Report

Running a Warranty History Report is second nature to an authorized dealer. The report will list all repairs performed on a vehicle throughout the warranty period. It is best to buy a used car from the dealer that sells the same brand of new cars so if you are buying a used Chevy, try to buy it from a Chevrolet new car dealership. If you are buying a Chevy from a Toyota dealer -you can take the VIN from one dealer and walk into another. Ask the service department for a warranty history report which will show all the repairs the vehicle had under warranty.

3. Bring a Mechanic

It doesn't hurt to take your own mechanic with you when examining a used car. Have them in to look at the car, drive it, check under the hood and look underneath the carriage. A well trained mechanic can tell if the vehicle has been properly maintained or if it has been damaged in an accident, and they will tell you what you can expect in the way of repairs.

4. Longer Test Drive

Over the years we have heard from clients that the used car worked just fine in the test drive and then, the moment it was taken off the lot, it broke down. How can it work fine right up to the point it is sold, then the problems come in a flurry? This can be a crazy coincidence, or it can be because people take short test drives to see if the car works. Drive the car for 3-5 miles before agreeing to buy it and, if you are a highway driver, take it on the highway. You may want to go back a few times to test drive it. If it breaks down or has any problems at all in the test drive - then chances are you will have problems all the way through. Do not be fooled by the salesman's promise that it is a minor problem that they will have fixed right up for free. This problem is a foreshadowing of things to come.

5. When Buying from an Individual, Ask Questions

Who did you buy this car from? How long did you have it? Have you had to repair it while you have had it? Has the car been in an accident before? These are all important questions to ask. Make the owner give you answers. While some of the consumer fraud and deceptive business practices statutes will allow a consumer to make a claim for concealed or omitted facts, most require that there be an actual misrepresentation of facts. It is not always enough that the dealer or owner failed to tell you something; instead they have to go so far as to lie to you in order for you to make a claim if you find yourself on the bad end of a sale.

6. Read All Paperwork

Whether the car you buy is new or used, there is a plethora of papers that have to be signed. There is no better time for a dealer to slip something past you, such as a disclosure that says "the dealer has made no representations regarding the history of this vehicle." If you followed the advice above, and got answers to your questions, the dealer did indeed make representations about the vehicle, and it would be foolish to sign or initial something saying he did not.

While going into a car sale armed with information is never fool proof, by following the above tips and tricks you can greatly reduce the risk of buying a vehicle that is going to break down on you. Get the Carfax and a Warranty History report, bring a mechanic, take a long test drive, ask the dealer questions, and read your paperwork. Then, you can take comfort that you have reduced the risk on your used car purchase. Remember, used cars aren't as cheap as they were 10 to 15 years ago. Make sure you love what you are buying and that you won't have to put additional money into it soon.

Tips and Tricks to Buy Cars For Sale

When searching for cars for sale there is no shortage of available options. Regardless of model, price and features you will be able to find what you're looking for. Autos are available in all price ranges, sizes, shapes, colors and fuel rating and are no further away than your computer screen.

Entering "cars for sale" into any search engine will instantly provide the prospective buyer with literally millions of choices from which to select. New cars, used or so-called pre-owned cars, big cars, little cars, classic cars, gas-powered cars, battery-powered cars, hybrid (gas/battery powered) cars; whatever type of car you're searching for, there are all types of cars.

And given the overall state of the automotive industry, it is a buyers' market where new cars are concerned. You can find new cars for sale at dealerships offering no interest financing, significant rebates and other buyer-friendly benefits that are designed to attract anyone and everyone who's in the market.

During the last half of 2009 an immensely popular government program known as "Cash for Clunkers" allowed many thousands of car buyers looking for cars for sale to take advantage of huge subsidies and purchase a new automobile. Suddenly, cars were being sold at record levels as many who wanted to buy a new car were finally able to do so with the help of the short-lived federal subsidy program. Countless others were disappointed when the program ended due to... well overwhelming success.

Autos now are no longer candidates for this subsidy, but despite that fact there are still more cars for sale than there are buyers. Hence the countless "sweetheart" deals being offered by new car dealers.

In addition to the incalculable number of outlets that have cars such as the online offerings and newspaper ads, there are also untold private individuals who have their cars listed. Among these are people who just want to sell a car they no longer need or want and also those entrepreneurs who buy at wholesale outlets or auctions and then resell the car for a profit like some real estate professionals do.

In the Internet age it is possible to go looking for cars for sale at any time of day because like Vegas, the web never sleeps. And with the widespread availability of Internet access being offered as a perk by more and more businesses such as cafes, restaurants and hotels, you can do extremely comprehensive searches anywhere at any time.

With the technology used by iPhones and other web-ready devices you can be riding down the highway (preferably while someone else drives) and perform detailed searches for cars for sale with a hand-held device.

People looking for cars online are a rapidly growing demographic as it's much easier to search from the comfort of your office or home than to actually travel to a dealership to "kick the tires." You can even "test-drive" a virtual car online while you're looking at cars for sale.

How To Get The Best Cars For Your Money

If you are considering used cars as your first car purchase, you should make sure that you get a great car for your money's worth. Here are some guidelines on how to get a great deal.

Make a budget

The budget should always come first before buying a car. It is difficult to be trapped in a financial commitment you can't handle. The monthly payment schemes in auto dealerships may be tempting but they will make you pay more than you should with interest in the long run. Cash is the best option to go because of there will be no interests and sometimes, customer friendly auto dealerships give promos for people who pay with cash.

If it's your first time, make sure it's certified

If you have no experience in buying used cars, try to stick with the manufacturer certified pre-owned cars. These cars have passed tests by the manufacturer to be sold again after being returned, for various reasons by the last owner. Compared to uncertified used cars, manufacturer certified pre owned cars are closer to brand new condition but they are also not perfect cars.
Inspect the warranty

All cars that have been certified by the manufacturers have a warranty period for services. Be cautious when inspecting this warranty and make sure you understand every detail about its duration and its coverage. It may also be advantageous to check who is providing the warranty; is it the manufacturer or the dealership's insurance company.

Have a mechanic check the car

Regardless of the car's certification, you should make it a habit to check the car's condition prior to buying. If you are a beginner with cars, take a friend with you when you are car shopping.
Use online car report service in your area
Make use of websites that can give you information regarding past incidents with the car. It is important to know if this car has any accidents in its history.

After buying the car, continue communication with the dealer

Auto dealers will probably not entertain you as much after your purchase but it is important to keep in touch with them especially immediately after making the purchase.

Accessories For A Brand New Car

For most people, owning their first car is a rite of passage, an act that entails responsibility and a mature approach to life; it's much like holding that driver's license for the first time. Owning a car for the first time is a major milestone for anyone, especially for teenagers. Even if they get a used car with faded dashboard covers or a dilapidated pickup truck with missing floor mats, the vehicle will still be a special something that will be remembered for decades.

While a traditional air freshener to hang on the rearview mirror is always the staple gift for first-time car owners, giving them custom seat covers is a guaranteed surprise. Complementing such presents with a nice set of specialized floor mats will neatly add to the trick. Gifts like these would be more than appreciated especially if the car is an old or pre-owned vehicle.

For those that came out from the showroom, the stock dashboard covers should be fine; there's no need to replace them for at least two years. Custom seat covers for the car owner work best if they are detailed to the exact requirements of the one who will be using the car most. Asking the car owner subtle questions on how he wants his car's interiors to look is a good way to fish for hints.

For those who aren't quite sure what to get, giving the car owner vouchers or discount coupons from carwash establishments are great options. They are also some of the most useful gifts one can give to a new car owner. Buying first-time car owners some carwash kits (sponges, washcloths, tire shampoos, etc.) or a book on how to use a hydraulic jack and replace a flat wheel are also viable ideas.

Not all car owners know much about a car's engine and how to make it start when it bogs down, so a book on jumpstarting a car is also an excellent gift. For those who are very superstitious, placing some statuettes of saints and other divine figures on the dashboard are good options as well.

For those who can afford expensive accessories, getting a car "pimped" with customized body paint or rigging it with powerful speakers can be arranged. Other, somewhat pricier accessories one can get a first-time car owner are customized racing seats, engine upgrades, or a cool set of tires. They are substantially more expensive than most accessories though --- so much that most people would rather install those accessories to their own cars rather than fitting them to someone else's.

All in all, people can buy first-time car owners a lot of stuff, ranging from the practical ones to the luxury additions and options. The only thing that matters is making sure that the gifts would blend right in. Knowing the year and the model can go along, so it's always best to know what the car's make is before cashing out.

Things To Know For buying A New Car

No matter whether you are buying a new car or how excited you are to have one, you'll find that you still need to be aware of some important tips. Buying a new car is fun, but you need to make sure that you do not end up with features you never use and unfavorable deals. Keep these tips in mind to make sure that your experience is a good one. 

If you know that you are going to be buying a new car, start shopping now. It is always better to buy a new car before your old one is completely shot. When you are dealing with a car that is completely destroyed, you'll find that you are shopping more urgently and with less care. If you can afford a new car before your old one finally dies, take advantage of the situation to shop carefully and comparatively.

The holiday season can be a little fraught due to the fact that everyone is shopping for gifts and preparing food. However, the truth of the matter is that while they are gift shopping and making food, they are not buying cars! The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are a remarkably low-traffic time for car dealerships, and on top of it, the dealerships are trying to clear out cars for their next year's stock. If you want to improve your bargaining position, be sure to go during these months.

Negotiation is a process that most of us do not have experience with, and this works against us when it comes time to buy a new car. Negotiation is required; you never have to take the lot price. Instead, remember that no matter how long the car negotiation goes on, you can always walk away from it. Some people feel that the longer they bargain for something, the more committed they are. Instead of thinking this, remember that you can always say no and walk away. This can empower you to do the negotiation that you need to do.

If you can pay for your car in cash, without settling a loan, you are in a very powerful bargaining situation. For example, you can ask a dealership to knock 7000 dollars of the price of a car if you are willing to pay cash on the spot. Even if you don't get that kind of reduction, you will be certain to get something that is far below the lot price. If you cannot put cash down immediately, secure a loan before you even walk on the lot. This will definitely inform your power to negotiate and it puts you in a more secure spot.

If you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your new car purchase, be aware that you need to fight for the right price!