•

Size of the equipment

If we are in need of any farm equipment the first thing to decide is its size. In case of tractors and other stationary engine, its b.hp; in seed drills, the number of furrow openers; mover-bullock drawn or power drawn, and similarly to other farm equipments.

•

Initial cost

The cost of the equipment has a great influence on its selection.

•

Cost of operation

The equipment should be such that its fuel consumption should be less. It should have a good mechanical efficiency.

•

Maintenance charges

It should be strong enough to work under different conditions. Its moving parts should not wear quickly. They should be of good wear resistant material.

•

Availability of spare parts

Mechanically operated equipments need quick replacement of their broken parts. Before, buying, the availability of parts and quick services should be considered. For quicker services give the code number of the broken part (which is generally given in the service manual, supplied along with the equipment), its name, function, joining parts and if possible its shape and figure. These details will enable the service men to supply the correct part within the time.

•

Design

The machine should be operated easily and there should be very few adjustments. The controls should be easily understandable. The wearing parts should be as few as possible.

•

Adaptability to different works and conditions

Tractor should be such that it could be used for different types of work like ploughing, harvesting, transporting, pumping and supplying power to the stationery equipments. Implements should be such that they should be successfully adopted under varying conditions of soils and crops.

•

Trade Marks and trade names

Standard firms always try to make the reputation of their products. Their products bear a registered trade mark and trade name, which to some extent, is a guarantee of the firm. Machines with a number of mechanisms could not be checked at a glance, but if it bears trade mark or a good firm, it is supposed that the machine is worth purchasing.

•

Place of buying

A (tractor) machine should be purchased from factory, factory branches or local dealers. It is always advisable to buy from local dealers, which can help the farmers within time. They can provide quick service, advice and demonstration if required. Along with these the expected life of the machine should also be considered.

•

Type of tractors

Tractor should be selected for which type of work it should be used. Tractor should be selected considering general purpose, planting intercultural, worked under trees in orchards, in gardens that is walking type tractor and for heavy works etc.