Heavy farm equipment like tractors can be expensive to buy upfront, but you can rent until you are ready to buy. The following are a few things to keep in mind when renting a tractor. 

1. Discern Your Equipment Needs

Know what you need before you call the rental dealer. This means knowing the size of the tractor, along with any necessary attachments or equipment capabilities. When placing the rental order, always specify every equipment need before committing to pickup. It does no good to show up for your tractor pickup ahead of field preparation only to discover that the dealer only has bucket attachments available and no tillers. 

2. Establish the Rental Period

Rental periods can vary greatly, from a few hours to annual contracts. Some dealers even provide rent-to-own options. If you are renting just to try out equipment before making a purchase, then a day or two may be all you need. Daily rentals can get expensive if you use a tractor for weeks at a time, so in this case, a monthly or annual rental period will make more sense. 

3. Determine Towing Restrictions

If you plan to move the tractor on your own, it's important to know towing restrictions. First and foremost, make sure your vehicle and trailer can handle it. If the tractor falls under wide load restrictions, verify that you have the proper signage and any necessary permits to move the tractor on the roadway. Some rental dealers may also provide delivery services. Check to see if delivery is included in the rental price or whether it requires an additional fee.

4. Ask About Storage Options

Once on-site, storage of the tractor is a must since it needs to be returned in the same condition in which you rented. A covered storage area is ideal, particularly for long-term rentals. A barn, unused hay shed, or a simple canopy can protect the tractor from the elements and weather damage. Make sure you also have a way to secure the tractor when not in use. Smaller tractors, in particular, can be tempting to thieves.

5. Settle Insurance Requirements

Some dealers require rental insurance and they may even offer their own policies. Even if insurance isn't required, it's a good idea to make sure any rental equipment has coverage. You can purchase the dealer insurance, but first, you should check with your current farm policy. These sometimes provide coverage for equipment rentals. 

Contact a tractor rental service for more help or if you have further questions.