I'm a complete tractor novice, never driven one in my life - can you help me?

Absolutely! If you need advice, we're only a phone call away - we're here to help.

Where do your implements come from?
Machines from Discount Implements are built in China.

Why are Discount Implements such awesome value for money?
Machines from Discount Implements are awesome value because they are imported directly from the manufacturer. We have no commercial lease to pay. Tractors and implements are stored in a  rural shed, so we pass the savings directly on to you.

What is the warranty?
Unless otherwise stated, our new implements come with a 12 month back-to-base or parts warranty. Simply return the faulty part for replacement.

Do your implements comply with Australian standards?
Yes.

What is the cost and availability of parts?
Parts are available throughout Australia and details given to purchasers. Parts are available from us also. Spare parts are readily available from our extensive spare parts department - minimize your down time and increase your productivity, knowing that your spare parts will be sent to you quickly and hassle-free.

Where do you deliver?
Discount Implements delivers Australia Wide.

Do implements require any assembly?
Yes. Most implements have some assembly required, they're typically partially assembled for transportation. Tightening of all bolts is required.

What lubrication do implements require?
Unless otherwise stated, all implements with gearboxes, such as slashers, post hole borers and rotary tillers, are shipped dry and require the addition of gear oil.

What type of three-point linkage does the tractor have?
The tractor has a Category 1 three-point linkage

How much weight can the three point linkage lift?
This depends on the specifications of your tractor. Please review the specifications for your tractor.

How much fuel does a tractor use?
Approximately 5 - 7 litres per hour, depending on engine capacity, speed, load, etc. Please review the specifications for your tractor.

What type of spline does the PTO have?
The PTO spline is a standard F35, 6 teeth, Clockwise rotation

What speed and power does the PTO deliver?
The PTO often has dual speeds: 540 / 1000 RPM. Please review the specifications for your tractor.
 

Is there a relationship between Engine Displacement and Horsepower?
Technically speaking, no. While both horsepower and engine displacement oftentimes correlate with one another, that's not always the case. Two engines with the same engine displacement can generate different rates of horsepower.

Factors that affect an engines horsepower output include:

• The type of valves used

• The use of a turbocharger

• Compression ratios

• High HP/displacement often is produced by tuning so peak torque occurs at higher RPM.

• Type or quality of fuel used.

Thus, no single value can be used as a universal conversion rate to convert your engine's displacement to horsepower.

As an extreme example, some race cars have an engine displacement of just two litres, and yet pump out around 1000 Horsepower - however such engines are usually running at 10,000 RPM, but they have a limited lifespan.

I've just bought a new Tractor, is there anything I should do before using it?

Yes. New tractors are tested with water in the cooling system. We recommend draining the radiator and refilling it with a rust inhibiting (green) engine coolant - not water. It's also recommended that you drain the oil and replace with new oil. Your tractor will come with a Tractor Care sheet, which outlines all the recommended procedures which should be carried out on a new tractor.

I haven't had my tractor very long, but the engine oil is already turning black! Is this normal?

Yes. Diesel engines produce carbon at a higher rate than petrol engines. This carbon is deposited in the lubricating oil; and is perfectly normal.

It's difficult to change gear and ratio, is my gearbox faulty?

No. It's common for the gearbox in a new tractor to be stiff. Simple remedy is to drive the tractor around a paddock for a few laps, changing gears constantly while doing so. The gears will become "run in", and gear changes will become smoother. Some tractor models require the gear change to be performed in a certain sequence.

Is a tractor like a car?
No. This is the most common mistake new tractor owners make. The only similarity is that the tractor has 4 wheels and an engine, but that's where the physical similarity ends.

Driving a tractor is nothing like driving a car. A tractor, as the Latin name implies, being the agent noun of trahere, meaning "to pull". A tractor is a machine designed to pull loads, at low speeds and as low to the ground as possible. Also, turning excessively sharp corners is not recommended - where possible, always take turns wide - tractors have a much higher centre of gravity than a car, and as such, are much easier to roll over if the operator is not paying proper attention.

Whilst an experienced operator can change gears on the move, it's strongly recommended for first time tractor owners to select an appropriate gear while stationary. A tractor has a 'crash' gearbox, much like some large trucks, rather than traditional 'synchromesh' found in most cars. With a tractor, there is an art to changing gear while moving.

By selecting the gear before moving off, this greatly reduces the chance of 'gear crunching'.

The only other real similarity with a car is that riding the clutch will cause premature wear, and ultimately, total clutch failure; whereby the tractor will not move at all, even when 'in gear'. The most common cause of clutch-riding, is the operator using the clutch pedal as a foot-rest - a nasty and often expensive habit!

Can I leave my tractor in Four Wheel Drive permanently?

This is strongly discouraged. Four wheel drive is a useful feature for a tractor to have, but in reality, is only ever needed about 10% of the time. Early tractors such as the iconic grey Massey Ferguson were never equipped with four wheel drive, and yet they managed just fine without it. In reality, there are very few times when four wheel drive is necessary - it's typically only needed if loss of traction is unexpectedly encountered. The same rule applies to the use of diff locks.

If, for example, the operator wishes to slash a paddock, but it's been raining and the ground is waterlogged, this is not an appropriate time to be slashing, as the tractor will make a considerable mess and likely bog down.