Surface rust on engine cowlings is purely cosmetic, but structural corrosion on chassis components poses genuine safety hazards. Examine the battery tray, lower cab pillars, fenders, and drawbars where road salt or chemical fertilizer accumulates. Deep flaking rust around critical load-bearing mounting points compromises frame rigidity when pulling heavy ground-engaging implements. https://www.chiguu.com/articles/high-hour-vs-low-hour-used-tractors-which-should-you-buy