Used prices-might as well buy new?

[Elkins45]

So, what is your budget?
Do you want (or need) an FEL?
If you're thinking used, how handy are with wrenches?
And what types of cutter and cultivator are we talking about here?

1) Less is always better, of course, but I can comfortably spend 15K
2) Want-yes. Need-probably not.
3) I can fix most stuff on my mowers and am comfortable swapping out parts. I have never worked on engine internals beyond replacing a rod in a 1 cylinder mower. I know nothing about hydraulics.
4) 5 foot Bush Hog type rotary mower. The cultivator is a 70" Agric tiller. I already have it.

 

[TripleR]

I buy used or new depending on what I find. I am not a bit concerned about buying an older machine if I know its history. My L5030 was 7 years old with 735 hours. Since we have some tractors over 50 years old running strong, a ten year old machine doesn't concern me and around here you can save money buying one.

I too would go for a little bigger tractor.

 

[Lt CHEG]

The reality is that tractors just don't depreciate like cars do. That is not a bad thing though. As has been suggested often times bigger tractors can be found more reasonably as they seem to depreciate a little quicker.

 

[fredhargis]

This is my first post, and my ignorance of tractors is exceeded only by my confusion

For the $3K difference between the used 2900 and the new 2800 I get a three year warranty and a new tractor with 0 hours. Am I dumb to think that the new tractor is actually a better deal in this case?

I welcome any comments or suggestions.

Last April I was in the exact same boat, needing a tractor. I looked for months at used ones only to find them so expensive I concluded the more reasonable deal would be to buy new. At this point I still think that was the right approach. So you may be dumb for thinking that, but you are not alone in the opinion.

 

[RoyJackson]

When buying used, you need to look at tractors that are at least 5 years old. Newer then that, the owner may not be able to sell any cheaper (might still be paying on it) or has an unrealistic expectation of what he can get (part of that mentality is driven by TBN, I think).
Once the machine is paid, free and clear, there seems to be more room for negotiation.
As an example, my 4400 was 10 years old with 804 hours. Very clean and well maintained machine. The dealer price was $13K. To buy a 35HP (30 PTO HP) new, you're looking at a 3520. With a loader, the 3520 is going to be $20K (or more) even after discount.

 

[E/S]

Correct me if I am wrong, isn稚 he going to need at least 45 - 50 hp?

E/S

 

[ctgoldwing]

The financing is the key. Used tractors with 200-500 hours are usually withing a thousand or two of new. Warranty is gone or going and you have to pay premium % rate for a financing option. New wont guarantee that you wont have problems, but at least the fix is free. Newbys might want to be advised that many dealers if not all will charge you for pickup and delivery of your tractor to their shop even under warranty issues. This isnt cheap if you have to have that done a few times for a malingering problem that the dealer cant fix. Just another one of those things a tractor owner has to face. Frank discussion with the dealer on this in advance of buying will maybe solve the problem.

All good points Gary

Last year when I was in the market I assumed I would end up with a used machine with a few 100 hours on it. Didn't work out that way. The closest I came to buying was an L35 tlb with 300 hours on the clock. I really wanted an HST machine so when the owner was fixated on $25K it was real easy to go with a new L3400 with 5 yr 0% financing. I haven't looked back once

 

[bp fick]

When buying used, you need to look at tractors that are at least 5 years old. Newer then that, the owner may not be able to sell any cheaper (might still be paying on it) or has an unrealistic expectation of what he can get (part of that mentality is driven by TBN, I think).
Once the machine is paid, free and clear, there seems to be more room for negotiation.

Straight talk there.

 

[TripleR]

Correct me if I am wrong, isn't he going to need at least 45 - 50 hp?

E/S

That would certainly be my choice.

 

[Ford tractor]

If you are only wanting a smaller FEL for occasional light duty use (not digging a pond or basement,etc), why not look at a 40 year old tractor with 2wd.

4000 series 3 cyl diesel from the late '60's to early '70's. Will run 5-7000 in good condition. WWW dot Machinerytrader dot com is one place you can look to see a lot. Local craigslist is a good place too. They made gagillions of them. If you want a FEL, get a tractor with it attached and with PS.