Newb with MF 253 pricing ?

[Duwop]

1988 MF 253 1900+ hours.
I'm just looking for a range of average pricing for this model. I thought dealer asking 10000 was to high but I know little to nothing about tractors.

 

[Hirascomo]

I recently purchased a 1995 253 w/ 1019 hours. I can't help you with average pricing, but I paid 10k for mine which included a MF 232 FEL. I understand that there were a few options available on this model, mine has the wide wheelbase option, but does not have the shuttle shift. (I wish it had the shuttle shift)

I would say overall condition of my tractor considering it's age is about a 7 or 8 out of 10. It's a nice clean tractor with no major issues other than I replaced some of the hydraulic lines from the rear remotes that were dry rotting. Mine does have some sheet metal dents, a couple of the lights weren't working, and the tires are somewhat aged but still usable. The attached picture will give you an idea of my tractor's condition at purchase compared to the one that you are looking at.

 

[Duwop]

Thanks for response, yours shows well and has loader so I would have given this price. The one I was shown does not show well, it's paint is dull and missing, lights inoperable, fuel gauge inop, tires are 50%. Dealer is fixing electrical problems and asked me to cover 212.00 for new radiator and agreed to sell at 9000

 

[RollingsFarms]

Thanks for response, yours shows well and has loader so I would have given this price. The one I was shown does not show well, it's paint is dull and missing, lights inoperable, fuel gauge inop, tires are 50%. Dealer is fixing electrical problems and asked me to cover 212.00 for new radiator and agreed to sell at 9000

That's still too high in my opinion. I would say 7,000 tops and that's with everything working. I would not pay to have a radiator replaced and still be asked to overpay for an average condition tractor. There are better deals out there on cleaner tractors. Trust me, I just picked up one I'd been searching for years for with low hours in great shape for a decent price.

 

[Duwop]

That's still too high in my opinion. I would say 7,000 tops and that's with everything working. I would not pay to have a radiator replaced and still be asked to overpay for an average condition tractor. There are better deals out there on cleaner tractors. Trust me, I just picked up one I'd been searching for years for with low hours in great shape for a decent price.

I hear ya, wait it gets worse. My DA$$ agrees and paid for the thing and he has had the tractor for three weeks with no delivery date to speak of and repairs are incomplete. I may have to get my attorney involved as it can't really be a sale if I never took delivery. I can spell Refund

 

[Mrfarmertrees]

I know that the question was about the price. Thought I would chime in about the machine itself. I owned a 253 for 17 years and would still have it today if my wife hadn't made me sell it in order to get a larger machine ("you don't need two tractors"). It was an extremely reliable machine. In the17 years I owned the machine only had a seal go out on one of the steering cylinders. The kit ($110) and a twelve pack of beer to a friend and the tractor was running again. I did all maintenance as scheduled in the manual. I would highly recommend the 253 they are a really well built machine. My two cents for what it's worth.

 

[RollingsFarms]

I hear ya, wait it gets worse. My DA$$ agrees and paid for the thing and he has had the tractor for three weeks with no delivery date to speak of and repairs are incomplete. I may have to get my attorney involved as it can't really be a sale if I never took delivery. I can spell Refund

I think you are seeing what life is going to be like with this dealer if you ever need parts or anything else. Are you specifically wanting a 253 or just a tractor of similar size and age?

 

[Duwop]

My research suggests that the 253 is a good tractor. One of my neighbors works for the dealer, my neighbor says this is a good tractor and has the features, power steering, arm rests, canopy and low hours which should last. Dealer took it in on trade in deal for new tractor. He was aware of the minor electrical issues but swears it's a good tractor. ( no warranty) I wanted a good tractor for a fair price, I could buy them all day for 2500-4500 on craigslist but most of those are probably worn out. It's been my experience here that the farmers buy equipment and ride it til it dies get some kin folk to get it started and off load on the next sucker ( me). I know very little about tractors and had to trust my neighbor had my back on this deal, but unless it ever gets to my land I won't know. I probably don't need a tractor except that I don't want it to grow back to Forrest. I am a hopeful person as of now hoping for the best.

 

[Duwop]

It's here! Finally delivered this morning and I am glad to add her to the stable. At advice of dealer I took the blade pins out and coated with anti- seize so she's ready to go to work.

 

[RollingsFarms]

That's a nice tractor! I hope I can find me one similar to it someday!

 

[Hirascomo]

Congrats on the tractor Duwop !

I have owned a handful of different tractors, the 253 is my favorite. Granted, I have less than 200 hours that I have put on her so far, so hardly a test, but in my opinion, a true work horse if there ever was one.

Enjoy !!

 

[Duwop]

That's a nice tractor! I hope I can find me one similar to it someday!

I thought green guys were always green guys:thumbsup:

 

[Duwop]

Congrats on the tractor Duwop !

I have owned a handful of different tractors, the 253 is my favorite. Granted, I have less than 200 hours that I have put on her so far, so hardly a test, but in my opinion, a true work horse if there ever was one.

Enjoy !!

thank you I hope I enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed my cub.

 

[fieldman12]

Its hard to beat the little MF tractors. They usually are cheaper to buy than other brands in that time frame, usually weigh more, and are reliable.

I thought green guys were always green guys:thumbsup:

 

[masseyrider]

over the years we had many masseys. My dad started farming with 3 little grey fergies and when he could afford it moved on to 135s and a whole range of 200 series, and now just as a hobby farmer I have 3. However my favorite for dependability, fuel usage etc was the 2 253s we had. Great utility tractor. Hope your experience is as good as ours was.

 

[Duwop]

Field man, I thought prices are high mine is an 1988 and it's still 9 grand with 1950 hours. I'm happy as it does what I need It also fits me.

Masseyrider so far so good I'm hogging about 4 acre with it I need it to last another 20 years.