Cost of Classic Tractors
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CliffordK
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2013
- Messages
- 2,104
- Location
- Eugene, Oregon
- Tractor
- Toro D200, Ford 1715, International 884,
How old are you wanting?
Check for Craigslist, Facebook, all the normal places.
Also hunt for local Farm Auctions.
Everything is a lot simpler with the older tractors than newer ones. However, there will be few computer hookups to tell you what is wrong with them, so you'll be on your own to figure out what is wrong.
However, also consider a lot of parts can be worn which could lead to time consuming and expensive repairs.
I'm working on a John Deere 440ic. Probably from the 1950's. I got it for about $1500. It was supposed to have low hours, but something is definitely wrong with that. It ran, but very poorly. It is barfing a lot of oil up the exhaust. So, I'm expecting a full engine rebuild. I found a 420c engine at a local parts dealer for $1500 that should fit it. It turned over, but once I got it open, I could see excessive cylinder wear.
OK, I've got 1 or 2 engines to rebuild.
One of the steering clutches wasn't working when I bought it. I've now adjusted it to 100% adjustment which was barely enough to catch. But, that will mean a new clutch pack, or two or three.
All the bucket bushings are very worn. Probably OK for my use, but I'd like to fix them if I'm going to ever sell it. The tracks seem OK, but I'm not an expert.
Anyway, I could well have $5000 invested in my $1500 dozer before it is really usable.
Now, on the good side... there are mighty few new dozers available in the USA under 10,000 lbs, with that class largely replaced by tracked skid steers. Buying an equivalent dozer less than 20 years old will put one between $20,000 and $100,000.
You may be best if you find a tractor that somebody has already rebuilt.
A person can put a lot of time and energy into rebuilding a tractor. Then when the widow tries to get rid of them, they're just not worth hardly anything. Yep, one of Mom's neighbors just did that.
The other thing to consider with the older tractors is how you'll be using them
Back until the 1970's or so, everything was 2 wheel drive, with split brakes to transfer drive from one rear wheel to the other.
Kubota started bringing in 4x4 tractors, then everything went to 4x4.
Lots of really good, quite powerful old tractors, but all 2WD.
NO ROPS.
The trike tractors may be fine for row cropping, but keep away from them if you're on a hill.
There should be some small utility tractors around that haven't been driven into the ground. Perhaps some yard work, or tilling a small garden. However, if less than 20 or 30 years old, they'll still be expensive.
Check for Craigslist, Facebook, all the normal places.
Also hunt for local Farm Auctions.
Everything is a lot simpler with the older tractors than newer ones. However, there will be few computer hookups to tell you what is wrong with them, so you'll be on your own to figure out what is wrong.
However, also consider a lot of parts can be worn which could lead to time consuming and expensive repairs.
I'm working on a John Deere 440ic. Probably from the 1950's. I got it for about $1500. It was supposed to have low hours, but something is definitely wrong with that. It ran, but very poorly. It is barfing a lot of oil up the exhaust. So, I'm expecting a full engine rebuild. I found a 420c engine at a local parts dealer for $1500 that should fit it. It turned over, but once I got it open, I could see excessive cylinder wear.
OK, I've got 1 or 2 engines to rebuild.
One of the steering clutches wasn't working when I bought it. I've now adjusted it to 100% adjustment which was barely enough to catch. But, that will mean a new clutch pack, or two or three.
All the bucket bushings are very worn. Probably OK for my use, but I'd like to fix them if I'm going to ever sell it. The tracks seem OK, but I'm not an expert.
Anyway, I could well have $5000 invested in my $1500 dozer before it is really usable.
Now, on the good side... there are mighty few new dozers available in the USA under 10,000 lbs, with that class largely replaced by tracked skid steers. Buying an equivalent dozer less than 20 years old will put one between $20,000 and $100,000.
You may be best if you find a tractor that somebody has already rebuilt.
A person can put a lot of time and energy into rebuilding a tractor. Then when the widow tries to get rid of them, they're just not worth hardly anything. Yep, one of Mom's neighbors just did that.
The other thing to consider with the older tractors is how you'll be using them
Back until the 1970's or so, everything was 2 wheel drive, with split brakes to transfer drive from one rear wheel to the other.
Kubota started bringing in 4x4 tractors, then everything went to 4x4.
Lots of really good, quite powerful old tractors, but all 2WD.
NO ROPS.
The trike tractors may be fine for row cropping, but keep away from them if you're on a hill.
There should be some small utility tractors around that haven't been driven into the ground. Perhaps some yard work, or tilling a small garden. However, if less than 20 or 30 years old, they'll still be expensive.
Paystar
Elite Member
Depends on make and model. Do you have RFD-TV? If not sign up on Mecum Auction's site and look at all the sold prices in the Gone Farming auctions. I always use that for reference. The auctions are broadcast on RFD-TV though Mecum did not have the spring or fall tractor auctions this year for some reason.
Prices have gone up since covid, just like everything else, but as the economy gets worse you will see them come back down.
I have used facebook sites like Marketplace and Antique Equipment Buy and Sell but I find most people there find the highest list prices on their model of tractor, then try and sell their "junk" for that same museum quality auction prices.
In general though, you can get a pretty good tractor for $2500 to $10,000 and it will outlive anything you can buy today.
Or you can buy a $90,000 new tractor and have bluetooth and cup holders for when you are sitting in it broke down with emission system issues, Bahahahaha.
Prices have gone up since covid, just like everything else, but as the economy gets worse you will see them come back down.
I have used facebook sites like Marketplace and Antique Equipment Buy and Sell but I find most people there find the highest list prices on their model of tractor, then try and sell their "junk" for that same museum quality auction prices.
In general though, you can get a pretty good tractor for $2500 to $10,000 and it will outlive anything you can buy today.
Or you can buy a $90,000 new tractor and have bluetooth and cup holders for when you are sitting in it broke down with emission system issues, Bahahahaha.
CliffordK
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2013
- Messages
- 2,104
- Location
- Eugene, Oregon
- Tractor
- Toro D200, Ford 1715, International 884,
What age of tractor, and what are you planning to do with it?
Here may be a rough idea of what you might consider. Others may have a more precise timeline.
Pre-1900's... Steam? Perhaps Kerosene.
1920's, 1930's, Doodlebugs, early Fordsons, etc. Steel wheels.
1940's to 1960's. Lots of good iron. 2WD. Trikes. This is where I think of the classic Ford tractors.
1970's. Perhaps some early Kubota 4x4 tractors.
1980's, and 1990's. Some pretty "modern" tractors, but without all the electronics. You can get 4x4, locking differentials, etc.
If you're wanting something for show, look for something really old.
If you're wanting a working tractor, you can probably get something back to about 1950 or so, depending a bit on whether you want 2 WD or 4WD.
If you want something relatively modern, but at a cheaper price, keep an eye open for something from the 1970's to 1990's. There have to be some good tractors around. But, they will command a bit of money.
Here may be a rough idea of what you might consider. Others may have a more precise timeline.
Pre-1900's... Steam? Perhaps Kerosene.
1920's, 1930's, Doodlebugs, early Fordsons, etc. Steel wheels.
1940's to 1960's. Lots of good iron. 2WD. Trikes. This is where I think of the classic Ford tractors.
1970's. Perhaps some early Kubota 4x4 tractors.
1980's, and 1990's. Some pretty "modern" tractors, but without all the electronics. You can get 4x4, locking differentials, etc.
If you're wanting something for show, look for something really old.
If you're wanting a working tractor, you can probably get something back to about 1950 or so, depending a bit on whether you want 2 WD or 4WD.
If you want something relatively modern, but at a cheaper price, keep an eye open for something from the 1970's to 1990's. There have to be some good tractors around. But, they will command a bit of money.
JimRB
Veteran Member
My 1996 JD 870 is a classic if you use Nationwide Insurance's definition of a classic car, aged 20-40 years. Starts every time and works if I have a good battery and good battery cables. As others have mentioned you need to define your goals with owning a classic tractor. If you want a tractor to work is one thing, if you want a tractor to trailer pull for parades might be another thing. Dupont restore or proper engine rebuild, steering linkage rebuild and everything else before paint? Lots of variation in definitions.
sea2summit
Elite Member
Agree. OP may have well as asked which city in the Unites States has a drive through.
Texasmark
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Messages
- 3,694
- Location
- N. Texas
- Tractor
- Ford: '88 3910 Series II, '80 3600, '65 3000; '07 6530C Branson with FEL, 2020 LS MT225S. Case-IH 395 and 895 with cab. All Diesels
I have been at it for over 45 years now. I started with what you are looking for and migrated to more modern equipment. Antiques are a good place to start but the more hours you put in the saddle the more you appreciate and will pay for the more modern conveniences.
CliffordK
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2013
- Messages
- 2,104
- Location
- Eugene, Oregon
- Tractor
- Toro D200, Ford 1715, International 884,
A lot will depend on how much you're using the tractor. It is awfully nice to run out and jump on the tractor and it will go.
If you're using the tractor a couple of times a year, to mow 5 acres, perhaps it really doesn't matter.
If you're plowing and planting 1000 acres every year, then get good equipment.
If you have a business of mowing hay for everybody in the neighborhood, then it is best to invest in equipment that won't let you down.
I have an uncle that was using an old John Deere Trike up into the mid 90's before he retired because he liked the way it drove down rows for cutting sugar beets out of the ground. He was quite fastidious about keeping the maintenance up on all of his equipment, new or old.