Selling my MF 241, looking for ballpark estimate of value

[Megan from CT]

Thank you, Carl; great idea!

 

[TractorTech]

From the west coast, I agree that $7000 is a starting point. Missing drawbar is not a big deal and won't add value if you add it. May be a negotiating point if a prospective buyer notices it missing. Even though you used for vegetable rowcrops, the tires are plenty wide for GP use. Also in very nice condition.

Looks in very nice shape for its age.

 

[Carl_NH]

Looking at your tractor again, you have years of experience built up (dust and dirt) so suggest pressure washing first to remove the loose top layer, then spray the super clean or simple green full strength while its wet.

Then let it sit for a bit, pressure wash again - you might need a brush on the wheels and other grime.

If the hood and fenders are still dull, get some polishing compound in an hour or less it will look like new!

Post some pics once you get it cleaned up.

 

[Megan from CT]

Thank you, Carl; great idea. I've only ever used water before.

 

[Megan from CT]

From the west coast, I agree that $7000 is a starting point. Missing drawbar is not a big deal and won't add value if you add it. May be a negotiating point if a prospective buyer notices it missing. Even though you used for vegetable rowcrops, the tires are plenty wide for GP use. Also in very nice condition.

Looks in very nice shape for its age.

Thanks, TractorTech. I do have the drawbar. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

That series of MF tractors was a solid and dependable workhorse. The downside is that today everyone wants four wheel drive utility tractors, so the market is a bit depressed on the 2WD, no matter how solid and how versatile the tractor may be. I'm thinking the $7-8K price is a good place to start. Since you're retiring and just want it gone, you don't have to hold out for the full 8K, but can negotiate a bit. In your market area, you may end up settling for a bit less due to the proliferation of the CUT 4WD tractors. However, for a small operation, that would be a great buy. I would agree that the Perkins engine is a good selling point, so worth mentioning in any advertisement.

 

[can do]

Hi all, I have had a great experience using my MF 241 these past 18 years ... it's now about 24 years old, has 1618 hours on it (an accurate reading).
I'm the second owner; 1st owner was a weekend warrior; I am a vegetable farmer but small scale, hence the low hours count.
I've had the tractor maintained over the years ... with extensive overhaul of hydraulics a few years ago. Just put in a new pressure power steering line. No issues. Starts and runs great.
It's a 48 hp tractor, 2WD.
I'm retired as of this year and therefore looking to sell, preferably locally in NW CT.
Hard to find comparables on the web. I've looked at: Fastline, Sheffel's, Wenger's, TractorHouse, EquipmentTrader.
Wondering if any of you out there would feel comfortable suggesting a ballpark asking price, or have other advice to get me on the road there?
Many thanks,
--Megan

IMHO, & looking at the pictures, & your location this M-F 241 should bring about $6,500.00 all day, But I would ask $8,200.00 as a starting point, & let them know the price may be negotiable, But make the buyer work for a lower price, & don't let them rattle you with low balling offers that should be expected. This to me would be a great tractor for grading gravel roads, skiding logs, & even hooking up a log splitter; In your area I would make it a selling point for this type of tractor not to mention no regens or def needed which is a plus for this size HP tractor. Finally what you get for tractor will depend on how you market it. I have a 1959 M-F 50, & I use it for all the purposes I mentioned. Good luck on selling your very useful, & versitile M-F 241, & let us know what she ends up selling for.

 

[Megan from CT]

Thanks, Little Red Tractor and Can Do, for expanding my sense of how to approach this and for the affirmation of my tractor's worth. I have loved working with it and I will see it go reluctantly. Interesting point about the market favoring 4WDs; news to me. When I was shopping for this tractor, a dealership told me that in this HP range, the diff between a 2WD and a 4WD was $4k ... and, since my farm is level, it was great to be able to get that economy. I do have another vegetable farmer interested, also on level river bottom land, so I know he will likely not care so much about 4WD. In fact, he has told me in the past he favors 2WD because of the shorter turning radius ... less time lost in the headlands. I will meet with him next week and feel well-armed to ask $8K. If he decides he doesn't need it, I feel much better poised to reach out to non-farmers. Thanks again ... wish I had reached out to this forum much sooner for advice over my years of farming!

 

[can do]

Thanks, Little Red Tractor and Can Do, for expanding my sense of how to approach this and for the affirmation of my tractor's worth. I have loved working with it and I will see it go reluctantly. Interesting point about the market favoring 4WDs; news to me. When I was shopping for this tractor, a dealership told me that in this HP range, the diff between a 2WD and a 4WD was $4k ... and, since my farm is level, it was great to be able to get that economy. I do have another vegetable farmer interested, also on level river bottom land, so I know he will likely not care so much about 4WD. In fact, he has told me in the past he favors 2WD because of the shorter turning radius ... less time lost in the headlands. I will meet with him next week and feel well-armed to ask $8K. If he decides he doesn't need it, I feel much better poised to reach out to non-farmers. Thanks again ... wish I had reached out to this forum much sooner for advice over my years of farming!

That's good to hear the one thing older 2wd tractors have going for them is gross weight. Again good luck on the sale.

 

[Megan from CT]

Gentlemen, I've implemented your thoughtful advice on how to better present my tractor for sale -- powerwashing with Simple Green and water and buffing with some car finish & wax products that my boyfriend happened to have on hand. A rookie job to be sure (see the new photos), but still so much better. Thanks again for all the great tips and pricing feedback!