140 acre farm, used tractor, skidsteer?

[leeinmemphis]

I opted for a new tractor mainly because my free time is very limited and when I get on the tractor I want it to work. In time I'ld like to get another used tractor to piddle around with but for now I need productivity and results......so to me that meant a new tractor. I don't have time to be chasing little bugs that may arise in a used tractor. I had a 1486 Int'l that I bought used and fixed it all up to only have it catch fire/explode due to a thrown rod through the motor block and caused a runaway. It literally almost killed me and I don't care to ever experience that feeling again.

 

[N80]

It is a matter of free time, ability and temperment. I see myself on one end of the spectrum. I have some mechanical ability. I have no time, and my temperment is, well, type-A...to say the least. Therefore, new suits me well, and in fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't get me wrong, I don't have to have a new tractor every year, I'll drive mine until it is dead or is taking up so much time and money to keep it going that it is no longer worth it. I just like to start new.

On the other hand is my B-I-L. He hates new. He hates shiny paint.He doesn't like the look or style of anything modern. He hates new car smell and all the extra expense that goes along with anything new. He is a full time rancher. He has 8 or ten machines, all old, newest tractor is probably late 70's early 80's. His two big Case tractors look like late 60's to me. Of the 8 or ten machines, I'd say 5 of them get used almost daily. He has a full shop including a massive overhead hoist for cracking the tractors. We'll start some sort of project, moving hay, or whatever and one of the tractors will break down. He'll cuss and fuss for a few minutes but then as he starts the process of fixing the thing, you can tell he likes working on them. He'd just as soon be in the shop tearing the tractor apart as moving the hay. With my personality I would come unhinged. I'm sure I'd blow an aneursym if that happened to me all the time.

The irony is, its catching up with him. As his kids go off to school he can no longer send the oldest out on another machine to move hay while he is repairing the first one. Its also going to take a toll on him physically. He is toying with the idea of a big new 4wd with a cab.

 

[Soundguy]

Now I'd deffinately agree with that.. fluids, battery.. etc.. Probably wouldn't even need belts before 15 ys.. depending..

Soundguy

I didn't mean that he would ONLY get 10-15 years. Rather, the first 10-15 years all you need to do is fill the tank and change fluids/filters & grease. (waxing is optional....) That's my idea of minimum fuss. After that you may need breaks, clutch, tires or other wear items. Maybe not, all depends on your driving style, uses and the unit.

jb

 

[Soundguy]

. He wanted something ......, that his wife could turn the key and it would start.
.

Yikes.. the thought of my wife on a tractor is a scarry one. She don't check oil.. and don't know what an engine in trouble sounds like.

It's all she can do to drive the little CUV around the farm!!

Soundguy

 

[AlanB]

I guess I would want to hear how much he wants for all the equipment as a "package deal".

Some people think their stuff is gold.

If he took into account what he could actually get in cash in hand, and made you a good deal below that too avoid the hassle of the auction etc. I would be inclined to go for it.

I would not buy the "antiques" or collectors items though, unless they were something you were into. Those can sell pretty easily, but the "value" of that type of item is so hard to nail down.... Too me, it comes down to the value is what you can find someone to buy it at.

Good luck, we will be watching to see how it comes out.

 

[Gizmo36]

If you don't want all of it , I would like to come and look at it before it is for sale. you can PM me I need some more junk.And you can get a better price then I can.