Any hints/tricks to finding used 3pt Implements?

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 21, 2003

Around here (not terribly far from you) used implements can be found at the new tractor/implement dealers in the area. I'm not talking about the ones in the bigger cities but rather in the surrounding smaller communities.

hwp · Aug 21, 2003

I recently bought a used 3ph tiller and a used front mount sweeper for my tractor. I do three things. First I snoop around in the backyards of dealers to see what they have lying around. You might be amazed at what you will see. Second, I go into www.agdealer.com and search for whatever I am looking for. There are usually several listings for most types of equipment. Third, when I know exactly what i want, I do an internet search using a search engine such as www.google.com to see if what sources might be available. I found my tiller by using agdealer and the sweeper via google. In both cases, the prices were very reasonable.

gatractorman · Aug 21, 2003

I dont know if your state does it but here in Georgia the Dept. of Agriculture puts out a bi-weekly paper called the Market Bulliten always alot of tractors and implements for sale there, might check with your Dept. of Ag. to see if this kind of publication is available in your state.

dmftoy1 · Aug 21, 2003

Thanks guys! You've just tripled my places to look!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

It is VERY VERY much appreciated.

Have a good one,
Dave

normde2001 · Aug 21, 2003

Dave, here is the Market Bulletin gatractorman mentioned. Check out the Ads, then Farm Machinery column. I think it comes out every Wednesday.

dmftoy1 · Aug 21, 2003

Thanks! Illinois even has it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have a good one,
Dave

chrisjbell · Aug 21, 2003

Hi Ken- You're already close, as far as pricing goes. Cut the shipping a bit more and you're there.

On a different note, there is something to bear in mind at auctions. It is possible to get great deals, but there seems to be a tendency for people to get so caught up in snagging the equipment they are looking for that they lose sight of what it is really worth and pay more than they should. If you're going to do an auction, make sure you do the "walk through" before the bidding starts and set a fixed price in your head that you don't go over.

(I'm not knocking auctions - just being the cautious type. Already got myself in trouble with Ken, don't want to antagonize anyone else /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif...)

gatractorman · Aug 22, 2003

Thanks for the help Norm, I've got it in my Favorites but dont know how to get the address from there to what I'm posting, I work on $100,000 machines but yet I cant operate a $2000 computer, go figure LOL, I think our new Governor cut the budget for the Dept. of Ag. and the Market Bulletin comes out every other week now.

sweettractors · Aug 22, 2003

<font color="blue"> If you're going to do an auction, make sure you do the "walk
through" before the bidding starts and set a fixed price in your head that you don't go
over. </font>

Hi Chris--You are 100% correct--I usually go the day before and use a pocket notebook to keep notes in about every piece thay I plan to bid on--When the bidding starts, I pull out my notebook and stick to my bid parameters--This keeps my emotions from getting involved in the bidding frenzy--We have used that method for over 26 years at auctions and it has never failed us--We usually have real good sale days following a local auction--Customers come in and price, then purchase and when we are writing up the ticket, They comment that they saw the same machine in used condition, just sell at auction for a lot more money than our NEW item--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 22, 2003

I go to auctions for a living and have to tell you that there is no "pattern" to follow. I've done all the "right things" you mentioned and still ended up bidding on something that I never saw until it was at the auction block. I've also waited hours for something to come for bid only to find it was sold outside. It's all part of the game. Knowing the market and values is the only thing I can recommend as a prerequisite to going and bidding.

There are some sharp guys at auctions and some even sharper auctioneers. Be careful you don't end up bidding against a shill or against yourself. I've seen it happen more than once.

I was once asked by someone was going to an public auction of equipment what they should know and what they need to be aware of. I told them, "That I'm your competition." /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just remember that as soon as the hammer drops and you're the winning bidder you've just paid more money than anyone else there thought it was worth. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Now there's a comforting thought, isn't it? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif