Best buying time and why?

[you1]

Would like to have your thoughts. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gifAm looking for a used tractor in the thirty to fifty HP range, FEL, PS, Hydrostaic, etc., but not in a big hurry. Have Kubota, New Holland, John Deere dealers in reasonable distance. thanks kb@mybizol.com

 

[riptides]

Best buying time?

Right before you need it!

One might be able to swing a deal now, with the new models being introduced. But I have always just managed to get something when I need it, not want it.

Good luck in your search.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I believe you may be at the disadvantage here as a "used" tractor will only be there---you guessed it---when its there. You will have to start talking when you see it. I'm sure if its a good unit, the dealer will have no problems selling it. You might be better off with discounts and financing to go new. BobG in VA

 

[KubotaSteve]

My dealer usually has an auction at the end of the year to get rid of the used inventory that hasn't sold throughout the year. With that said, I have seen them hold on to certain used equipment like if it was just traded and is in good shape.
I don't think there really is a "best" time to buy for used like there is for new machines.

 

[cowboydoc]

I agree with Steve. The tractor business isn't like the car business. Models don't turn over very fast like the cars do. And really if it's an 03 or an 06 really doesn't make any difference. It's the hours that make the difference. Your best bet is to try and deal on units that have been sitting on the lot for a long time. Those are the ones that they want to turn over. With deere their floorplan is a year. That means for a year they don't have to pay interest on the unit. After a year they essentially own it. Before that Deere owns it. Deere also does the same thing on used ones that a dealer takes in if it's a deere machine. That's another reason you'll get more for a trade in from a deere dealer. If the customer traded on another deere then they have a year before they have to start paying for that tractor.

 

[flusher]

Dealers are one source for used tractors, but there are others.

The local ag-oriented newspapers are a good source. I always check ag-ads in the Tehama Trader and Ag-Ads newspapers to see what's on the market, even though I bought a B7510HST/LA302 FEL last May and am out of the tractor market (for a while). I'm sure you have similar publications in your area.

And then there's always word-of-mouth. Later last year my neighbor found out that a guy nearby had a 1996 50HP NH3010 for sale at a really good price. He snapped that one up for about $11K (just the tractor, no FEL).

In addition to the Big Three dealers, you also have dealers handling smaller selling brands like Branson, Mahindra and Montana as well as grey market tractors (Yanmars, Iseki, etc). You might be able to find something you can use from these guys. Maybe a new Branson would fit your budget.

And it helps to keep your eyes open when driving the country roads. There's a guy on 99W near my place who's been trying to sell a couple of Ford 9Ns for a while. I'm tempted to make an offer even though I don't really need another tractor. But tractors are addictive and you can always rationalize the need for a backup in case your primary machine is down. Lotsa folks in these forums have taken that route.

 

[DavesTractor]

The best time to buy a good used late model 4x4 tractor is about an hour ago...meaning that someone normally beats you to it if it's a great deal.

 

[HRS]

Bob has it right. When you are buying used, look around, and when you see a nice unit start talking. My experience is that if you walk away from something you like, it will not be there when you go back.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Here in PA, we have the "benefit" of winter and dealers will sometimes be a bit more eager to move units. Many of the larger equipment dealers will have open houses with in house specials, seminars, etc. We also have the PA farm show with all it's pomp and circumstance going into the second week in January. At the same time, there is a smaller show but more geared to actual farmers going on. Both of them offer reductions in new equipment along with listings and possible dickering over used.

You might also scout coming auctions with an occasional tractor. Do your legwork for prices and perhaps you can get lucky and not have to bid against a bunch of dealers.

But then, I have also been at consignment auctions where there was more equipment than buyers and have seen very reasonable prices on used, new or demo equipment.

Arm yourself with knowledge. Spend some time gathering prices on what you would be interested in so when the time comes, you are ready to jump.

 

[daTeacha]

Also arm yourself with cash. Then start haunting the dealerships nearby and get to know a salesman at each place. Talk with him about what you want, explain that you will have cash for the right machine, and ask him to put you on his list of people who want a machine like that. Come back or call every once in a while -- every week or two -- and he'll know you're serious. Besides, visiting a tractor store/lot is a pretty agreeable way to spend some time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You can also learn about model names/numbers so when you see an ad somewhere you'll have a better idea what it's about.

Keep an eye on local auction listings, and also the little books like autotrader. Web sites like the JD site also have a lot of used machines, but more important, links to dealers. With a used machine, it isn't a big deal to not buy locally, but check out the reputation of the service departments of the local dealers to see who's friendliest, most helpful, best work, best price, etc. Let any bad info along this line help you narrow your field of possibilities.