Buying Advice Buy used or new? Need small tractor for 6ac land

[jeffgreef]

I don't know what prices are like in Texas, but I doubt $2000 will get a reliable machine. I'd save my pennies or borrow a little to get a newer, lower hour machine that won't need major rebuilds. IMHO

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here 8N's go for $1500 to $2500 so you are right in the price range. Like others said the 600 or 800 series Ford is a lot more tractor for only a few dollars more. I have a 861 and its a good old machine, just dont use it much now that I have a modern tractor with power steering, good hydraulics, 4x4, and a Front End Loader.

You will not touch a new tractor that is even close to the 8N for under $12000 and that is just the tractor, no FEL or attachments. Maybe start with something old and work your way up like many of us have done. Just make sure you know what you are buying and getting into. A old tractor can cost you as much as a new tractor in a hurry if it needs major repairs.

Chris

 

[bp fick]

Here's the funny thing. On this current thread, just a click away, is a fella with a tractor that would be perfect for you. He's thinking about just trading it in, (which I would never do). It is an early 90's model with ridiculously low hours. It is as new as new can be, without being new.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/179746-gulp-selling-my-kubota-2900-a.html

You are essentially looking for his tractor. Using Craigslist or similar guys like you can get together and everyone would be happy. The sellers need to believe that buyers like you are out there, and fellas like you need to believe that there is seller just waiting for to come on over.

 

[Gittyup]

$2000 isn't going to get it done, at leat not without a lot of wrench turning to keep it running. With a fair bush hog, I don't see you getting there for less than about $4000. And the B2900 mentioned would probably set you back more than $9K. However, it would be a good choice for you. Check out the classifieds on here and you'll get a good idea of costs and options.

Sorry, but to maintain land takes real equipment that costs real money. Should always figure that into the land purchase.

 

[bp fick]

$2000 isn't going to get it done, at leat not without a lot of wrench turning to keep it running. With a fair bush hog, I don't see you getting there for less than about $4000. And the B2900 mentioned would probably set you back more than $9K. However, it would be a good choice for you. Check out the classifieds on here and you'll get a good idea of costs and options.

Sorry, but to maintain land takes real equipment that costs real money. Should always figure that into the land purchase.

Without saying so, or most all of us are saying as much, the OP will come to that realization, I am confident. It's not that tractors cannot be found at $2000. The question will become, "Is this a wise and reliable purchase with which I can actually get real work done?"

One doesn't HAVE to go buy a brand new tractor, for with patience and good fortune, and the link to the Kubota L posted above shows that someone is going to get a pristine, older Kubota for half the price of a new one. Is $9K a lot of money? Sure, but does it represent a good value? Quite likely.

Whether one spends $2K or $25K, the issue becomes value, purpose and utility. Few of us who do chores with our tractors are likely to believe a $2K tractor is quite able to achieve all that. $2K seems a bit south of the tipping point.

 

[skunker]

Hey everyone. Thanks for the feedback! I do have experience using the Kubota L series tractor (loved it), but can't afford that right now. There's a guy currently cutting my land for about $65/acre. I definitely know I need a good quality tractor and will take your advice into consideration. A good tractor should last a lifetime, right?

 

[Soundguy]

there's no reason you can't get into a good older ford with a 5-6' mower for 2000-3000$ that will do the job.

as with anything.. look around. you can buy a 3000$ worn out painted up junker or a well used, rough looking 2500$ diamond in the rough.

For the cost of fluids and perhaps some ignition parts.. if the machine is sound.. it will do the job on 6ac fine.

The vast majority of the work done on my property is done with old machines. the lil bit that is done with a new machine could be done with an old machine..

soundguy

 

[TripleR]

Hey everyone. Thanks for the feedback! I do have experience using the Kubota L series tractor (loved it), but can't afford that right now. There's a guy currently cutting my land for about $65/acre. I definitely know I need a good quality tractor and will take your advice into consideration. A good tractor should last a lifetime, right?

I remember when my dad traded our 8N and 9N in on a brand new Ford 600 in 1955. My brother is still using that same tractor today.

There are a lot of good older model tractors out there if you have the time to look.

 

[skunker]

Hey guys,
A local guy wants to sell me his Ford Jubilee/2000 for about $3500. Of course, it's negotiable he said. It doesn't come with a shredder or anything. He said it has no rusts and he has always kept it under a roof.

What do ya'll think of the Jubilee for this price? I believe it's 35hp?

 

[PapaPerk]

Nice land.

Bump your used tractor price to $3-4k. At that price you should be able to purchase a more modern tractor that's similar in size to an 8N. There's many types out there. A diesel with low hours would be nice.

Of course buying used is a risk. But that's the price you pay for paying less. Good luck!