Buying Used

[Hay Dude]

I think a large percentage of TBN equipment buyers are buying machines to maintain their own properties. For those who are in that category, taking a chance on an out of state or iffy, marginal machine is not that big of a deal. Sure, its an inconvenience if you are clearing your woods for a deer plot and your tractor breaks, but its a different story if you are using a machine to put food on the table and it breaks.
I buy 1/2 new and 1/2 used machinery for my business. I almost refuse to buy used hay machinery. It must be reliable. However, I will buy a used tractor because I have a spare tractor if one breaks.
If a smaller operator is making a living mowing lawns, he sure as heck needs a newer reliable mowing machine or probably 2 or 3 used machines or his reliability to his customers will be compromised and he will be overlooked for a more reliable contractor.

 

[tduby]

Back when I had a regular hours job it was a pretty big deal to me if on one of my few days off I couldn’t get the jobs done I needed to. I guess I could have used your theory of having spares but then I have 2 machines to maintain and break down definitely worth it even for most home owners to consider new if it works out for them.

 

[fried1765]

Back when I had a regular hours job it was a pretty big deal to me if on one of my few days off and I guess I could have used your theory of having spares but then I have 2 machines to maintain and break down definitely worth it even for most home owners to consider new if it works out for them.

Punctuation does make for easier reading.

 

[Doug62]

As someone who has had property but always hired this stuff out, I finally got the bug to get my own. I really wanted a cab tractor as I had use of a open station for the last couple of years and the heat, humidity, bugs and dust were things I learned I could avoid with a cab.

I won't bother you with all the specifics but the bottom line was I saved 5-6K over the package price by buying the tractor new but buying the trailer, bush hog, box blade, finish mower for cash deals on Facebook marketplace over the course of several months. The money I saved let me end up at less than the package price on an open station. It pretty much paid for the cab upgrade. I ended up with a new tractor with a good warranty and insurance policy and actually ended up with a brand new bush hog and box blade, like new trailer and a good Wood finish mower for less than 3K total. The money was saved through buying the implements from individuals who found they didn't have a use for certain pieces. It took several months but it worked out great.

 

[buck12]

I have bought used stuff and new stuff. I bought a Mahindra 2615 used in 2008 and sold it this past spring. I bought a used JD GT235 about 15 years ago and still use it today. Both were good machines (other than cheap plastic on the JD) and I saved money. Last year when I decided I wanted a bigger tractor with cab, I couldn’t find any deals and Kubota’s zero percent swayed me to buy new.

While I have had good luck with used I also like to buy new because I can get exactly what I want and I take care of my stuff. For example, I still have my 1993 F150 I bought new. I maintained it and have gotten excellent service in return. It is still the vehicle I keep loaded with tools, guns, chainsaw, etc that I take to our rural property every weekend. My daily driver is 11 years old and I bought it new and have gotten excellent service.

We recently built a cabin on our rural property and have so far bought a used oven and refrigerator and we are currently looking for used furniture. Used and new each have their merits depending on use, funds, and available time to shop.

 

[likable1905]

Tractor maintenance and used tractor hard work man.

 

[Hay Dude]

Tractor maintenance and used tractor hard work man.

VERY hard work. Just changed out a PTO solenoid on my M135X. Wrenching is not for the 50+ age group. You have to be a contortionist to wrench on equipment.
Notice how you see plenty of 50 + operating tractors, but how many 50+ do you see wrenching on tractors?

 

[fried1765]

VERY hard work. Just changed out a PTO solenoid on my M135X. Wrenching is not for the 50+ age group. You have to be a contortionist to wrench on equipment.
Notice how you see plenty of 50 + operating tractors, but how many 50+ do you see wrenching on tractors?

Now, just a very few days short of 80, I still do the simple things, but anything big will need professional attention.

 

[Doug62]

Now, just a very few days short of 80, I still do the simple things, but anything big will need professional attention.

It’s impressive you’re still working it. I hope to be able to do the same.

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

Used for me. Modern tractors have electronic fuel injection and emissions equipment. And tractors are super simple to work on for the most part. But I get not everyone likes wrenching. I work on electrical and automation equipment so it's a nice change of pace to just have to turn wrenches.

I also dont think I could of gotten a newer 48hp tractor with loader for any where close to what I paid for mine

If your machine makes you money, it makes since to go new and finance against the business