Does Anyone Buy Used Tractors?

[Hay Dude]

I’m a big believer in cast iron tractor pumps and transmissions.

 

[rScotty]

I’m a big believer in cast iron tractor pumps and transmissions.

You bet. Me too. Don't you think that everyone is? Today's "cast iron" is more of a cast steel rather than a classic cast iron, but what you say still holds. It's the best material we know of for being cheap, heavy, machinable, resistant to wear, and stable over a large range of stress & temperatures. It's also infinitely recyclable usng cheap clean technology.

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.
What's not to like?

 

[Hay Dude]

You bet. Me too. Don't you think that everyone is? Today's "cast iron" is more of a cast steel rather than a classic cast iron, but what you say still holds. It's the best material we know of for being cheap, heavy, machinable, resistant to wear, and stable over a large range of stress & temperatures. It's also infinitely recyclable usng cheap clean technology.

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.
What's not to like?

Apparently not by the number of pumps I see in aluminum housings. Many of them on scrap piles. Seen a few other spots where aluminum is used instead of cast iron, too.

 

[Tractorable]

I’m definitely considering buying used for my next tractor. What I’m seeing is the used market is staying flat while the new market is skyrocketing due to inflation. Example on TractorHouse:

New Massey 1835M Cab costs $40-43K
Used Massey 1835M Cab with 94hrs costs $30K

New Kioti DK5320SE Cab costs $40-43K
Used Kioti Dk5310SE Cab with 200hrs and a 6ft bush hog costs $32K

New Yanmar YT359 ROPS for $42K
Used Yanmar YT359 ROPS with 500hrs for $27K

I have an F350 and 24ft 14K equipment trailer so can haul within a reasonable distance for the right deal. Savings to be had if you’re willing to wait for the right deal.

 

[Hay Dude]

I’m definitely considering buying used for my next tractor. What I’m seeing is the used market is staying flat while the new market is skyrocketing due to inflation. Example on TractorHouse:

New Massey 1835M Cab costs $40-43K
Used Massey 1835M Cab with 94hrs costs $30K

New Kioti DK5320SE Cab costs $40-43K
Used Kioti Dk5310SE Cab with 200hrs and a 6ft bush hog costs $32K

New Yanmar YT359 ROPS for $42K
Used Yanmar YT359 ROPS with 500hrs for $27K

I have an F350 and 24ft 14K equipment trailer so can haul within a reasonable distance for the right deal. Savings to be had if you’re willing to wait for the right deal.

That is a VERY wise decision.
It also allows you to go bigger and save money at the same time.

Guys buying smaller tractors are getting hammered on new prices. I am amazed at what inflation over the last 2 years has done.

Seems like to me everything has increased 20-35% in price since 2021.

 

[ArlyA]

I watch the used market but largely for JD's. Seems to me that prices are decling.
-----------------------------------

2019 John Deere 3038E compact tractor​

now $22,500 was $24,900
Listed 15 weeks ago in Rochester, MN

Details​

• Condition
  Used - Good

2019 John Deere 3038E tractor only 131 hrs.

 

[JeepHead]

I'm having this same dilemma now. I just bought a new home and have 20 wooded acres that was timbered the past year. So I have a lot of clean up to do that the logging company did. Have been looking at and researching tractors heavily the past two weeks. I only have one dealer in my town which is a Kubota dealer. But the prices are absolutely insane! I am struggling with buying new or used. I certainty don't want to end up with someone else's problem tractor. I have set a cash budget for $35K for a tractor. That 35K doesn't buy much in the way of a Kubota, it would buy a decent Branson model and there is a very good dealer for the Branson but he's about 60 miles away. I also have an LS dealer about 30miles away and I have bought all my chainsaws off of for 25 years and really respect him. I am a guy who can fix just about anything so a used tractor doesn't freak me out. Just not sure which way to go...

 

[Hay Dude]

I see used prices are decreasing, but in very small increments.
The “desperation buying” phase, caused by the virus paranoia and general “end of the world” fear is helping to restore inventory levels.

 

[Tractorable]

I plan to get price quotes on new equipment to establish a baseline then compare to lightly used machines. Will compare the total cost of used vs new including interest. I might pay cash for the implements and finance the tractor, still deciding. If it’s ~$50K for a new 35hp cab tractor with three implements it’s not happening, going used.

I believe we’re in an economic phase where we need to re-assess our perception of new vs used. For 15 years or more good used tractors cost almost as much as new making it not much of deal, but with new prices going through the roof it’s making a used purchase a much better bargain.

 

[WinterDeere]

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.

I can really only imagine two reasons for going from cast iron to cast aluminum pump housings:

1. Aluminum has much higher thermal conductivity, so if you're trying to keep fluids or seals below a given operating temperature, aluminum is going to win.

2. Shipping weight is much lower, which as silly as it sounds, might actually be a cost factor when everything is made overseas and shipped here for assembly into the tractor.

Cast iron wins on durability, without a doubt, and likely also on raw material cost.