Anonymous Poster
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- Joined
- Sep 27, 2005
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I am looking for my first tractor and can only afford about $10k and would like to end up with a tractor and FEL. I don't care about HST, matching floormats or custom knobs, I just need a tractor for pasture mowing, dirt work and general country living projects.
The options I'd like comments on are the pros and cons of:
1. Auctions. My brother in law bleeds green and advises buying at a farm auction. He bought a 1966 3020 for $3500 and has a good machine. Its 70hp and much to big for my needs, it seems that smaller models sell for more than larger ones. Am I buying someone elses problems by buying at auction?
2. My father in law loves his 8N and says they are available for $1500-3500. Am I limiting myself due to the gas engine, 24hp output, no PS, ect? It's also 50+ years old.
3. Chinese Tractors. I've talked with a lot of owners via the internet and they seem to have a generally favorable opinion of their units. One guy in England has owned his for 8 years without any "major" breakdowns. My big concern here is parts, although I read on CTOA that Taskmaster in Oregon is setting up a national parts warehouse for all brands of Chinese tractors.
4. Trade Ins: Not many trade ins at my area dealerships. They said they could find 'em but I hate to buy something I don't know the history of. These small tractors are abused a lot so I'd like to talk to the previous owner when possible.
Well, there you have it. Any comments or suggestions for a POOR boy like me?
The options I'd like comments on are the pros and cons of:
1. Auctions. My brother in law bleeds green and advises buying at a farm auction. He bought a 1966 3020 for $3500 and has a good machine. Its 70hp and much to big for my needs, it seems that smaller models sell for more than larger ones. Am I buying someone elses problems by buying at auction?
2. My father in law loves his 8N and says they are available for $1500-3500. Am I limiting myself due to the gas engine, 24hp output, no PS, ect? It's also 50+ years old.
3. Chinese Tractors. I've talked with a lot of owners via the internet and they seem to have a generally favorable opinion of their units. One guy in England has owned his for 8 years without any "major" breakdowns. My big concern here is parts, although I read on CTOA that Taskmaster in Oregon is setting up a national parts warehouse for all brands of Chinese tractors.
4. Trade Ins: Not many trade ins at my area dealerships. They said they could find 'em but I hate to buy something I don't know the history of. These small tractors are abused a lot so I'd like to talk to the previous owner when possible.
Well, there you have it. Any comments or suggestions for a POOR boy like me?
