Have you ever bought a tractor from a listing in another state, not in person?

[Learning2Tractor]

Have you ever bought a tractor from a site like tractorhouse or some other site without seeing it in person? I've seen good deals and I'm willing to travel to pick it up, but shouldn't I drive it first? Not like id know if it was a bad unit anyway but still. Is it pretty common to buy like that or just keep waiting for a local one and that'll be a good deal?

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

ah.... an opinion question.... you will get lots.

For a tractor, sight unseen, never!! I would worry that since repairs are so expensive people may "dump" a dud instead of fixing.

Could you get a gem? absolutely.
Could you get a dud? absolutely.
If it was a dud could you fix it yourself cheaply / just for parts? TBD.

Used, sight unseen from a site like tractor house no way.
From a reputable dealer who goes through it and passes an opinion, sure.

 

[alexpops]

I bought my LS at an estate auction in Colorado from FL, my ZT from a TX auction while in FL & my min-ex from an Atlanta auction. Watched videos of them in operation, asked questions of the sellers & had the VIN numbers & hour readings beforehand to check when I got there, & in the case of the LS verified that they would transfer the warranty. so ... yeah. Caveat ... I'm not afraid to work on my own equipment & have tools to do so. I figure that what a saved (over 50% at the time) more than made up for the risks. Today, the savings wouldn't be nearly as much, so I'd be a lot more "judicious" before bidding.

 

[scaredychicken]

No

but I did buy a vintage, rare garden tractor off of Marketplace, from another province. I only saw 2 photos, knew that I wanted it running or not (sentimental reasons, though no connection to that unit). Anyways, the only way that it worked out was that a recently-and-never-met-in-person FB friend living in that area, agreed to pick it up within a few days. So I coordinated with the seller, and my FB friend, then did an e-transfer.
It was picked up from my FB friend's place, by my tenant 5 months later ... I was at arms length by circumstances, throughout that transaction.
The thing is a BEAST, and it runs

I would not recommend that process - I like to see what I buy, eyes on, hands on. Way too easy to be a bogus ad with incorrect details.

 

[Hay Dude]

Yes, I have. About 5 times. Usually it comes with an “uh-oh” surprise. I usually call a dealer local to the sellers area and ask them to go assess it. Costs a few hundred bucks, but it could be wor th it.

 

[alexpops]

No

but I did buy a vintage, rare garden tractor off of Marketplace, from another province. I only saw 2 photos, knew that I wanted it running or not (sentimental reasons, though no connection to that unit). Anyways, the only way that it worked out was that a recently-and-never-met-in-person FB friend living in that area, agreed to pick it up within a few days. So I coordinated with the seller, and my FB friend, then did an e-transfer.
It was picked up from my FB friend's place, by my tenant 5 months later ... I was at arms length by circumstances, throughout that transaction.
The thing is a BEAST, and it runs

I would not recommend that process - I like to see what I buy, eyes on, hands on. Way too easy to be a bogus ad with incorrect details.

I grew up with that lawn tractor. Still get a chill when I think about snow-blowing our driveway on it.

 

[jfsawatzky]

Yes, I have. About 5 times. Usually it comes with an “uh-oh” surprise. I usually call a dealer local to the sellers area and ask them to go assess it. Costs a few hundred bucks, but it could be wor th it.

That’s a great idea… well worth the cost.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’ve learned over time there are no good deals at an auction sight unseen. It’s a good deal, because of what you don’t know.

 

[jd2030]

I have a good friend who is an ag teacher and personally involved in production also who told me once

“never be too proud of buying at an auction - you paid more than everyone else thought it was worth!”

 

[RustyA]

Bought a used 3 year old round baler from a independent ag dealer in southern Missouri, trucker who was a customer of mine picked it up next time he was empty. It was everything dealer said it was when it arrived. When we needed a larger cab tractor he had one in our price range. Made a deal over the phone and picked it up with trailer. Turns out alternator regulator was stuck on and boiled the battery out when haying a few weeks later. Dealer split the parts cost and I did the labor. Very fair for a long distance deal on a used tractor I thought.

 

[sandman2234]

I bought a bunch of Allis Chalmers sight unseen, and just recently bought a Ford 1210 in West Virginia. I live in Florida...
I knew the 1210 had issues, but I was planning on buying 2 different tractors. The second one fell thru after I agreed to buy the first one. I got a friend in TN to go after it, and on his way south, drop it by ThePumpguySC place. When he was finished, I went after it.
There was another post about that 1210 that the 3 point wouldn't go down...finally fixed it with no money except for hydraulic fluid I lost. I am still under book value, but not by much.
David from jax

 

[nrosario]

Last year acquired a Kioti tractor from out of state.
But I traveled and checked the equipment before signing the paperwork -to me, this is a must.

 

[airbiscuit]

I bought this Kubota from a dealer sight unseen. They had several used CUTs cycling through from a large nursery fleet. This one had a really attractive price and as soon as it was listed, I called them. The sales person was open and honest, and their other listings seemed to be faithfully represented. Their online reviews were excellent. Their sales person had a cabin near me, so they delivered it for free. The price was low enough ($5k), I figured I could roll the dice. I gave it some fresh paint and new decals. It has been a great tractor.

 

[Paystar]

I've been wanting to go down to the Mecum Gone Farming auctions, but then covid came, and then there is dealing with border, duties, etc.
So I searched for antique tractors in my province.
Found a bunch that looked museum quality in pics and adds.

Then as soon as you call them and ask for a short video of it running, so you can make sure it is all that it is advertised to be before I make a 9 hour drive to where they are......you can't believe how many people told me no problem I'll send that to you, then they no longer even answer your calls.

 

[topbuilder]

I once bought a 60 HP diesel stump grinder on Ebay. 1100 miles one way with truck and trailer. Priced right, low hours, immaculately maintained. Worth it? Yes! I never regretted it.

 

[nova3930]

Yep. My first tractor. Bought a Boomer 50 from Atlanta Speedway based on their online listing. Had all of 75 hours on it and looked brand new...basically was brand new....

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I have sent many vehicles by truck. Only contact with buyer was over the phone. Sold old things not running with four flats. As long as both parties are truly informed.

 

[cherrysweetooth]

I can totally relate to your dilemma when it comes to purchasing a tractor online without seeing it in person. Your question raises valid concerns about the practicality and potential risks involved in such a decision. It's natural to wonder whether it's common to buy a tractor in this manner or if waiting for a local option would be a safer bet.

In my experience, buying heavy machinery like tractors online without inspecting them firsthand can be a bit of a mixed bag. While there are certainly good deals to be found, there is always an element of uncertainty when it comes to the condition and performance of the unit. Driving it before making a purchase is indeed ideal, as it gives you a firsthand experience and allows you to assess its functionality.

 

[Fixastuff]

I bought a 75hp vermeer trencher/plow from Iowa and a 6ton excavator from Colorado, had them shipped to Virginia. Both had minor issues that I was able to fix and were great deals and machines. Better than anything I could find locally even I was willing spend 20k more here on each!

Wiring them money made me a little nervous but they were legit dealerships not individuals.

 

[timlikestractors]

Bought a used 3 year old round baler from a independent ag dealer in southern Missouri, trucker who was a customer of mine picked it up next time he was empty. It was everything dealer said it was when it arrived. When we needed a larger cab tractor he had one in our price range. Made a deal over the phone and picked it up with trailer. Turns out alternator regulator was stuck on and boiled the battery out when haying a few weeks later. Dealer split the parts cost and I did the labor. Very fair for a long distance deal on a used tractor I thought.

Just curious, who was the dealer? I am in SW missouri.