Help, what is this garden tractor worth?

[SnowSeb]

I saw this ad in my local newspaper,(Atlantic Canada) i called and got this info:
1999 craftsmen(sears) garden tractor, 19 1/2 hp gas kohler motor, with cab, heater, radio, wheel weights(50lbs each), wheel chains, 2 stage snowblower about 42 inch wide. He had a hydrolic shop install a hydrolic system which lifts and lowers blower (don't know rating/gpm of pump), he said cost $2000 for hydrolics, 1500 for blower, 3500 for tractor plus a few extras totaling about $8500. He says $5000 but says willing to take offer and sound like wants it sold yesterday.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

SnowSeb, I'm not sure what the exchange rate between US and Canada was in 1999, but right now the MOST expensive GT that Sears sells is U.S.$ 3099.99, and it is on sale at a lower price on their website right now. Now even with some MONUMENTAL exchange rate issues I can't imagine that ANY Sears Craftsman GT could have ever cost $3500 almost 6 years ago! I certainly could be wrong, but it would shock me if they had one at that price back then.

All that said, I gave away a lightly used Craftsman 2 years ago because it was junk. That particular one was several years old, probably about a 1995? I'm almost positive it was an MTD unit. A 1999 could have been manufacturered by AYP or MTD.

Just my opinion, but I'd think it is worth far less than his asking price.

 

[ronjhall]

In my area a Craftsman (Sears) Garden Tractor would be worth less than half its original value when it is 6 years old. But then it might be in exceptional condition and have very little use.

 

[SnowSeb]

I did not see it yet. It has only been used personally for snowblowing only, never used summer or for any other use other than snow. I'm thinking that if the price is right it could possibly be a good machine to clear snow for walkways for appartments or businesses. Possibly also for lawns, depending how much less time efficient it would be compared to ztr or walk behind zero turn mowers, again if price was good enough... Also price given to me was in the words of seller "a starting price and will to take offers, want to sell asap" Or maybe I'm just wasting time looking into this type of machine for work it can do since i have larger tractor? Any toughts. thanks again for replies.

 

[Molerj]

Hi, it sounds like the owner invested in alot of options & granted those are expensive. But, you still have a base tractor under all those options & it is not a commercial type tractor. These are striclty home owner type tractors & will not take the abuse of heavy use. Just my opinion, but if the price is cheap enough then you may want to take a chance.