Buying Advice How do you buy a used tractor

[gsthompson]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Before I start let me say how much I like this forum. I'm new here but have been reading various posts for about a month now... good quality information.

I have a few questions about buying used compact tractors.

I've been looking at used Kubota B series listings. When I find a tractor with low hours and a good price, there are no attachments. When I start to add in the cost for attachments (like a front end loader and mower) I'm back up to the price of buying a new unit.

The question I have is how much should the price of the tractor come down from new based on the hours and age?

I'm doing the math and I can't justify buying used.

Also, the selection of used equipment locally is very slim. Spending 10 grand over the internet scares the bejesus out of me. Is there a good supplier that any of you have ordered from online?

Lastly, who would you recommend for 3rd party front end loaders and belly mowers?

Thanks,
George

 

[Egon]

Belly mowers may be pretty specific to make and model of tractor.

Keep on looking and check out Dealers for Package units. This may be the way for you to go.

I'd not buy big dollar items over the internet unless the item could be seen and checked out by myself.

 

[RoyJackson]

I buy used tractors...you don't get good deals on used tractors unless they're at least 5 years old.
I bought my second tractor on an internet sale. This was a very low hour Deere 790 from a Deere dealer. After a few calls to that dealer (was about 400 miles from me), I had enough confidence to buy. I wouldn't buy a tractor from a private owner long distance unless I could drive out and try it out.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN George.
One of top ten questions ask over the years.

Other factors to consider,did owner/pre. owner take good care tractor/equipment.
Lately seems depending on what region one lives you can get better buy..good second hand 4x4 w/fel pricey in our back yard,almost cheaper to purchase new.
Example..traded in my 1995 B7100HST w/fel 1001 hours for $7.200.oo,but in 1995 only cost $10.100.oo,B7100Hst sat on dealer lot for 3 days sold..also well taken care.

Looking at high dollars items on internet one thing,but I like meet & greet w/seller look also listen or take for test drive.

Yes there's good/great deals to be had,but you should go w/your gut feeling 9 times out of 10.

 

[amaxwell]

I agree on purchasing only from an established dealer on the internet.Most good dealers can arrange reasonable shipping. It would be worth a day trip for me to see what I was getting, make the deal then have it delivered.Most times you can get a better price by buying all the equipment in a package deal .

amaxwell

 

[bp fick]

If I understand your question correctly, you are wondering about the economics of buying used as much as the mechanical uncertainties.

The key word is patience, followed by a very quick draw.

Let's be blunt. The economy is poor and people who had a nice, well cared for machine may find themselves in trouble. These tractors show up on Craigs almost weekly. Not the scams, but tractors near you, you can go see and meet the owner.

If you have cash in hand, you CAN save over buying new. Big time. You just need to be sure of what you want, and when you find it, you must be able to respond reasonably quickly. Patience. It takes a few weeks, even months to find what you want and you have to watch diligently, every day, if need be. I'd use a CraigLook type search engine to scan those available within 100 miles of me.

Implements are available everywhere, I wouldn't worry about it. But OEM attachments like loader and/or belly mower are machine match specific and need to be on the machine when purchased. I wouldn't go look at a 5 year old tractor without the FEL, if I absolutely needed one.

 

[Ford tractor]

If you want a tractor with a front end loader, you will only get a good deal if you get one with the FEL already on it. Buying parts and pieces is never the low cost route.

I don't know about your math skills, but I could buy a tractor with FEL for many thousands less than a new one. It's not a math problem, it's an equipment shopping problem. The ones that are 1/2 to 1/3 the price of new are going to be 10-15 years old and have 800-1200 hours on the clock. You will need some experience to determine if the machine is a good buy. Some will look new but be near death and some may look rough but just need a bath. Nearly all will require some quality time with new fluids, grease, maybe paint, a few new parts and adjustments. If you don't have the time, tools, or technique to do all that yourself, used may not be the way to go.

Right now, used prices are up and new prices are down. The season is changing so old stock on the lot will be discounted.

 

[gsthompson]

Thanks everyone,

Great suggestions.

George

 

[buck12]

Goog deals are out there on used equipment, at least in my area, buy you have to be willing to look. It took me over a year to find what I was looking for at a price I was willing to pay. It seems to me the best deals are the ones that include tractor and implements. Good luck finding your tractor.