TractorHouse.com | Used Tractors For Sale: John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Kubota.
SearchTempest: Search all of Craigslist nationwide & more = search mutli craig list cities
craiglist has a better setup, and making sure you enter... "tractor" to search for, then enter your zip code and miles away from you. seems to be including nice range of cities within given distance.
check your local newspapers. ya some of them are pretty much useless but some times there might be a listing.
check your local auctions as well. though in recent years auctions around here. pretty much a wash and folks paying more at auction than other.
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Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer = good spot for newbies to check out various attachments for tractors, with text and videos of how to setup stuff up and use the attachments/implements for tractors. then hit TBN and youtube to see what folks have done as well. so you get an idea of usage and how folks have done things before.
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old tractors, there really is no brand thing or what to stay away from. it is what is mechanical running = good.
the only way you are going to get any experience let alone find out what is available. is get out there and begin test driving different used tractors so you can see what is really bad and you want to run away from, and fair deals, to the always rare awesome deal.
buying used = making sure you get the FEL with tractor and it is connected and running. it tends to be way to expensive to add a third party FEL after you bought a used tractor or even adding a FEL after you bought a new tractor. the exception might be if you are a welder and have the various tools already and somehow manage to find a used loader that will fit your tractor.
the 3pt hitch, make sure parts are there and nothing is completely bent up, torn up, cracked on rear end of tractor. when test driving after it is warmed up make sure you hook something up and put weight on the 3pt hitch to make sure it raises and lowers with weight on it. check chains, sway bar/chains most likely beneficial for you if not they cost some.
you do not need a quick attach FEL or 3pt hitch. granted telescopic lower lift arms, or pats easy hitch or quick attach can be rather nice. it is not necessary.
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beyond tractor in good running mechanical condition (could be a rust bucket and still be better than nicely painted shiny things) would be tire tread. tractor tires can be rather costly. if they are cracking to 50% tread left. be prepared to get a new set of tires.
does not matter if tractor is gas or diesel. when getting used. ya there is a difference. but used and in budget for yourself. hold for good running tractor vs tossing out a tractor based on fuel it runs on.
make sure all the gears and rages work for the transmission.
good chance brakes barely work. due to many times brakes are wet brakes and inside everything, it can be a rather big job for a DIY to replace them. assuming they can not be adjusted any more.
make sure you test drive them. and let them warm up and run 15 minutes or so. and test drive again and then check for hydrualic leaks to engine leaks or like.
good chance non of the lights will work. or they been broken off. lights are fairly easiy to fix within reason.
old 2WD tractors can be good enough, you do not need 4WD / MFWD tractor.
CAT 1 3pt hitch. you do not need a CAT II 3pt hitch tractor. 30HP most likely max HP. and 20HP roughly for MIN HP.
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rear blade, box blade, rotatory cutter, finishing mower, 3pt hitch backhoe with subframe, post hole digger, plow, disc, tiller, drag harrow / chain harrow, weight box, filled rear tires with a fluid, tire weights. might be worth check prices on for new vs used. so if someone has something for sale you can jump on deal possibly.
small size tractor going to have issue with digging and a tooth bar for FEL generaly duty bucket most likely wanted.