Newbie looking for tractor, overwhelmed by number of models..

[pretendfarmer]

It appears that there are several "private party sellers" who are actually refurbishing tractors and re-selling them, trying to make a living at it. Their prices are very high. My question is: Where do I find the tractors at the original price they paid? Where are they getting them? Are they the ones running out and buying tractors real quick before I even get there? I don't want to pay inflated prices. I am handy, have tools, and can clean something up, put a loader on it if I want, etc.

 

[pretendfarmer]

Also, it seems prices here in WA are much higher than in other areas of the country. Shipping costs as they are, it is probably not even worth my while to look far away. I could drive, but do I really want to spend 2-3 days driving to buy a tractor I have not even seen in person?

 

[adirondackmtnman]

It appears that there are several "private party sellers" who are actually refurbishing tractors and re-selling them, trying to make a living at it. Their prices are very high. My question is: Where do I find the tractors at the original price they paid? Where are they getting them? Are they the ones running out and buying tractors real quick before I even get there? I don't want to pay inflated prices. I am handy, have tools, and can clean something up, put a loader on it if I want, etc.

They're likely finding them at auction...which may be a place for you to start...if you have any locally. A gamble, but what piece of used equipment isn't?

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[pretendfarmer]

Should I stay away from CUT tractors and aim for agricultural size? Not sure if a small Yanmar is too light duty.

 

[wolftree]

pretendfarmer,

If you have your finances ready, then it is time for you to go on the attack. Create an ad on craigslist "SEEKING" the various model/size/horsepower/options tractor you want. Hit several cities around you. Tell everyone you know, especially those in small business(barber, mechanics, neighbors, uncles, co-workers) be prepared with your money, make sure all of those contacts have your phone number.

Make it happen.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

Should I stay away from CUT tractors and aim for agricultural size? Not sure if a small Yanmar is too light duty.

At least around here, CUT's sell like hot cakes, and for what seems like a lot more money when compared to a utility/ag tractor. Depending on your use, a CUT may fit the bill better, but be prepared to pay the premium...I think a lot more 'average Joe's' are after them. Tractors in general hold their value very well, people hold onto them for a LONG time, like passed down generations long, so for every used piece comes available, there are probably 50 guys like you who'll want it. Simple supply and demand economics. For instance, my 1966 IH 624 with a large number of hours on it, with almost nil for parts availability brought me a trade-in of $4,300...I'm not sure, but I'd bet if it sold for more than that in '66, it wasn't much more. My point I guess is you're shopping in an aggressive area, you may need to be more outgoing...even stopping and chatting with someone you see on your travels that has an older tractor that looks like it doesn't see a lot of use anymore, you never know when striking up the right conversation with an old fsrmer might yield you a good barn find, or a lead to another tractor...as was said before, network yourself, you may be surprised what you'll find...

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[adirondackmtnman]

Should I stay away from CUT tractors and aim for agricultural size? Not sure if a small Yanmar is too light duty.

At least around here, CUT's sell like hot cakes, and for what seems like a lot more money when compared to a utility/ag tractor. Depending on your use, a CUT may fit the bill better, but be prepared to pay the premium...I think a lot more 'average Joe's' are after them. Tractors in general hold their value very well, people hold onto them for a LONG time, like passed down generations long, so for every used piece comes available, there are probably 50 guys like you who'll want it. Simple supply and demand economics. For instance, my 1966 IH 624 with a large number of hours on it, with almost nil for parts availability brought me a trade-in of $4,300...I'm not sure, but I'd bet if it sold for more than that in '66, it wasn't much more. My point I guess is you're shopping in an aggressive area, you may need to be more outgoing...even stopping and chatting with someone you see on your travels that has an older tractor that looks like it doesn't see a lot of use anymore, you never know when striking up the right conversation with an old farmer might yield you a good barn find, or a lead to another tractor...as was said before, network yourself, you may be surprised what you'll find...

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[3930dave]

With the diesel emission controls now on Ag equipment too, that has re-invigorated some interest in older tractors. Not that interest was low in many regions to start with....

Action in the old tractor market is being driven both as an alternative to the new stuff complexity wise, and from a cost standpoint (new equipment being bumped up beyond inflation).

California being the bleeding edge of this, you might try some of the areas out there, maybe ping some of the members in Cali for input - I'm wondering if farms there are being mandated to get rid of older equipment ?

Brain55 seems to work on a lot of Construction stuff these days, but might be a good guy to keep in mind. That's his business/trade, so I'd expect to pay him if I wanted a Cali tractor checked out, but based on what I've read of his posts over time I'd be happy to do that myself.

IMO, tractors are the original real-deal utility vehicle, so they do tend to hold value very well.

I'd rent for a near term project. Then take the time to find a suitable one to buy.

Best luck, Rgds, D.

 

[pretendfarmer]

Thanks to everyone for the replies, and thoughts. I appreciate all the info, and am absorbing it all. Funny you mention that people might want the older stuff for the lack of emissions. Seems the same is happening with diesel trucks. I have have had several Dodge Cummins, and people are paying what I consider ridiculous prices for the earlier 5.9 models. I have had a few of those, but have a new 6.7 now. It is far superior in its performance to the older generations, and I would only go back if I absolutely had to for financial reasons.

 

[Ross71]

Go to a nearby proper farmer, take some beer, and ask him for his advice (who doesn't like to be asked) He'll know dealers, famers, places to look. Look up your local cattle auctioneer. They usually(in Britain at least) run a couple of equipment sales during the spring and autumn. If you've got the beer right, your new friend might come along and help you find a peach amongst the lemons

I'd help you but I'm a bit far away

Ross