Yes I mean $3K.
We are in a very rural part of norther PA and old ford/case/international/massyfurg/ tractors around 40 hp are pretty easy to come by for around 2-3K.
They are not show pieces, they are old beat up tractors that do good farm work.
That is why I was pursueing the rear mounted loader, I assume they are less expensive. I have also found old loader buckets for a couple hundred $$?
Oh yeah you can get a great deal on 2 wheel drive tractors, maybe better now than any time in the past, due to the fact that everyone thinks they need 4X4, 2 wheel drives are selling for far less than they are worth.
Being in such a rural area isn't a benefit though, looking for a good deal on a used tractor. First off those machines will have seen much more work and maybe not as many people out buying brand new machines looking to replace them.
If you could expand your search to the more built up areas, that's where you'll find deals, the hobby owner that just dropped 30 grand on a new "toy" and needs to make room in his heated garage, so he's getting rid of his old machine that may not of seen much action.
The loader is still gonna be a problem, harder to find a decent machine with a loader. For sure it wont be easily removable if it's a front loader. and I doubt you'll find that rear loader on a tractor that you like, that's just to rare.
Have to get the tractor first and work on getting that rear 3pt loader later. if that one shown in the plans is what your looking for then you might have to go that route, and have someone build it for you. but that's gonna bust your budget
Good luck, JB.
