Relative value of each Deere Series

[4runner]

Hi guys,
Been lurking here, and other places, for some time while I'm trying to figure out which tractor to get. I have a question about the various Deere series. I'm not specifically looking for advice on which tractor though. I have more philosophical questions because I don't understand the used tractor pricing/value...the relative prices do not seem to make sense to me and I must be missing something.

I'd like some something in the 24HP (eng)/18/20HP (PTO) class. Basic needs are FEL, mowing, and box blade use. Hydro transmission/4wd. Useage is for homeowner and, relative to many of you guys, will be low.

I'm a cheap SOB , so my original thought was to get an older 55 series like a 855 with the thought that it is not two/three series "old" and pricing would be appropriately less. But as I'm doing my internet based search I see 4100/4200, 4110/4015, can be had for about the same price as the x55 series. I realize how well the tractor is maintained can greatly affect resale, but I would have expected a bigger difference in prices.

So a couple of questions. Am I missing something? Are there some features of the 55 series that make it continue to be a desireable tractors when compared to the later models?

Thanks.

rj

 

[radman1]

The x55 series were a great set of tractors for JD. All made overseas. Yanmar engines which are still used in the smaller series CUT's today. The x55's were very reliable. I had a chance to buy a 955 with 200 hours, FEL, 2 buckets and MMM for $9000. It was pristine and owned by one of my partners but I just didn't have the need for it. The xx00 series were the first CUT's made by JD. They had some issues. IMHO, I would tend to avoid that series but many people had few problems. The xx10 series to me are about the same with some refinements and the problems worked out of the xx00 series.

 

[kennyd]

The xx00 series were the first CUT's made by JD. They had some issues.

This is only true of the mid-framed CUT's. The original 4100 was made by Yanmar, as was the 2210,4010,4110, and 4115.

 

[radman1]

This is only true of the mid-framed CUT's. The original 4100 was made by Yanmar, as was the 2210,4010,4110, and 4115.

Yes, you are right. I forgot the subCUT's were still made by yanmar and were very reliable. The mid and larger CUT's of the early 4x00 series were made by JD. The mid and larger size CUT's which had some initial problems.

 

[gordon21]

Is there a reason why you want/need hydro? Gear tractors are simple and less expensive. You don't shift like a car. You stop the tractor, change gears and then start again in the newly selected gear. It's a little more work, but could save you a lot of money.

 

[4runner]

The 55 series definitely seemed to have a long production run. Maybe that is why its value seems high relative to the shorter 4100/4200 production run.

Are there features that the 55 series had that the 4x00 series did not (or vice versa)?

 

[Oleozz]

If I were you I would also take a look at the JD 870-970 tractors. I had an 870 for seven years, it was a 28/24 hp tractor, 9 speed manual transmission with a 440 loader and had the Yanmar 3 cylinder engine. When I sold it last Feb. the hr meter said 670 hrs and worked flawlessly for me. I plowed snow, did FEL work, mowed fields, and my lawn. I think the 870's were more popular than their bigger brothers, at least I see a lot more of them for sale.

 

[4runner]

The reason for the hydro was ease of use for loader work. And it would be easier for others (like my wife) to drive.

From my initial searching, it seems like the manual transmissions were as expensive - but I will look a little closer at that approach.

Staying on the 855 hydro for the moment though... I know there is no standard rule here, but all things being equal, would a late model 855 be as desireable as a 4100/4200 or a 4110 or 4115?

 

[radman1]

The reason for the hydro was ease of use for loader work. And it would be easier for others (like my wife) to drive.

From my initial searching, it seems like the manual transmissions were as expensive - but I will look a little closer at that approach.

Staying on the 855 hydro for the moment though... I know there is no standard rule here, but all things being equal, would a late model 855 be as desireable as a 4100/4200 or a 4110 or 4115?

In general, newer models are always preferred over old models. Just like cars and trucks, newer model will usually command higher price and demand. Would you rather have a used car/truck that was one model ago or two models ago?

 

[4runner]

Radman, that was my thinking originally. Because I was looking to save some cash, I was going to by a used/older unit the 55 series.

But, I'm seeing that the savings between that and the newer series tractors in not that much and I conceivably get a new model.

That is what doesn't make sense and is the nature of my original post.