Similar to the 'upgrade' thread......time to let it go?

[dkmc]

I bought a 1957 IH 330 Utility back in 1991. Split the tractor and replaced a broken Bull Gear in the trans.-rearend. 12V alternator upgrade, cleaned and painted it up real purdy. Used to to brush hog for many years, plus back blade the driveway with DIY back blade. Motor is some what tired, it has some blow-by, but doesn't use any oil. The paint isn't looking so fresh now, although it's always stored indoors. Probably shine up with a good washing. Along comes GF in about 2013, and along with her comes her 2011 MF 1529 with 5' BH and FEL. I think I used my tractor about 2X since. It's been in the neighbors barn unused and not started for 3? years now. Is it time to send it down the road? Oh...btw the 'significant other' situation seems pretty stable. Keep in mind, if that ever changed, I'd be......(gasp)....without tractor...
Thoughts?

 

[Jstpssng]

Are you attached to the tractor? Do you ever intend to fix it up?

If not, I would let it go.

First though, ask your GF what she thinks. She may have other ideas, and even may be considering selling her Massey.

 

[MossRoad]

I had a70s IH2500b that I bought used around 1990 and used it until about 2001, when I bought our current machine. That little new machine did all the work for the next 10 years, and the IH just sat. I wanted to fix it up and sell it for $3K. Went to a salvage yard to get $1500 worth of parts, and the guy asked about it. Asked how much I wanted for it. He said $3K less the $1500 you're putting into it, I'll give you $1500 today for it sight unseen.

Took me about 5 seconds to say "SOLD!". He came and got it a few weeks later.

Might be time to send it to someone else.

 

[dkmc]

Are you attached to the tractor? Do you ever intend to fix it up?

If not, I would let it go.

First though, ask your GF what she thinks. She may have other ideas, and even may be considering selling her Massey.

Good points. I guess the blantant question is, how attached to the tractor......and all my other machinery am I. At this point (63) I think I still am. For my purposes, the work I did on it when I got it constitutes all the fixing up I intend to do on it. Overall it's in pretty good shape. GF is very easy going with this, we both know her diesel tractor (with 150 hrs) is way more usable, and I believe she is attached to it as well, so it's not going anywhere......lol. Long run.....big picture....common sense, I should probably sell it if I can get a decent price for it. Any ideas what it's worth?

 

[MossRoad]

Some wild guesses as to what it's worth..

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/auction-results/international/330/less-than-40-hp-tractors/1111

 

[dkmc]

Some wild guesses as to what it's worth..

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/auction-results/international/330/less-than-40-hp-tractors/1111

Thanks. Looks like shiny paint ups the price nicely.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks. Looks like shiny paint ups the price nicely.

Yeah, I saw one on an auction site that was restored. Yikes!

 

[dkmc]

Not the best pics of it...

 

[paulsharvey]

I would send it down the road, if you can get something for it. Don't know how much $$$ you have in it; but I would guess it's not building value, and you will probably need a battery to get it running. If it keeps sitting, might need to add wires, fluids, seat, filters, ect to it before selling it. Dang squirrel and other rodents like to eat everything on them. Also, the tires aren't getting younger, and if they sit flat for too long, the cracking can get pretty bad around the flat spot.

If you do decide to sell; I'm of the opinion that doing a full fluid change is a waste of money unless it's got water in it, and it has too have it. I think even with new filters and fluids, a buyer is not going to price that in, cause he/she will probably count on doing their own as soon as they buy.

Edit: I know you didn't mention a dead battery, or flat tires, I'm just guessing if it's been sitting for that long, it either has those problems or will eventually.

 

[dkmc]

I would send it down the road, if you can get something for it. Don't know how much $$$ you have in it; but I would guess it's not building value, and you will probably need a battery to get it running. If it keeps sitting, might need to add wires, fluids, seat, filters, ect to it before selling it. Dang squirrel and other rodents like to eat everything on them. Also, the tires aren't getting younger, and if they sit flat for too long, the cracking can get pretty bad around the flat spot.

If you do decide to sell; I'm of the opinion that doing a full fluid change is a waste of money unless it's got water in it, and it has too have it. I think even with new filters and fluids, a buyer is not going to price that in, cause he/she will probably count on doing their own as soon as they buy.

Edit: I know you didn't mention a dead battery, or flat tires, I'm just guessing if it's been sitting for that long, it either has those problems or will eventually.

No battery in it, one front tire historically ends up flat. It's probably a shame to just leave it sit. If I get my mind in the right place I can and have let things go. Hardly ever any regrets after the fact. It's the initial let-go that's hard to execute.

 

[dirttoys]

Just one tractor!! What will you use to drag it back to the shop if it breaks??

Just kidding, talking about your equipment not mine.........

When I need to let something go (which I don't do often enough) it helps to think of someone else getting joy from it.

Best,

ed

 

[dkmc]

Just one tractor!! What will you use to drag it back to the shop if it breaks??

Just kidding, talking about your equipment not mine.........

When I need to let something go (which I don't do often enough) it helps to think of someone else getting joy from it.

Best,

ed

That is a good view point. Selling to the right buyer could make all the difference.

 

[BadDecisions]

If you do decide to sell; I'm of the opinion that doing a full fluid change is a waste of money unless it's got water in it, and it has too have it. I think even with new filters and fluids, a buyer is not going to price that in, cause he/she will probably count on doing their own as soon as they buy.

As a buyer, this is one of the big things that always bugs me, along with new tires. The seller invariably wants as much as they paid, and sometimes more, for stuff that I wouldn't use myself. Different tires are probably less of an issue on tractors than cars I buy, and it seems the 4x4 owners are always the worst as they often put some kind of stupid expensive highway oriented tire on it two days before selling it then want the buyer to cover it.

Nope, if I'm buying a 4x4, it's because it's going off road, and I want off road tires. It's killed many deals for me.

With fluids, seller can claim anything, but I don't really know if they used the same quality I would, or if they dumped in the cheapest garbage they could find, then increased the selling price to cover the cost of the good stuff... And then I'm paying for stuff I'm just going to dump right out anyways...

 

[Vigo327]

Usually when i see brand new fluid in a machine that’s for sale i think the buyer didnt want me to see what the last fluid looked like. I see it as ‘destroying the evidence’. I know its usually not done with ill intent but id honestly prefer to see everything ‘as it is’ and not be left to wonder.

 

[dkmc]

Usually when i see brand new fluid in a machine that’s for sale i think the buyer didnt want me to see what the last fluid looked like. I see it as ‘destroying the evidence’. I know its usually not done with ill intent but id honestly prefer to see everything ‘as it is’ and not be left to wonder.

This is one reason I wouldn't bother changing any fluids. The other reason is I'm not spending any money on a machine I'm going to be selling. (IF I end up selling it) Let the next guy pick up the maintenance schedule. What's there is what it is. No water in any of the oil because the tractor is always stored inside. I'd have nothing to hide in the sale. Brakes work great, throttle linkage is worn out. Tachometer is present but removed, didn't work when I got it. Other than that, it would be "As is with any and all faults".