Buying Advice tractor hunting for my first buy - case/ih?

jomar215 · Feb 29, 2012

Thanks guys, for all your input! That's real good advice, I'd say, about having spent more money on a newer tractor or having more money ready to spend on repairs/renting anyway.

Dj, I did happen to just recently find a 480 nearby. It's selling for near $5000 without the hoe and looks like a decent machine. It's not (quite) as old as the other machines I've found. I'm in no real rush anyway, so I'll keep looking.

Not being able to pull around one of these is a pain I guess, but not a major one. I suppose I'll look at hiring that out, if I chose to buy a hoe in the first place. Thanks everybody!

Martian · Feb 29, 2012

I think a newer machine would be the way to go for you. Even consider a slightly older Kioti or other off brand, and although reliable, the price drops more than a Deere or Kubota. I do like the older machines for their style and simplicity, but unless you find a completely restored one, I wouldn't trust it for everyday use. Not to mention that using it all day a newer machine is much easier to operate.

jomar215 · Feb 29, 2012

Oh, another good point!

DennisFolsom · Feb 29, 2012

I had my tractor hauled home by a company that advertises in Uncle Henry's Magazine. Their website is Welcome to MaineTractor.com. They used a big highway tractor & low bed trailer. Overkill, perhaps in my case, but they would have no problem hauling anything you are shopping for. The driver knew his stuff and was very particular about tying the machine down well. They quoted a price that I thought was very fair. They are based in Scarborough, so they are not terribly far away from you.

If your problem is getting a machine home, that's the way to go.

jomar215 · Feb 29, 2012

Thanks Dennis. I actually talked to one of those guys and he was very knowledgeable, and forthcoming with that knowledge, too. I didn't know they'd ship, though. Thanks a lot!

cowski · Mar 1, 2012

you might try a termite small backhoe.i rented one to run field lines and water lines.it worked good just slow.it is small enough for a 1/2 ton pickup.