used attachments

[Anonymous Poster]

Anyone know of a good place to look for used attachments? Maybe someplace on the web?

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Kris, I to have been looking to see whats out there for used attachments and so far the few that I have found via the Internet have been a dealers scatterd around the country and the ones that have posted prices seem to be affordable.
BUT ! Due to the weight, by the time you add potential shipping costs, your just about at the price of a new one from a local dealer.
Just my findings so far. Maybe some of the members who have been at this longer then I can provide better insight.

 

[Mosey]

I've been through this myself. I agree that the web is not a good way to go. I wouldn't feel good about buying a used implement unless I can check it out in person, make sure all the parts are there, and even test run it. Also, the shipping gets real expensive.

I’ve also tried auctions, but that hasn’t worked out either. They take up a lot of time while you wait for them to get to the stuff you’re interested in. So far there has always been someone willing to pay much more than I’m willing to pay for some old unknown brand implement that they don’t even know if it works! For example, last weekend I stood and watched a homemade looking post hole digger sell for $200. I can get a new one for $385. A Yazoo 48” mower sold for $850. It was quite old and didn’t even start when they tried to start it just before they sold it!

Talk to some farmers or somebody that might know of a farming newspaper that runs classified ads. For example, in the Indiana, Ohio, Illinios area there is one called Farm World (used to be Farm Week). Also, look in the phone book for used farm equipment dealers. You’ll have to drive around looking and ask around about used farm equipment dealers also, since some of them don’t advertise.

Good luck. Since I started looking in the last 2 years I have not bought 1 used implement. I looked at used bush hogs and anything under $300 has holes rusted through on the deck, is all bent up, and looks like a piece of junk. I’m getting ready to buy a new King Kutter for $550. I also ended up buying a new grader blade, new rear scoop, and a new tiller. The only thing I have that’s used is a plow that my brother gave me. People just want too much money for old used equipment.

 

[RichZ]

Danny, everything you said about auctions is true, that is, sometimes. It all depends on the crowd. Like you said, I've been at auctions when old junk went for more than new stuff. John Miller III and I had to laugh a few months ago, when we were at an auction and some guy bought a very used King Kutter brush hog for $650. He could have gotten it brand new for $100 less.

However, sometimes you can get great deals at auctions. If you're lucky you may spot something that no one else is looking for, and can get it for the opening bid. You have to be willing to put in the time. You kind of have to get into them, and if you do, they're fun and you can learn a lot. I'm extremely lucky!!! I frequently go to auctions with John Miller III!! I don't know of a better learning experience than going around a bunch of used equipment with JMIII. I even have confidence enough to consider buying a tractor at an auction, with JMIII's guidance!!! But even without a mentor, you can pick up good buys at auctions, if you're willing to put in the time. John and I almost always each go home with something. In my book, auctions are one of the best places to get used equipment.

Rich
"What a long strange trip it's been."

 

[Mosey]

Rich, I see your point. The key is like you said "You have to be willing to put in the time". Unfortunately, at this point in my life, time is not something I have in abundance! The reason I bought my tractor in the first place was to save time.

This is getting way off track, but... Have you ever heard of the 3 elements of life? Time, energy, and money. For most of us, we never have all three at the same time. When we’re young, we have lots of time and energy, but no money. Then, we get to where we still have energy and get some money, but we don’t have much time (that’s me now, except I don’t have a LOT of money). Then, we get old and have lots of time and money, but no energy! There are a few exceptions to this, such as people who win the lottery or get lucky with stocks and retire early (one of my neighbors fits this description), but for most of us it holds true.

I have to admit, the auctions are kind of fun. I wish I did have more time for them. It's just hard for my twin 5-year-olds to understand why I want to go to an auction rather than stay home and play with them. I'll probably be going to one more this year, since there is one coming up that's only about 10 miles from me on April 6th. I’ll give it one more try, but if I don’t find a good deal on a bush hog, then I’ll have to just buy a new one.

 

[Thomas]

Mark,
Have you consider equipment auctions or auctions,for they will be starting up soon and you can get some good buys.

 

[Youare]

In New Hampshire they have a Farm Market bulliten which has used farm equipment along with the market value for anything "farmed" in the state. I looked at a Market Trader for the upper part of the state of Veermont this weekend that had some stuff, not a lot.

Most of the local farm equipment dealers in the area have experienced equipment from time to time as people trade-in used stuff for new. Some of this stuff has a lot of experience all ready behind it and not much more capacity to learn a head of it, it is pretty well used up.

I know several people who have got a good deal on some stuff. As they drive by old farms or a field they see an immplement sitting out there tress or grass growing up around it and they stop and ask the owner if they would like to sell it. A friend of mine got a rear blade cheap that way. I bought a bunch of stuff for $40.00 from an old farm one time, I had to take some junk to get what I wanted but I was happy. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Randy

 

[Thomas]

Randy,
How does one get a hold of the Farm Market Bulliten..for I'm interested.

 

[Youare]

I'll check into that. It used to be published once a week and the subscription price was about $20.00 a year.

Randy

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Thomas,
I am now thinking of going to some of the area auction that like you say will be starting up soon. My Dad loves to go to these and I think it is time I tagged along. He is presently wintering with one of my sisters in Las Vegas but he will be home mid / late April. Thank you for the reminder.
I will have to start reading his auction flyers before I forward his mail. Hope nobody from the USPS read this.