What is the best tractor for around $10,000

[Evasive1]

If you want to see how much several different brands of tractors are going for ranging from new to used look at e-bay. This will give you a general idea of what tractors are selling for in a very short amount of time in one stop.

 

[jinman]

Since you are in SC, why not give Corriher Implements a look-see up in Newton, NC. Here is a link.

Corriher Implements

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd look for a late 80's or early 90's Deere...either one of the larger x70 series or x55 series. I think you'll find one of those in your price range. Deere still maintains parts and accessories for that era and they are very tough and reliable machines.

 

[ScottAR]

Don't forget the 50 series deeres... A little spartan compared to new ones but very rugged...

 

[songhunter]

LabLuvR,
There is a New Holland/Ford 1925 with NH loader, hydrostatic, 1600 hours in this area for $10,400. There is also a Branson 2810 with loader, 117 hours for $10,500. Either are great tractors, both 4WD, and about the same horsepower. Those are the best deals I have seen around $10K.

The deals are there, you just have to look for them and be willing to pick them up where they are located.

 

[LabLuvR]

I agree. Now that I have had my reality check I am gonna do some serious tire kicking. My goal is to get something that is safer than my 8N because my land is a tad hilly, making a ROP a nice option. And, to get a machine that I don't have to be a mechanic to keep it running. If I have to go over $10,000 some, I will to get a good safe tractor.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

You stated that you can fit your mechanical skills in a thimble. That is fine if you understand it. I bet if you look carefully at the warranty on the Northern tractors you will see they probably aren't a good match for you. Mostly a parts warranty, no labor. Comparable equipped, they can end up as high as a 1st tier tractor. (I actually paid less for my Deere....)

The dealers all have access to aggressive financing, and these tractors hardly depreciate. You may find that going new is your best bet. Don't forget that service is a big issue, and stick with a dealer that will take care of you. If you check around there is likely to be a dealer that wants your business and will take good care of you.

 

[SteveM]

Sometimes the advice on this forum leans to the rich and famous.....post the same question on YTMag. You will be more encouraged.

$10,000 for 35 4wd means you will have to do some real shopping, not just drive down to the local dealer to get raped. Check agdealer.com and ironweb.com to get a great idea on real world values, condition etc.

One thing you might consider (I also have about 40 acres) is going bigger, and 2wd. A local dealer I trust has a Deere 26XX with 2100 hours, nice paint and rubber, for 7900. He also has a Ford 4600 diesel with loader for about 6800. I may have model numbers off a bit since I am not in the market, but the point is that these are heavy farm tractors capable of a 5-10,000 life span. This particular gent offers a warranty with his tractors, and full service/trucking etc.

I would suggest trying to find a dealer like this - with the limited hours and abuse a hobby farmer gives a tractor, there are plenty of good options. If you are absolutely set on a 35hp compact with ROPs you should start with looking for a Ford 1920 or 2120, or perhaps a Deere 950 or 1050 - both from the 1980s.

Keep your chin up, budget down, and have some fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="blue"> Sometimes the advice on this forum leans to the rich and famous.....post the same question on YTMag. You will be more encouraged </font>

<font color="red"> preferably with ROP and new as possible as my mechanical abilities could fit into a micro size thimble. </font>

Of course, you can pay less up front for an older machine and pay later for service and safety. I have been there, too. With no mechanical ability that might not be a winning proposition.

 

[RobertN]

I have read all so far; some great idea's!

I wondered, what "Won't" the 8N do for you as it sits? What do you really need in the newer tractor, besides the 4x4?

For safety with the 8N, you could take it to a race car or 4x4 shop and have a ROPS built for it. If they can build a rollcage and all the other protection on a race car, a shop like that could build you a nice roll bar for the tractor. I know adding a front cage to Jeep roll bar is not all that expensive(less than $400?)

A loader is a big expense. I added mine later to my little Kubota. It was $3k installed. My used 19hp Kubota with a used mower and scraper(450 hours on the tractor) was $6500 a coupe years ago. You would need something bigger and more expensive, but there is a comparison point.