What to buy now

rockyridgefarm · Feb 18, 2004

I had a $5000 tractor before I upgraded. Many here did, as well. I bought a new machine for many reasons. I had to work on the older one. It really wasn't safe (no ROPS) I needed a loader and something bigger.

If you sell the Kioti, you will take some loss. If you get an older machine, it is likely to end up being more than $5K, especially with service, etc. Before you know it, you'd have a much older machine that you got to work on instead of with and not have saved all that much.

I'd go use the one you have more, so that you feel like its worth it.

Besides, it sounds like a pretty good price for a nice tractor!!

songhunter · Feb 18, 2004

I look at my tractor as an investment. Though it might sound prudent to sell the tractor that is "sitting in the barn", you must realize that CUTs experience hardly any depreciation. Some of the tractors sold back in the mid 80's (particularly the name brand units) are fetching a good portion of their original price, and that is after more than twenty years use.

In fact, I'd venture to say that most 8 and 9n Fords are probably selling used now for almost their original price.

Consider your tractor an investment. The dividends are paid by the tractor's contribution to your property values and your life style. It will be there to sell if you need the cash.

Just my thoughts!

OkeeDon · Feb 18, 2004

If it were me instead of Kris making that request, it would probably be because the CFO was involved. "You don't use that tractor enough to justify all the money you have tied up in it. Couldn't you do the same things with a cheaper tractor?" Fortunately, I do enough stuff with my tractor that the scenario hasn't come up, yet, but it has come up with the motor home.

"We're not using the motor home enough, why do you want to have all that money tied up just sitting there? Why don't you sell it?" Then, a week later, in a different mood, "I would like to go to that quilt show in Georgia next summer. Will you make reservations at the RV park?" I'm tempted to tell her I sold the motor home...you gotta love 'em.

frank_f15 · Feb 18, 2004

KRIS: WHY DON'T U LOOK AROUND and see what is out there in your area in the 5k range, then u might have a better idea of which is the best way for u to go. fi u find something that ucan live with, then u can sell the new one.

Mrwurm · Feb 18, 2004

Kris, I hate to tell you this, but by the time you sell your current unit and buy another one, you may only break even. In my area of Michigan you cannot touch a used tractor of any age or size with a loader for under $10,000. You can find a $5,000 tractor but it will most likely be 2wd with no loader.

Also, I feel your pain. I paid $15,100 for my tractor and I only put about 30 hrs per year on it. Makes me feel bad at times for spending money we could have used for something else.

Inspector507 · Feb 18, 2004

Jerry,
We spent the money for the back aches this new tractor has saved me. FEL is a godsend. Hydro is wonderful. 4WD?? well I can't say how good it is to have it. I have heart probs, and I just can't do the things I used to do anymore, although I try at times.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
My wife always asks if the money we lay out will save me some time and trouble, then we dicide if I get it or not. I've got 60+ hrs on my NH so far in 8 months. But I wouldn't be without it now. Sure there is a check going out every month, but I'm much happier and maybe healthier than when I had my 25 yr old 2WD tractor w/no loader /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Jerry

frank_f15 · Feb 18, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( We spent the money for the back aches this new tractor has saved me. FEL is a godsend. Hydro is wonderful. 4WD?? well I can't say how good it is to have it. )</font>

jerry that is exactaly how i felt when i upgrade to my b2400 a few years ago,at that stage in my life where u have to take those things into consideration.

Hypernix · Feb 18, 2004

Kris,

I have a smaller tractor than yours but I also only have 2 acres... So I'm not putting a lot of hours on my tractor during a year. Since I want more "tractor time" /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I'm planning to use more of my 2 acres (make a bigger garden, cut some trees, do some new landscaping), buying new implements to do more stuff and maybe do some work for some uncles, neighboors, etc.

Just some crazy ideas! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hyp3rnix

lablovers · Feb 19, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gifGreetings to all. Am new to TBN and need a little guidance. In the market for a tractor and I am overwhelmed by all that is available. Have 5 acres and about 2 1/2 acres are usable. Live in California at about 2,200 elevation. This means some side hilling and stability is important. Looking for tractor, loader and backhoe. Backhoe to build a new house, after that will be used mostly to plant trees etc. Loader and future scraper will be for landscaping, cleaning and maintenance. Have been looking in the 30 HP range. Leaning toward a Korean model because of price/value but have found that they are short on leg room. Seems if you are over six feet tall you can expect to be cramped. Looking new as most of the used stuff is pretty beat up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.