Where to go tractor shopping?

[TuckR]

Hi all. I'm going to be making my first tractor investment in the next six months and I'm wondering where I should direct my efforts. I've been looking at Craigslist and Facebook market place with mixed results, and I'm wondering if there's a better place to be looking. I've checked on the used inventory at my local dealerships and it's pretty sparse.

Thanks, Tuck

 

[Yander]

Welcome, I would start by shopping at dealers and driving/sitting on new models and see what you like first. Then, if you are hoping for used, you will know what you want instead of settling for the first thing you can afford that may not be what you need/want.

You will want cash easily available, as in the same day. Good used tractors do not last long if they are priced right. Sometimes hours if that.

Post more about your needs, lot size, location etc. and the guys can help you a lot more.

Good luck.

 

[RustyA]

Tractorhouse.com site can be a good resource for used tractors. You can narrow search by horsepower then sort by distance from your zip code and by price.

 

[zzvyb6]

Estate auctions (not a 'consignment' auction). You get to see different makes models & sizes. Best if you stop & talk to a few farmers about dealers, parts availability, reliability, etc.

 

[Wagtail]

Mate, first off welcome to TBN. You don't say where you are (in the world) but my first advice is to talk to the folks in your area as to what/who dealership has the best reputation in your area. This would be either 'over the fence' or in the local pub.

Everywhere is different, but your tractor 'target' all depends on what you want the tractor to be able to accomplish for you and your circumstances. You haven't provided those details to us so we can only provide 'generic' advice to you.

Ideally, if you have a tractor experienced friend that can accompany you when looking at tractors, well, that would be a bonus (especially if he/she is from the area).

 

[davedj1]

All I have to add is that you may find it easier and just as cheap in the long run to buy new. Lots of manufacturers offer 0 pct financing from time to time. Part of the reason I say this is that decent used command a premium price and often times have no transferable warranty.
I will add that definitely find a local (ish) dealer that has a good reputation and will take care of you before, during and after the sale. I am lucky the Kubota dealer is 6 miles from my house. Tractor will be 4 years old in March and has never been back to the dealer for any warranty issues. L2501 which is below the emissions threshold.
Good luck

 

[scootr]

Ironplanet.com is another one. I found my newest tractor on CL local to me. Although I searched nationally and gotten shipping bids because dealer prices were so high.

 

[Spike56]

Hi all. I'm going to be making my first tractor investment in the next six months and I'm wondering where I should direct my efforts. I've been looking at Craigslist and Facebook market place with mixed results, and I'm wondering if there's a better place to be looking. I've checked on the used inventory at my local dealerships and it's pretty sparse.

Thanks, Tuck

My only advice would summarize as: think about Local Part availability, Local Service/Mechanics.

 

[scootr]

My only advice would summarize as: think about Local Part availability, Local Service/Mechanics.

Exactly - right now I'm trying to find parts (seals) for my nearly 20 yr old CAT forklift by mail...Ugh.
I chose Kubota because I have 2 good Kubota dealers within a 20 mile radius.

 

[bdhsfz6]

1 - Figure out what you need. lots of help is available here on TBN if you provide details on your requirements.
2 - Decide what you can afford. You need a base price range before doing any serious shopping.
3 - Do some online research.
4 - Visit as many dealerships as you can.
5 - Talk to the locals and don't be afraid to ask questions here on the forum! We were all newbies here at one point and no one is going to criticize you for asking basic questions.

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your quest for the perfect tractor!