Buying Advice Which one to buy? How much is my used one worth?

[Gittyup]

I'd recommend a small cut and keep the 445 (you can't get a better lawn mower/lawn maintenance machine). Then I'd look at small CUTS like: JD 2520, Kioti CKs and their Bobcat equivalents, bota B-series, MF1500 series, and other brands like Mahindra, TYM, NH. Then I'd load the tires to keep it stable. There are plenty of good used machines, and that is the way to go if paying cash. But, often with financing, the new machines work out to about the same cost.

 

[Soundguy]

I personally wouldn't reccomend an 8n for the tasks you want.

In fact.. if I was going to buy an old tractor to work with.. it would be a 55+ that way you got live hyds, had the option to find live pto, power steering, and better gear options.

as for logging.. there are specific tools you can get to help make logging safer.. winches, and tongs, and skidders that keep the log nose from digging in and becoming an anchor.

as to your question.. pretty much the same stuff to look for buying ANY tractor you don't want to work on before you work with it.

check that it starts good cold and hot, no troublesome leaks, make sure she charges, doesn't overheat on a load, pto and hyds work, brakes work, steering isn't excessively sloppy, runs and drives good in all gears and ranges, try to pull an implement with it to check power.. etc.. etc.

problem areas with N are oily brakes from bad axle seals, lack of live pto and hyds, and worn steering from years of neglect.

soundguy

So, what does a novice need to look for on a 8N that runs, to make sure he doesn't buy a new hobby?

A friend fwd'ed an article about logging with a tractor, and it seems to be a whole 'nother ballgame, especially since most of the woods I want to harvest means I'll be pulling logs uphill, which is totally contrary to the idea that tractors are designed to pull below their center of gravity. It seems to be foolish without some significant mods...belly pan, spark arrestor, tire air valve protection, etc.

I'd keep the JD445 for it's current tasks of mowing and blowing.

An old 8N, and a neighbor who is a logger who I'd be happy to pay to make 8-20 foot sticks seems like a decent compromise......your thoughts?

 

[Stever996]

Well, I went to a JD dealer and kinda decided a 3038E would be a good fit...........but at around $20,000 with FEL and brush hog(Haven't gotten even close to finalizing a price), even I can't make a good case with the wifey that it's a good idea...........$20,000 for a tool that gets used, what, 20-30 hours/year?

So, I'd consider a 2000 series of some sort as a 'do-all' tractor, trade the 445 in, and have a price delta of closer to $10,000. But...2 things are keeping me from looking further 1) ego!; 2) those little tires up front are about the same size as my 445; isn't that gonna cause problems in rough areas in the woods, like a 4" stick in the path?

Separately, the dealer says my whole 445 outfit...54" mower, grass catcher/ trailer, snowblower is worth $4000 on a trade....is that a fair number?

(I'm just trying to figure out JD's offerings b4 others..no aversion to other colors)

 

[KBEAT]

I used to think the same way, but now that I have a tractor (Kioti CK30) I seem to find a whole bunch of things to do with it. One of my neighbors has a Jubilee series and he lusts for mine because of the many things it can do extra. (4WD, power down FEL, HST drive, etc..) With that much property I think you will have no problem putting more than 30 hours a year on it . I think of things all winter that I want to do and can't wait for spring to get back out and play..... I mean work :laughing:. You are right about the cost/hours overall, but when you need it, it sure does make your life easier. I know I have never regretted it.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

N's have brakes?

ours never did, well maybe a little bit

But my dad is still using an old 9N and a 600, but they are constant work to keep them working.

 

[wallace]

How about you keep your Deere and I sell you a brand new Bobcat CT230hydro w/loader for your $15,000????

 

[Gittyup]

The 2000 series deeres are pretty nice. But, if you want more tractor without spending more, you'll have to consider another color. Not matter what, a CUT will not cut grass like that 445 does, unless you are simply talking wide open areas. Keep the 445, and yes $4K is about the going rate.

 

[BTI]

If you know where to look I'm sure you can find something in the Kioti CK series (28hp to 34hp) with the loader for 14k to 15k.
NEW

BTI

 

[Gittyup]

Stever996:

... if you are set on getting rid of your 445, and if it has AWS, is in good condition, and you are near Colorado...I might be interested in relieving you of the burden of ownership. :laughing:

I'm pretty sure the 445 never came in AWS. Only the 425 and 455 do. And I never understood that. The fuel injection is a nice upgrade over the std carb on the 425, especially with this crappy gasoline these days.

 

[mjncad]

I'm pretty sure the 445 never came in AWS. Only the 425 and 455 do. And I never understood that. The fuel injection is a nice upgrade over the std carb on the 425, especially with this crappy gasoline these days.

According to my 4x5 brochure, AWS was available on all three models.

I agree with you on the fuel injection as I hate carburetors.