How can I convince my Dad that buying a used tractor isn't necessarily buying someone's headaches? He says that he has NEVER had any luck buying anything used, but I have never seen him actually buy anything used. Well, I take that back, he did buy me a used Honda MR250 29 or 30 years ago... and that was a good bike. Do any of you have advise as to how to ease his fears of buying a used tractor, not to mention advise that will help us make sure the used tractor is a good one?
Like any other purchase, to be an informed tractor buyer you have to do your homework.
First, you need to think through the uses you think you have now for a tractor.
Then expand your time frame 5 years and figure out what new uses you might have.
Once you have your arms around these uses, then figure out the type and size of implements you'll need.
Now you're ready to consider the tractors that satisfy your needs (horsepower, 2WD or 4WD, gas or diesel, FEL?, hydrostatic or gear tranny, etc).
Finally, start looking for used tractors (dealers lots, eBay, craigslist, local classifieds, local auctions, estate sales, etc). You can get ballpark prices for used tractors by investing $20 for a copy of the tractor blue book.
Amazon.com: The Official Tractor Blue Book 2009: Mike Hall: Books
Don't know what your budget is, but I'd recommend starting with used tractors less than 5 years old and less than 1000 engine hours. A 30-50 hp tractor diesel with 1000 hours is just getting broken in (assuming regular maintenance schedule is followed faithfully) and should be good for 4000-5000 hours before needing engine/tranny overhaul. You can find many late model used tractors whose owners have put less than 100 hours per year on the engine clock.
Good luck.
