Iplayfarmer
Super Member
What's a 1969 John Deere 140 garden tractor worth. I've got an opportunity to buy one. They guy is asking $400, but I'm not sure it's worth that.
'69 John Deere 140
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I went on my lunch break to look at it. It's complete...snow blower, mower deck, all associated blades, pulleys, belts, etc. It's an H1. There's just the one set of hydraulics out on the front. It's got the manual for the tractor, the mower, and the snow blower.
There's evidence of patched scratches on the fiberglass hood. The guy's wife, who showed it to me said that it leaks oil. She said that the last guy that worked on it said there was a crack in the head and that might be where the oil is coming from.
Also, after she started it up to show it, there was a nice size puddle of hydraulic fluid coming out from under the front hydraulic fittings.
Knowing all that, what would you say the price should be?
There's evidence of patched scratches on the fiberglass hood. The guy's wife, who showed it to me said that it leaks oil. She said that the last guy that worked on it said there was a crack in the head and that might be where the oil is coming from.
Also, after she started it up to show it, there was a nice size puddle of hydraulic fluid coming out from under the front hydraulic fittings.
Knowing all that, what would you say the price should be?
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I wish I'd read your post about a half hour earlier. I just offered the guy $300. He said he'd have to think about it.
The blower and deck seem to be in pretty good shape. The seat was pretty torn up, though.
$300 is about my breaking point. If he accepts the offer I'll be pleased. If he rejects it, I'll won't really be too bummed about it.
If I had more time I may be more excited to buy this thing. As it is I'm just making an offer because I think the 140 could be very good for me and my place once I get it fixed up real good.
The blower and deck seem to be in pretty good shape. The seat was pretty torn up, though.
$300 is about my breaking point. If he accepts the offer I'll be pleased. If he rejects it, I'll won't really be too bummed about it.
If I had more time I may be more excited to buy this thing. As it is I'm just making an offer because I think the 140 could be very good for me and my place once I get it fixed up real good.
About a year ago my mom told me a co-worker of hers had a JD 140 for sale, and I went to look at it. It was quite beat up, and would need a full restoration, but it had potential. I offered him $300 for it which I thought was generous, and he looked at me, insisting as it was a, "classic," it was worth much more. I smiled at him, and walked away. The tractor still sits moored outside where I looked at it that day.
There is a difference between a classic and what is just plain junk. I think you made the guy the right offer.
-Fordlords-
There is a difference between a classic and what is just plain junk. I think you made the guy the right offer.
-Fordlords-
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
They guy countered and we agreed on $350 for the tractor, a mower deck, a snowblower, two sets of blades for the mower, wheel weights (cement) and chains. I also got the manual for the tractor, the mower, and the snowblower.
He insisted that the hydraulic fluid was just a matter of his wife not hooking up the hoses correctly. I'm inclined to believe him. The oil leak is still a big deal, but it doesn't seem to affect how the thing runs. That's something I will be tackling down the road here a ways.
I'm sure I didn't get some phenomenal deal, but I think it was fair to both of us.
He insisted that the hydraulic fluid was just a matter of his wife not hooking up the hoses correctly. I'm inclined to believe him. The oil leak is still a big deal, but it doesn't seem to affect how the thing runs. That's something I will be tackling down the road here a ways.
I'm sure I didn't get some phenomenal deal, but I think it was fair to both of us.
bontai_Joe
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During the winter, you will seldom see the model 49 snowblower attachment sell for less than $300... You got a really great deal in my opinion! Are the wheel weights really cement? or just a rough cast iron? or are they much newer than the tractor and are cement incased in plastic? The reason I ask is the old cast iron weights are ALWAYS over $100 a pair on Ebay.
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Okay, I lied. Or rather I was mistaken. I didn't get a book on the mower deck. That third book is a service manual. That's even better.
The wheel weights appear to be homemade of cement. It was dark by the time I got home last night, but my recollection is that they are cast out of cement with some kind of blue pipe or tubing used for bolt holes. No real monetary value there, but weight is weight when it comes to traction.
The wheel weights appear to be homemade of cement. It was dark by the time I got home last night, but my recollection is that they are cast out of cement with some kind of blue pipe or tubing used for bolt holes. No real monetary value there, but weight is weight when it comes to traction.