Auction Deere tractor

scrimshaw33 · Jun 21, 2010

I found a 2009 JD 5000 series tractor with low hours (about 400) that is being offered at a local auction in two weeks. I'm hoping I might be able to save quite a bit of money depending on who I'm competing against, as a neighbor just bought a tractor at auction and said there were a lot of buyers at the one he went to. Anyway, I know each auction will be different...but, any tips on what to look for, since I am a newbie, on an auction tractor, even though it's relatively new to make sure I don't get a dud? It has 4WD, FEL, everything I want just now want to get a good price.

RickB · Jun 22, 2010

Evaluate the tractor fully before auction day. Set a maximum price and stop bidding when you get to it. You will either own the tractor, or you won't.

JDGreenGrass · Jun 22, 2010

If you know someone who knows tractors, bring them along to help with the "inspection."

And, if there is a pre-sale viewing, such as day before the auction, take part in that as well.

psj12 · Jun 22, 2010

What model No?

Duffster · Jun 22, 2010

scrimshaw33 said:
I found a 2009 JD 5000 series tractor with low hours (about 400) that is being offered at a local auction in two weeks. I'm hoping I might be able to save quite a bit of money depending on who I'm competing against, as a neighbor just bought a tractor at auction and said there were a lot of buyers at the one he went to. Anyway, I know each auction will be different...but, any tips on what to look for, since I am a newbie, on an auction tractor, even though it's relatively new to make sure I don't get a dud? It has 4WD, FEL, everything I want just now want to get a good price.

Since you are a newbie I would recommend shying away from auctions.

scrimshaw33 · Jun 22, 2010

It's a 5055E with FEL. What do you look for in a used tractor other than any obvious damage, oil leaks, strange sounds, too much smoke, etc?

RoyJackson · Jun 22, 2010

RickB said:
Evaluate the tractor fully before auction day. Set a maximum price and stop bidding when you get to it. You will either own the tractor, or you won't.

Whatever else you do, heed RickB's advice!!!

beenthere · Jun 22, 2010

There could be a lot of things that are wrong and you won't know it until after you run it for awhile.
There is a certain amount of gamble. It will not be like buying from a dealer off a lot, that if something goes wrong you likely can take it back for work or refund. Those choices are limited too, but at an auction...the deal is done - - where is, as is.
The seller through the auctioneer may have some statements to the effect that they will guarantee the tractor to be in good running order which will help some. Or they may reiterate "where is, as is".

dmay · Jun 22, 2010

As mentioned, talk to the owner and evaluate the tractor before the auction. Ask to see the owners service records. 400hrs is low hours but what if the owner failed to notice an oil leak and ran the engine until it died due to no oil left. Or what if the owner never performed ANY servicing. I just evaluated a Kubota L3420 with only 500 hrs owned by a city municipality. After inspecting and asking questions I found out the unit had never been serviced. Not a single oil change in 500 hrs. Staff did not even know where to check the hydraulic oil level. Just got in and drove. Engine oil was heavy black goo and full of metal filings. Hydraulic oil didnt even register on the stick. Air filter was black.

So put on a pair of coveralls, take a bunch of shop rags, take your time and check out the tractor. Ask questions. Check all the fluid levels. Test drive. Go through all the gears/speeds. Listen for 'weird' noises. Test hydraulics, 3pt, PTO, loader/bucket. Ask to hook up equipment to the 3pt/PTO. Ask to lift something heavy with the bucket. Then determine if it is a good tractor and SET your price. Come auction day dont get caught up in the auction frenzy and go over your set price.

Best of luck!