Buying used tractor

[tractorguy2]

I've been looking at used tractors (20-35 hp) with and without FEL. It seems like FELS add quite bit to the cost of a used tractor and there are quite a few tractors out there without a FEL. Is it cost effective and feasible to buy a used tractor (say mid 90's vintage) and install a new FEL?

 

[tractorguy2]

I've been looking at used tractors (20-35 hp) with and without FEL. It seems like FELS add quite bit to the cost of a used tractor and there are quite a few tractors out there without a FEL. Is it cost effective and feasible to buy a used tractor (say mid 90's vintage) and install a new FEL?

 

[john_bud]

A new FEL will run you 3500-5000 depending on model. That does NOT include labor to install.

Always cheaper to buy the unit you want first time.

jb

 

[john_bud]

A new FEL will run you 3500-5000 depending on model. That does NOT include labor to install.

Always cheaper to buy the unit you want first time.

jb

 

[flusher]

A) Before buying that used iron, be sure that the front end can handle the loads generated by an FEL.

B) If the tractor doesn't have power steering, you're probably going to be disappointed if you add an FEL. My neighbor had a old 1960s Case tractor (35 hp or so) with an FEL but no power steering. He says turning the tractor with a load in the bucket was a real chore.

 

[flusher]

A) Before buying that used iron, be sure that the front end can handle the loads generated by an FEL.

B) If the tractor doesn't have power steering, you're probably going to be disappointed if you add an FEL. My neighbor had a old 1960s Case tractor (35 hp or so) with an FEL but no power steering. He says turning the tractor with a load in the bucket was a real chore.

 

[KiotiJohn]

It's quite feasible to add a loader to most tractors. Whether that is ideal or not is another question.

If buying used in that range, I wouldn't consider putting a FEL on one that doesn't have power steering and front wheel assist as that loader will just be too much weight. Steering would be very difficult and when fully loaded, the FEL will push the front tires down in soft soil making it hard for the rears to push it up and out of the indention without front wheels assisting.

If you can find a used tractor with a FEL, you'll probably do better price-wise than buying a new FEL later. After market loaders will cost in the range of $2K to $4K depending on the loader. From what I've seen, a used loader doesn't usually add more than about $1500 at most to a used tractor.

As long as the used loader has good integrity (no bad welds, no cracks in key components, etc.) the value of it with a used tractor is good.

John

 

[KiotiJohn]

It's quite feasible to add a loader to most tractors. Whether that is ideal or not is another question.

If buying used in that range, I wouldn't consider putting a FEL on one that doesn't have power steering and front wheel assist as that loader will just be too much weight. Steering would be very difficult and when fully loaded, the FEL will push the front tires down in soft soil making it hard for the rears to push it up and out of the indention without front wheels assisting.

If you can find a used tractor with a FEL, you'll probably do better price-wise than buying a new FEL later. After market loaders will cost in the range of $2K to $4K depending on the loader. From what I've seen, a used loader doesn't usually add more than about $1500 at most to a used tractor.

As long as the used loader has good integrity (no bad welds, no cracks in key components, etc.) the value of it with a used tractor is good.

John