Does Anyone Buy Used Tractors?

[LouNY]

All you need for most weekend warrior implements is 540 pto if you put a hydraulic top link on it and still need another remote get a multiplier as a cost effective way of adding remotes, at least in my experiences.

Dang, my IH 574 has two, the new Kioti CK2620SE has two, the Branson 8050 has 3, and the NH 8160 has 4.
And I didn't have enough on the Branson with 3 had to put a multiplier on my back blade.
Then the Branson's 540E gets used as much or more then the 540 does. And the 1000 on the IH has been used many times.

 

[sd455dan]

most of my equipment has been used so far except the Inverted snow blower.
Now that there is no US support for my old Rhino tractor as odd as it sounds I am thinking of buying one that has been parked for years due to electrical problems to keep as a parts tractor.
Ran into a friend we grew up with who owns it (bought it new ) and unfortunately was in a really bad truck accident years ago that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
The 2 stage clutch shifter and steering is physical enough for a person in good health. Maybe able to help him out financially and help myself by having almost any hard to find part I may need in the future. The resale is not good on any older china tractor but the 554 has proven itself for over 30 years now.

Was thinking if the tires are still good... there is over a grand worth as well as a complete Koyker FEL probably 3K at least, in addition to the tractor itself. Maybe his still has the spare 1000 RPM PTO shaft.. Just thinking out loud.

 

[jjeff]

Dang, my IH 574 has two, the new Kioti CK2620SE has two, the Branson 8050 has 3, and the NH 8160 has 4.
And I didn't have enough on the Branson with 3 had to put a multiplier on my back blade.
Then the Branson's 540E gets used as much or more then the 540 does. And the 1000 on the IH has been used many times.

I suppose the tractor I was kind of referring to in my post if it's an m9000 has a ton of horsepower compared to both of mine and can easily run larger 1k pto implements. Most subs and compacts like mine do not so I run all 540 pto speed implements. I've only had to use the extra ports on my l4150s multiplier a handful of times to run the scarifier teeth on an attachment plus my top link. Anyways it is nice to have the extra ports on the tractor ready to use and multiplier is a pretty cost effective way to add them provided you don't need to run multiple remotes simultaneously.

 

[ArlyA]

I'd get a used tractor asap if we could afford one.

 

[5030]

Had no qualms about buying the 2nd M9 used and I'd not hesitate to buy something else used either, so long as I did my due diligence prior to plunking down the money.

 

[5030]

Far as financing a used tractor, Ag Direct finances them all the time. In fact when I bought mine used from the JD Dealer, they offered me financing on it, which I declined. Of course the finance rate may not be to your liking but you can if you want to. I considered it because I can 'write off' the interest as the farm is a bona fide business.

 

[sd455dan]

Here's a used up (cheapest cab tractor I could find at time) only had to replace the rad and built front grill guard bumper, yooper rigged hydraulic clutch shifter. hogging 10 acres +Xmas tree rows problem free for over 5 yrs now, only regret is it's impossible to find a parts tractor for it at scrap prices cause they apparently don't die lol.

Good Looking Cab tractor.

Also like the nice TALL R1's on the front axle.

Just another feature that seems to be harder and harder to find on New mfwd CUTs

 

[jjeff]

Good Looking Cab tractor.

Also like the nice TALL R1's on the front axle.

Just another feature that seems to be harder and harder to find on New mfwd CUTs

For the used up price I paid it does everything I need it to do and more plus I can somewhat safely vs os, bring one of my kids with me very occasionally, it's been mostly trouble free and pretty reliable. It also got me hooked on hydraulic shuttles.

 

[rScotty]

I was just reading through this thread and noticed that most - maybe all - of the used tractors mentioned are ag type and of larger than utility size.

No surprises there; we all know that Ag tractors last a long time and tend to be owned by folk who are familiar with the maintenance and yes, the fixing part too.

But I wonder how much of the advice to go for used also applies to the 25 to 50 hp tractor world?
rScotty

 

[jjeff]

If it's a reputable brand that probably overbuilt a lot of the smaller tractors initially its pretty similar on earlier models to ag tractors minus weight, options,and HP imo. Fast forward to present day newer models not so much. Still have to ask my self why some brands are using cast aluminum and similar materials for drivetrain housings better heat dissipation cause you've downgraded the hydrostatic drive systems? Stop counting beans and keep the tried and true add a 50 dollar in line cooler. Rants over.

 

[Hay Dude]

I’m a big believer in cast iron tractor pumps and transmissions.

 

[rScotty]

I’m a big believer in cast iron tractor pumps and transmissions.

You bet. Me too. Don't you think that everyone is? Today's "cast iron" is more of a cast steel rather than a classic cast iron, but what you say still holds. It's the best material we know of for being cheap, heavy, machinable, resistant to wear, and stable over a large range of stress & temperatures. It's also infinitely recyclable usng cheap clean technology.

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.
What's not to like?

 

[Hay Dude]

You bet. Me too. Don't you think that everyone is? Today's "cast iron" is more of a cast steel rather than a classic cast iron, but what you say still holds. It's the best material we know of for being cheap, heavy, machinable, resistant to wear, and stable over a large range of stress & temperatures. It's also infinitely recyclable usng cheap clean technology.

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.
What's not to like?

Apparently not by the number of pumps I see in aluminum housings. Many of them on scrap piles. Seen a few other spots where aluminum is used instead of cast iron, too.

 

[Tractorable]

I’m definitely considering buying used for my next tractor. What I’m seeing is the used market is staying flat while the new market is skyrocketing due to inflation. Example on TractorHouse:

New Massey 1835M Cab costs $40-43K
Used Massey 1835M Cab with 94hrs costs $30K

New Kioti DK5320SE Cab costs $40-43K
Used Kioti Dk5310SE Cab with 200hrs and a 6ft bush hog costs $32K

New Yanmar YT359 ROPS for $42K
Used Yanmar YT359 ROPS with 500hrs for $27K

I have an F350 and 24ft 14K equipment trailer so can haul within a reasonable distance for the right deal. Savings to be had if you’re willing to wait for the right deal.

 

[Hay Dude]

I’m definitely considering buying used for my next tractor. What I’m seeing is the used market is staying flat while the new market is skyrocketing due to inflation. Example on TractorHouse:

New Massey 1835M Cab costs $40-43K
Used Massey 1835M Cab with 94hrs costs $30K

New Kioti DK5320SE Cab costs $40-43K
Used Kioti Dk5310SE Cab with 200hrs and a 6ft bush hog costs $32K

New Yanmar YT359 ROPS for $42K
Used Yanmar YT359 ROPS with 500hrs for $27K

I have an F350 and 24ft 14K equipment trailer so can haul within a reasonable distance for the right deal. Savings to be had if you’re willing to wait for the right deal.

That is a VERY wise decision.
It also allows you to go bigger and save money at the same time.

Guys buying smaller tractors are getting hammered on new prices. I am amazed at what inflation over the last 2 years has done.

Seems like to me everything has increased 20-35% in price since 2021.

 

[ArlyA]

I watch the used market but largely for JD's. Seems to me that prices are decling.
-----------------------------------

2019 John Deere 3038E compact tractor​

now $22,500 was $24,900
Listed 15 weeks ago in Rochester, MN

Details​

• Condition
  Used - Good

2019 John Deere 3038E tractor only 131 hrs.

 

[JeepHead]

I'm having this same dilemma now. I just bought a new home and have 20 wooded acres that was timbered the past year. So I have a lot of clean up to do that the logging company did. Have been looking at and researching tractors heavily the past two weeks. I only have one dealer in my town which is a Kubota dealer. But the prices are absolutely insane! I am struggling with buying new or used. I certainty don't want to end up with someone else's problem tractor. I have set a cash budget for $35K for a tractor. That 35K doesn't buy much in the way of a Kubota, it would buy a decent Branson model and there is a very good dealer for the Branson but he's about 60 miles away. I also have an LS dealer about 30miles away and I have bought all my chainsaws off of for 25 years and really respect him. I am a guy who can fix just about anything so a used tractor doesn't freak me out. Just not sure which way to go...

 

[Hay Dude]

I see used prices are decreasing, but in very small increments.
The “desperation buying” phase, caused by the virus paranoia and general “end of the world” fear is helping to restore inventory levels.

 

[Tractorable]

I plan to get price quotes on new equipment to establish a baseline then compare to lightly used machines. Will compare the total cost of used vs new including interest. I might pay cash for the implements and finance the tractor, still deciding. If it’s ~$50K for a new 35hp cab tractor with three implements it’s not happening, going used.

I believe we’re in an economic phase where we need to re-assess our perception of new vs used. For 15 years or more good used tractors cost almost as much as new making it not much of deal, but with new prices going through the roof it’s making a used purchase a much better bargain.

 

[WinterDeere]

Replaceing cast iron with something else leads to all sorts of "why?" questions.

I can really only imagine two reasons for going from cast iron to cast aluminum pump housings:

1. Aluminum has much higher thermal conductivity, so if you're trying to keep fluids or seals below a given operating temperature, aluminum is going to win.

2. Shipping weight is much lower, which as silly as it sounds, might actually be a cost factor when everything is made overseas and shipped here for assembly into the tractor.

Cast iron wins on durability, without a doubt, and likely also on raw material cost.