I've been wanting to buy an old, small tractor for a while and spent considerable time researching, checking prices, looking at all the sites I could. I live in the KC metro area and the "vintage" tractors are plentiful, but I could not find quite what I was looking for for my budget $3000. Obviously, you don't get a lot for $3000. And I think there are a lot of guys like me (food plotters and small acreage owners) in the market. I see lots more bargains in the deep South for 30-50 HP units. I have implements already, so I just needed the right tractor for my uses.
I used a "wanted" ad on Craigslist with success. I did this a while back for a log splitter and it worked great. I think the success is because my ads are pretty detailed, lays out what I'm looking for, what I need it for, what I'm willing to pay. I let it be known that I am mechanically inclined so something that needs repair isn't going to scare me off. I promise not to jerk folks around and tell them I have cash, can haul, etc. I even list the models and types and any requirements (live PTO). I don't include a phone number but rather ask that they contact me via email and I tell them I'll remove the post as soon as I buy something.
Must work. I got the log splitter a few months ago at the price I posted. It was a fair price ($600) I thought and the machine was in better shape than others I'd seen advertised for more.
The tractor came through yesterday, a day after I re-posted my ad. I'd previously gotten some responses, but they were way too pricey for the condition. Some gentleman's nephew saw the ad, called his uncle and then contacted me and I went and checked it out after being sent a couple photos and getting a bit of information. My ad said I could spend up to $3000 and although the gentleman had checked with a dealer friend and looked at Tractorhouse and thought this Ford 2000 was worth a bit more, he sold it to me. Threw in an extra tire as well. It wasn't a steal, by any means, but it is at least $1000 less than anything I've seen that was remotely comparable His explanation for selling was that he just didn't use it much, had a much bigger tractor for his mowing, and thought if someone else could use it, time to sell. The real problem was he was a bit laid up and couldn't get on and off it very well which he demonstrated when he was showing me the controls and how a few things worked. Also, he'd retired from John Deere before retiring and was doing machine work in retirement at his acreage. Great guy, seemed honest. Even offered to haul it for me if I needed him to do so.
I know a lot of guys come here looking for advice on buying and asking "what is it worth." From what I've seen, most of the answers seem a bit low to me based upon what I see for sale, but I know there are good deals out there to be had. I'd suggest trying this if you are looking for equipment and you have a budget. It works if you are willing to offer a fair price and aren't looking to steal it. Finding great deals for me have happened, but always seem so time-consuming and frustrating ("just sold it") that I prefer using the "wanted" route.
I used a "wanted" ad on Craigslist with success. I did this a while back for a log splitter and it worked great. I think the success is because my ads are pretty detailed, lays out what I'm looking for, what I need it for, what I'm willing to pay. I let it be known that I am mechanically inclined so something that needs repair isn't going to scare me off. I promise not to jerk folks around and tell them I have cash, can haul, etc. I even list the models and types and any requirements (live PTO). I don't include a phone number but rather ask that they contact me via email and I tell them I'll remove the post as soon as I buy something.
Must work. I got the log splitter a few months ago at the price I posted. It was a fair price ($600) I thought and the machine was in better shape than others I'd seen advertised for more.
The tractor came through yesterday, a day after I re-posted my ad. I'd previously gotten some responses, but they were way too pricey for the condition. Some gentleman's nephew saw the ad, called his uncle and then contacted me and I went and checked it out after being sent a couple photos and getting a bit of information. My ad said I could spend up to $3000 and although the gentleman had checked with a dealer friend and looked at Tractorhouse and thought this Ford 2000 was worth a bit more, he sold it to me. Threw in an extra tire as well. It wasn't a steal, by any means, but it is at least $1000 less than anything I've seen that was remotely comparable His explanation for selling was that he just didn't use it much, had a much bigger tractor for his mowing, and thought if someone else could use it, time to sell. The real problem was he was a bit laid up and couldn't get on and off it very well which he demonstrated when he was showing me the controls and how a few things worked. Also, he'd retired from John Deere before retiring and was doing machine work in retirement at his acreage. Great guy, seemed honest. Even offered to haul it for me if I needed him to do so.
I know a lot of guys come here looking for advice on buying and asking "what is it worth." From what I've seen, most of the answers seem a bit low to me based upon what I see for sale, but I know there are good deals out there to be had. I'd suggest trying this if you are looking for equipment and you have a budget. It works if you are willing to offer a fair price and aren't looking to steal it. Finding great deals for me have happened, but always seem so time-consuming and frustrating ("just sold it") that I prefer using the "wanted" route.
