Price Check Looking at L2850DT, what is fair price? or just go new?

[ohioboy]

Hello all,
This my first post here, but I've been lurking around about a month.

I'm in need of a 30hp, 4wd machine with a loader. (Couple properties, some woods - need to skid and haul firewood, some mowing/clean up - lawn, field and brush work, and some general relatively light dirt/gravel work)

I've been looking new and used. I've got a pretty good idea what a new one with loader will be (L3400, L3130, L3240, etc.) and the financing/rebates are enticing, but used would still be less.

There is a local tractor I'm interested in. It's a 1985ish L2850DT with kubota loader and a mid mount mower set up. It has approx 1700 hrs on it and looks to be in good shape. It has R1's (I know not the best for lawn work) in nice shape and also has all the factory wsm's.

What would you guys pay? or would you just go new? why/why not?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ohioboy]

Also, before I forget it doesn't have a ROPs on it. I don't know why.
How much (approx.) for one? Do they make a folding for a 20 yr old tractor?
Thanks Again!!

 

[ohioboy]

Also, before I forget it doesn't have a ROPs on it. I don't know why.
How much (approx.) for one? Do they make a folding for a 20 yr old tractor?
Thanks Again!!

 

[DmansPadge]

As for the ROPS... I believe Kubota will fit the older tractors that didn't come with them for a fairly low price. It is a good deal for you and them. Good luck.

 

[ohioboy]

That's good to know. ROPS/seat belt are a necessity for me.

What would you think this tractor is worth?

 

[DmansPadge]

I'm not sure off hand. You could look at sites like Tractor House to get an idea what similar tractors are selling for. It does seem as if I've heard others praising the older Lxx50 tractors as being great machines.

 

[ohioboy]

I've looked and the prices (not that many out there really) seem to be all over. I've seen everything from 5k to 10k. He's asking over 9k, but I ran an appraisal at iron solutions which came back at just under 6k w/o the mower for a private sale. A dealer gave me a trade-in value that would be about 1k less than the appraisal. I made an offer, but no dice. At 9k (and needing a ROPS) the new tractor might make more sense.
Does this appraisal mean squat, is the dealer too low or is the seller too high?