Buying Advice Looking at used tractors under 8K

[Fountainhead Farms]

I really appreciate all the advice and knowledge. Wish I just had my grandpas old tractor. Wish I had him around too. They dont make tractors or Grandpas like they used to.

 

[Fountainhead Farms]

Hi folks. Thinking about going and checking this one out. Anything I should be looking for that would raise red flags?

John Deere 1050 with loader

 

[jerrybob]

Check out Yanmar tractors. There are several models in the 25 to 30 hp range. Great tractors.....in your price range.

24hp Diesel Tractor with loader

FOR SALE: Yanmar YM 2200 Diesel Tractor

 

[motownbrowne]

Hi folks. Thinking about going and checking this one out. Anything I should be looking for that would raise red flags?

John Deere 1050 with loader

I wouldn't want a 2wd that small with a loader. If you want a 2wd loader tractor, look at stuff a few thousand pounds heavier. If you want a small loader tractor, get a 4wd.

 

[motownbrowne]

I really appreciate all the advice and knowledge. Wish I just had my grandpas old tractor. Wish I had him around too. They dont make tractors or Grandpas like they used to.

Ain't that the truth. I'm probably in the minority here, I've still got one grandpa left. He ain't near as good as the one I used to have. A real jerk, as a matter of fact. He did, however give me a Mott hammer knife flail mower. Reminds me of his sour disposition every time I use it.

 

[whizdbiz2]

I wouldn't want a 2wd that small with a loader. If you want a 2wd loader tractor, look at stuff a few thousand pounds heavier. If you want a small loader tractor, get a 4wd.

Agree, 4WD on a small tractor is a must. Kept me from getting stuck several times. Also I recommend power steering on what ever you end up with. Will save you fighting it all the time. Don't know this JD but check parts availability, have heard some have limited parts available, even if they were ones made here. Must have been low sales and subsequently, no parts demand.

We had Fords back in the day and they are great tractors, but as advised, stay away from the SOS transmission. They are great when they work and a pain when they break. Our Commander 6000 was put out of action a few times for a cheap seal blowing. Costly to split and repair something that minor. I understand the parts are now very dear, if you can even find someone to work on it. Seems like you want something like a later 3000 or 4000, the three cylinder, not the earlier 4 cyl. If you have dealers nearby might look at brands like Mahindra, Yanmar, LS, etc. Lots of value there but the price is well beyond your current budget (which, BTW, was mine at one time but getting into a new small SCUT worked out better for us and the wife was happier with having dealer support nearby, good finance options and the 5 yr. warranty).

 

[davrow]

Fountainhead Farms - I'm pretty sure this ad is a scam, so do not take this post too seriously.

A Kubota BX24 that meets your budget! 4WD*~*KUBOTA BX24 tractor w/LA240 Front Loader, w/BT601 backhoe,Diesel

$4,000 - great price (if real. Do NOT send them money!)

 

[newbury]

Check out Yanmar tractors. There are several models in the 25 to 30 hp range. Great tractors.....in your price range.

24hp Diesel Tractor with loader

FOR SALE: Yanmar YM 2200 Diesel Tractor

Fountainhead Farms - I'm pretty sure this ad is a scam, so do not take this post too seriously.

A Kubota BX24 that meets your budget! 4WD*~*KUBOTA BX24 tractor w/LA240 Front Loader, w/BT601 backhoe,Diesel

$4,000 - great price (if real. Do NOT send them money!)
View attachment 379987

Why do people even post suggestions for tractors < $40K that are on the other side of the continent?

The OP is in Marietta, GEORGIA.

 

[davrow]

Bought my last car across continent. Cost $895 to ship. Sold previous car 1/2 way across continent. Cost $650.

If the savings are good enough, I'd be happy to buy from Barlows - across continent. Even with $2,000 shipping, if you are saving $2,500 why not?

Besides, my post was for amusement value only. I told him it was a scam.

 

[BraveheartGN]

About 3 1/2 years ago I was looking for a tractor to maintain a 13 acre horse farm. Was thinking 4wd CUT around 30 hp until I had a chat with the local farmer who recommended more hp and size. Got a '69 Ford 3000 diesel with an Allied 750 loader for $4500 on CL. Added two more CL finds - 6 ft Mott flail mower and 6 ft box blade. Total investment less than $7k. I think it is the best money I have ever spent.

Some thoughts - I'm pretty much a noob on this stuff and I have another full time job. I outsource repair and maintenance tasks as I have a full time job and I don't have the time. Having said that, I have found the maintenance to be pretty much routine stuff, a few welding repairs on the flail and the sway bar chains, new rear tires, but that's been it.

Operating cost - this was the most surprising to me but the thing just sips diesel. I can mow about 8 acres on 2/3 of a tank of diesel.

Tasks - I mow, remove snow, haul, move material, manure, regrade the gravel driveway each spring, lift heavy stuff, haul cut firewood, and took out about a quarter mile of old fencing with it.

What I decided not to do was to get "implementitis." I was considering a post hole digger but decided that once the fencing project was done, it would just collect dust. My take on bigger jobs like that with a specialized implement requirement is that it's economically better to outsource such tasks from a monetary and time perspective. Those two implements plus the loader do 80 - 90% of what needs to be done.

The place looks magnificent since my purchase. The flail mower I especially recommend as a good compromise between a rotary cutter and a finish mower. I have been able to pretty much eradicate a broad leaf weed problem in the pastures. And it is something I can keep up with fairly easily on my schedule. Love love love my old Ford 3000.