Looking for older tractor purchase advice

[Bigbertha72]

We only have 5 acres down here in the hill country of texas. Our land is relatively flat so hills and slopes are very minimal on our lot. We are going to try and get a garden in next year. It will be around 1/3 area or so that we are going to start with. I have lots more room to expand if we find the time to later on. So I don't want to spend 20k+ on a tractor. I'm far to cheap to ever do that even though we could offer to finance. I'd rather wait for a good deal on an older tractor. But I want a tractor that has a fel and 3pt for sure. I'd also like to be able to mow the fields down from time to time. We keep about 2 areas mowed down regularly and I'd like to shred down the fields from time to time, the other 3 acres. I do have trees on the property so I don't want to get to big of a tractor and not be able to fit under them . I'm really trying not to get a tractor that's more than I need. I'd like one with a FEL that could lift 1k lbs or so, one that I can grade the driveway. It's 400 ft from the street to the house, then another 400 ft to the back gate. So 800ft of driveway to keep up. I've been watching cl in the area and to get a running fel tractor it's usually 6-8k sometimes cheaper deals pop up. Buy that an average price for a semi decent looking one. But I don't want to get something that's impossible to get parts for either. And I don't mind waiting for the right deal to come along, im in no hurry and got to sell some other projects first to get out of the way and get some extra cash quicker. So what would you recommend? I've heard the old n tractor aren't the best for a fel setup. But honestly I want a fel, I may not use it constantly but I will definitely use it often.

 

[CalG]

My advice

Craigslist and drive by the dealer's lot. Stop in even, and tell the sales staff what you are looking for.

Put the word out. There are a lot of tractors in Texas!

 

[Egon]

No recomendations other than skip the old N. (No power steering, high ground speed, not the best for power take off applications)

Haunt the dealerships & private adds. Do lot's of looking to get familiarized with what's available.get some test drives in to evaluate what suits you. Then do serious shopping.

 

[bspeedy]

Must be nice to be perfect.

Someone comes for help - new to the forum - 4 posts - and that's the second response they get. Some welcome...

Welcome to the forum, bigbertha72. Most of us are here to help. If you can be a bit more specific with your budget, we can probably help you zero in on good machines.

 

[Grandad4]

Welccome to TBN. I'd echo Egon's thoughts about the REALLY old gassers (tractors, that is), many of them will live on forever in the hands of someone who doesn't mind tinkering with them to keep them running, but a modern diesel compact will do a lot more and be easier on its owner. Besides, they are designed with a loader in mind, with stronger axles, 4wd and power steering. The trick is finding one that hasn't been beaten into the ground. You may have to look around a lot but many owners move up to a larger tractor and trade or sell their low-hour, good condition unit.

If you're expecting to buy such a tractor, which probably cost upwards of $15k when new, for $3-5k, it probably isn't going to happen. Tractors hold their value better than cars, and last much longer for the most part. At that price, you'll mostly find someone else's worn-out pile of trouble. But you have a chance of getting a decent 4x4 diesel tractor with loader in the $10k (give or take), in most areas.

Don't get hung up too much about the brand. Nearly all the companies that offer these compact tractors made decent, useful equipment and it's much more important to find a tractor that has been used and maintained with care.

These are general comments, of course, but maybe you'll find something useful in them.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Stay on Craigslist every day along with Tractor House. They are valuable resources for used equipment.
If you are going older I would advise a diesel with power steering and live power. Massey Ferguson and Ford are plentiful in that era.
For FEL work you will want a unit with a straight front axle. A lot of those older units had swept front axles and are not the best for FEL use.
If you can find a mid framed compact it will be difficult to stay under 10K for a good unit with front wheel assist and a FEL. Last year I traded a 1720 New Holland in with 880 hours that was retailed at 12,500.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[/pine]

I suggest leaving your name and number with any/all tractor dealers in you area...letting them know what you're interested in...most folks buying new tractors don't sell their old ones first and dealers/salesmen are often a great source of knowing who has what for sale or will be for sale...
IMO $6-$8K is at the low end of what you'll find...
FWIW, I see used K_ubota B series w/ FELs in that range most with reasonably low hours...just keep looking you'll find one...
Good Luck...

 

[Cavjock22]

Work with the dealers in your area.. Talk to salesman and let them find a trade in for you.. Lots of folks in texas get 2' itis on there boats and 5 HP itis on there tractors. Patient and network is the key...

 

[ch1ch2]

I echo the above.
I do not own one ....but I have read that the MF 135 and 165 have the highest resale value. Simple and dependable and easy to work on.

 

[motownbrowne]

There's lots of good old iron available for $3-6k that'll do what you want. After running several old machines, I'd highly suggest holding out for a tractor with live power and hydraulics, power steering, and 8 or more forward gears. The old Massey's I've seen are very nice, and many have those features. A Ford 600 or 800 series can have them too. A 2000 or 3000 series Ford would be better, though.

If you want one with a loader, look closely at the front end. Most of those old utility tractors weren't designed with front end loaders in mind, and the condition of the front axle is an important consideration when shopping. Also important is tire condition. Tires get expensive quick!

Beyond that, look for something that runs out good, shifts through all it's gears, has functioning brakes, doesn't have a puddle under it, and knock yourself out. Oh, and on that note, be careful. Those old tractors don't have rollover protection.

Oh, and don't mind Jeff. He's got great advice to give sometimes. He can be rude, but I think he means well.