My thoughts on tractor shopping yesterday

DennisH · Jul 9, 2010

I have 7 AC of land of which 5 AC are older somewhat level pasture, couple of wet weather creeks and the rest woods. I'm at a point where I need a tractor in order to more forward on getting this place whipped into shape.

I think the right size tractor for my budget is something in the 4WD 30-40hp range with a FEL. Anything bigger needed in the initial stages of this project I will just sub out. The final project down the road will be to have a 40x60 metal building, 2400 sq ft house and cutting/mowing most of that older somewhat level pasture.

I looked at a Kubota L2800, L3400 / Mahindra 2816, 3316 / JD 3005, 3038E, 4005, 4105. I can say that when comparing apples to apples there is not much more than a $2K price difference between the lot.

I have also been looking at used prices for several months now and don't see any deals out there in the 5 year old and less bunch. Even going back 10 years it seems like people want just a few thousand less than retail for their tractors. I have pretty much made up my mind to buy new vice used for this very reason. Why pay $12-14K for a used 2-4 year old tractor when you can buy new for $19K. Also tractor dealer money is pretty cheap when it comes to paying for it.

Anyway just wanted to pass along my thoughts on all this.

VABlue · Jul 9, 2010

Dennis, good call on the prices! All the makes can do the same thing and are just as reliable as the next. Make your decision based on dealer support/location and the ergonomics you like best between the various colors. Also think about additional implements to buy with the machine. If you can package a couple with it, you'll pay less for them in the long run. The FEL is easy, but also look into a bush hog and a blade of some flavor (mostly box). Those three snacks can do pretty much everything you'll need. Rent any others until you see a constant need for one.

Good luck and have fun!

Diamondpilot · Jul 9, 2010

While you are shopping around do not forget to look at New Holland Ford, Kioti, BobCat, ect. Some have very good financing and incentives right now.

Chris

JDGreenGrass · Jul 9, 2010

Why pay $12-14K for a used 2-4 year old tractor when you can buy new for $19K. Also tractor dealer money is pretty cheap when it comes to paying for it.

Anyway just wanted to pass along my thoughts on all this.[/QUOTE]

Easy answer to this question.....You save $5 to $7,000 dollars.!!

There are lots of dependable used tractors out there. Many that are in mint shape in all sorts of colors. And, some come with the attachments you will need.

The thousands in savings will buy you lots of attachments.

But hey, if you got it you might as well spend it. Me, I don't like getting a writers cramp when I write the check.!!

TripleR · Jul 9, 2010

JDGreenGrass said:
Why pay $12-14K for a used 2-4 year old tractor when you can buy new for $19K. Also tractor dealer money is pretty cheap when it comes to paying for it.

Anyway just wanted to pass along my thoughts on all this.

Easy answer to this question.....You save $5 to $7,000 dollars.!!

There are lots of dependable used tractors out there. Many that are in mint shape in all sorts of colors. And, some come with the attachments you will need.

The thousands in savings will buy you lots of attachments.

But hey, if you got it you might as well spend it. Me, I don't like getting a writers cramp when I write the check.!!

[/QUOTE]

Agree completely, my last one was seven years old and runs like a top. I used the savings on equipment.

DennisH · Jul 9, 2010

JDGreenGrass said:
Easy answer to this question.....You save $5 to $7,000 dollars.!!.!!

I agree on the good used thing but you would think there would be more than a 35% cost difference on a 7-10 year old tractor vs. new.

DennisH · Jul 9, 2010

Another way to look at this a 2010 Chevy Silverado 4x4 D'Max tops out around lets say $45K.

A 10 year old 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 diesel was a cash for clunkers truck.

Obviously tractors hold their value.

RoyJackson · Jul 9, 2010

DennisH said:
Another way to look at this a 2010 Chevy Silverado 4x4 D'Max tops out around lets say $45K.

A 10 year old 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 diesel was a cash for clunkers truck.

Obviously tractors hold their value.

The better known brands do. I did an informal study on Deere CUTs several years ago. They depreciate about for about 5 years, then level out.

DennisH · Jul 9, 2010

RoyJackson said:
The better known brands do. I did an informal study on Deere CUTs several years ago. They depreciate about for about 5 years, then level out.

Roy, when you did your study what was the annual depreciation on years 1-5?

JDGreenGrass · Jul 9, 2010

DennisH said:
Another way to look at this a 2010 Chevy Silverado 4x4 D'Max tops out around lets say $45K.

A 10 year old 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 diesel was a cash for clunkers truck.

Obviously tractors hold their value.

2 different apples.

You can't compare trucks with tractors.

And yes, green holds it's value very well.

VABlue · Jul 9, 2010

The Chevy diesel of 10 years ago is more like a crabapple... I wouldn't use one of those to power a generator!

A 10 year old green tractor, though, is a whole different story...

Duffster · Jul 9, 2010

Which diesel did they use in 2000?

It must have been pretty well used up if it qualified for a clunker.

VABlue · Jul 9, 2010

Until the Duramax was introduced I don't think you could say that Chevy had a diesel! I'm a Ford guy, but I don't believe the 1-ton GM offerings were worth a crap until the Duramax came on the scene...

Don87 · Jul 9, 2010

When I was shopping just a few short months ago, I was seeing used prices within 2,000 dollars of a new one.
5 to 10 years old.....1500 hours, no thanks.

Don

doall · Jul 10, 2010

I bought my new NH 3040 with loader and bush hog for 21. I've seen 5-8 year old equal tractors (from NH) for that same money. crazy.

McGeesEquip · Jul 10, 2010

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for your tractor, some used tractors maybe selling high compaired to todays new prices because some brands are selling new units with frontend loaders under the free loader program.

I've been looking at different local papers to see what some of the used units are selling, and they are selling as high as some of my new units.

Many brands may not have been selling units with free loaders years back when the economy was better.

buck12 · Jul 10, 2010

There are good used deals out there but it takes time to find them. For example last April I bought a Mahindra 2615 (220 hrs) with FEL, canopy, quick hitch, Rhino 5' rc, 5' Woods tiller, PHD with 2 augers, middle buster, 6' bb, boom pole, and 18' trailer with brakes and fold up ramps for $14,500. I helped a friend buy a Mahindra 2816 (77 hrs) with FEL and 5' bb for $11,500 this past fall. I looked for year and there are some unreal prices out there and some junk but if you want to save a few bucks it can be done. Good luck finding the right tractor for your needs at a price you feel comfortable with.

jbford · Jul 11, 2010

I went with the L2800 hydro with FEL and industrial tires. It was in stock.
(Hope to see it delivered soon.)

It has a step, important if you have had knee problems.

FEL is removable

Good dealer network and lots of L series in the field.

Looked at New Holland T1510, it would have been a little less. JD 3032E is cheaper, but harder we looked, less we liked it.

Got good trade-in for my 25 year-old Ford 1510

We wanted mmm at first but EVERY dealer said unless our land is very flat to go with finish mower. They also pretty strongly recommended the L series since we do some bush-hogging.

My test drive at the dealer was like a dream.. it is better than my truck.