Need help picking a jd

[Rackluster]

Hello all, just joined. I've been looking for a tractor since last fall. I'm getting closer. i wanted to run one by the experts.

It's an 1985 jd 1250 with 4660 hours. The paint is pretty faded, there's a couple dents and the rear tires are new. Fronts are pretty worn. The local john deere dealer is asking $5500 for it. What do you all think?

My second question is 'is that the right tractor for me?? I have 40 acres that was logged about 5 years ago and getting really thick. The land has one pretty big hill but is flat other than that. I'd use the tractor for brush hogging and some road leveling (my land is at the end of a half mile old logging road). I'm also going to clear out a couple spots for food plots (maybe 1 acre each).

If not the 1250 what do you think would work? My budget it 7k for the tractor. I can borrow most attachments from the inlaws.

Thanks all!

 

[beenthere]

Rackluster
Welcome to the forum.
I'd say the 1250 is priced about right. It will keep its value if well cared for, and if inadequate for your work you can look to maybe trade up to 4wd without losing much. Maybe try to get fronts thrown in to close the deal.

Even good running 8N Fords that are 60 years old are bringing $5k. Get some commitment from the dealer about engine condition..any recent overhaul, and the like. Expect he will stand behind any short term need of repair. Something you won't likely get from a private sale.

 

[jenkinsph]

Welcome to TBN,

It would be good to know what size implements the inlaws have to get an idea of what size tractor will match these. Don't overlook some of the older twenty series tractors out there built in the 1960-70's, they are heavier and were well built tractors. I have an older 820 about 35hp that weighs about 4000 lbs and is worth about $6000, a similar tractor like this would be a good find for you.

 

[Rackluster]

Thanks all for the advice. I went to the dealership last night and ran the 1250 for a while. it starts and runs great! No leaks that I could tell and everything seems to work. The dealer said he would take $5300 for it. I am going to try to get him to put some nicer fronts on it. might pull the trigger if he does that.

I am worried about the hours. I would love to get something w/ 2k hours or less. 4wd would also be nice but I just can't swing it right now. my wife would kill me.

I'm doing some research on the 820's is there any other model you all would recommend?
- budget is 7k
- needs to be fairly small (I have narrow trails and it's really thick)
- I'd like something fairly new if possible (80's or newer would be great).
- I think i'd want around 40 hp.
- Diesel or gas would be ok.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Thomas]

With test spin or good mech to check first choice I would continue to look..gut feeling.

7K..check auctions etc. still some darn good 30hp plus 2wd tractor out there.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks all for the advice. I went to the dealership last night and ran the 1250 for a while. it starts and runs great! No leaks that I could tell and everything seems to work. The dealer said he would take $5300 for it. I am going to try to get him to put some nicer fronts on it. might pull the trigger if he does that.

I am worried about the hours. I would love to get something w/ 2k hours or less. 4wd would also be nice but I just can't swing it right now. my wife would kill me.

I'm doing some research on the 820's is there any other model you all would recommend?
- budget is 7k
- needs to be fairly small (I have narrow trails and it's really thick)
- I'd like something fairly new if possible (80's or newer would be great).
- I think i'd want around 40 hp.
- Diesel or gas would be ok.

Thanks again for the help!

I would stick with diesel tractors unless a real good deal comes up.
Do not assume that newer is better in all cases, some of the 30 series and 40 series tractors are not considered as good as the earlier 20 series. I like the 820, 1020, 1520, 3020, and 4020 models, even my dealer said some of the 40 series were problematic.

I would rather have a 20 series with low hours than a newer tractor with high hours if equipped the same.

 

[Rackluster]

Thanks all for the advice. it's greatly appreciated. The 1520 sounds very interesting to me. It's a little narrower then the 1250 which is nice because i have very very narrow trails. it will also fit on my trailer - the 1250 wont. i found one about 2 hours away with half the hours and for $800 less. Sounds like it's in good shape. We'll see...

Again, thanks for the input!

 

[ctlguy]

Rackluster
Even good running 8N Fords that are 60 years old are bringing $5k. Get some commitment from the dealer about engine condition..any recent overhaul, and the like. Expect he will stand behind any short term need of repair. Something you won't likely get from a private sale.

Wow 5k for an 8n, I will have to stock up and head your direction (please I am not poking fun at you) generally can get decent running units for about $2,000 - $3000 on the high side in these parts.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Wow 5k for an 8n, I will have to stock up and head your direction (please I am not poking fun at you) generally can get decent running units for about $2,000 - $3000 on the high side in these parts.

Same here unless fully restored and OEM implements included.

 

[Rackluster]

thanks for advice. this forum was incredibly helpfull in picking a tractor. i ended up buying a 950 w/ mfwd and a loader with only 800 hours on it. i LOVE that tractor. moving over to the owning and operating forum now