New vs. Used: What's your experience?

[yankee7]

OK...amongst all the recommendations/opinions on what tractors to buy, some people suggest new and others say used. I've bought both new and used cars over the years and have to say that while new -- with a good warranty -- offers some peace of mind, used offers often substantial savings and allows getting "more" for your money. Of course the trick is how can you avoid the headaches that come with wear and tear of used equipment?

So my question is, for those of you who have bought used: do you regret it? Would you do it again? Are tractors different than cars -- better built -- so that buying used (with low hours) isn't as much of a risk?

OK, that's three quesitons, but they's all trying to get at the same issue: new or used, which way do you lean based on your experience (not just your opinion).

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Wombat125]

Having had good luck with cars in the past, I started out looking exclusively for used tractors. After about a month of looking, the few units I found were priced really high. I don't know if it's a local phenomenon or what, but tractors around here (Colorado Front Range) apparently hold their value way too well.

I would have bought used if I could have made the numbers work.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I bought my BX22 with about 85 hours on it for about 3K less than a new one. That kept my cost of ownership very low. My next tractor is on the way, and I ordered it new since that was the only way I could find what I am looking for. I certainly had good luck with my used BX, but I bought it from a reliable dealer too. Good luck, and fun in your search!

 

[plowking]

I' ve bought new for both tractors so far. I would buy used from freinds or acquaintices that I know were taken care of. Don't know if I would buy used from strangers especially if they were rentals. plowking

 

[texasjohn]

Bought my Kubota with 230 hrs on it...now has 600. was able to get it for price of new tractor BUT, it ALSO had a cab, hydrostatic transmission and hay spike thrown in for that price. It was a good buy for me, no problems so far.

I'd do the same again, assuming the same kind of deal.

 

[CurlyDave]

I bought new, because I had absolutely no experience with tractors and wanted to be sure I got one where everything worked right.

Now that I have some experience, I would have no hesitation to buy used if I found the right deal.

 

[RoyJackson]

I bought both of mine used and saved about 3K on the 790.
The old 670 I had cost about 9K but included a fairly new Befco 60" finishing mower. That 670 was 10 years old and was not a current model when I bought it,so it's difficult to determine any savings.

I'd go used again. I don't think buying used makes much sense for a tractor less then 3 or 4 years old though...not if you have to finance it through a bank. Could be what ever you save on the price may be ate up by higher interest rates.

 

[AKfish]

I've done both. Good results either way. It depends upon the particular tractor and the merits of the deal - interest rates, warranty, additional implements in the package, etc. whether or not to go with a used machine or a new one.

Most low hour, good condition machines are gonna be real close to new prices. So, you gotta keep your eyes open and hope your gonna come across a good deal sooner or later.

A good used machine is similar to a good used car deal; I believe. If the owner has detailed maintainance records, all the manuals, and the machine looks to be taken care of -- if the price is right; you're likely gonna come out OK.

I don't jump at "great price" deals if the machine looks like it's been rode hard and put up wet! Tractor parts and repairs on a piece by piece basis cost quite a bit more than fixin' up your Toyota Camery.

AKfish

 

[roxynoodle]

With a mortgage and a truck payment I couldn't afford to buy new. It was hard to find a good used compact in my price range since I was paying cash, but I was patient and eventually ended up with a used grey market Yanmar. Yes, it's almost 30 years old and has at least 1200 hours on it, with the last 250 or so put on by me. I have worked it hard and the problems have been minimal. So far the only part I've replaced other than filters and fluids was a blown o-ring in the hydraulic pump. Cost of repair: 77 cents! I'd buy one again if I decided to get a different tractor. I also have a 1950 Farmall H with unknown hours and it runs strong and has no leaks. I wouldn't hesitate to buy used if the tractor runs good from a cold start and the fluids look good (shows it was maintained). Check the tires as well since tractor tires are quite expensive. If there are parts that need to be replaced, know the cost of those before you make a decision to buy the tractor. It helps as a newbie to take someone knowlegable with you to look.

 

[TerryJ]

I've also bought both. If you are going to go used make sure you know what you are getting before buying. Buying used from someone that you know gives you a little more peace of mind than buying from someone you've never met. Buying used can save you alot of money, but could turn into a big headache also. If you do your homework on whatever you decide to purchase you should be fine.

 

[Mech]

OK...amongst all the recommendations/opinions on what tractors to buy, some people suggest new and others say used. I've bought both new and used cars over the years and have to say that while new -- with a good warranty -- offers some peace of mind, used offers often substantial savings and allows getting "more" for your money. Of course the trick is how can you avoid the headaches that come with wear and tear of used equipment?

So my question is, for those of you who have bought used: do you regret it? Would you do it again? Are tractors different than cars -- better built -- so that buying used (with low hours) isn't as much of a risk?

OK, that's three quesitons, but they's all trying to get at the same issue: new or used, which way do you lean based on your experience (not just your opinion).

Thanks!

Dave

I bought a gray market Yanmar, without seeing it, from a "dealer" in Texas. I have a long thread in the Yanmar section titled "If you are thinking about buying a gray market tractor" if you want to read about it. I got most of my money back and bought a new 790, a Yanmar also but I now have a dealer 20 miles, not 1000 miles away. I was very lucky, some have not been, and some have had good experiences. My previous 2 tractors were all used, Ford and John Deere and they were great.

 

[greggh]

I bought my first tractor a JD 2020 used. The one thing that I did do was take an experienced person along to evaluate the tracror. It was a great purchase, it was soooo good that someone borrowed it and forgot to bring it back.

 

[mwb]

I looked for a used machine for a long time; I found that prices were too high for a reasonable machine with a loader.

When the dollar value changed last fall and tractor prices dropped in Canada I took the plunge and bought new. I could have purchased a TC33 with 1500 hours for $16K or a brand new Montana 3940HST for $19. Plus the perk of real 0% financing made it a no brainer. I think it is a buyers market right now; people selling used machine have to compete with the much better prices (now) of the used ones.

I have no fear of buying used, tractors are built to last and with a little homework you can be sure of what you are getting.

 

[N80]

I bought new but looked at new and used. As a new buyer a 'fixer-upper' was not appealing to me and anything with low hours and/or in good shape cost nearly as much as new. Throw in Kubota's 0% financing and that sealed the deal. In some cases this made it cheaper to buy new.

After a few years of experience and a lot of reading here at TBN, I'd be a lot more willing to buy an older tractor that was a bargain but might need some work or at least TLC. I at least feel like I know what to look for in a used machine. But if a good, low hour used machine costs a few thousand less than a comparable new one, and there is a low finance deal on the new one, then I'd still go for the new one. (All of that presumes that I'd be borrowing money to pay for either one. If I were paying cash, the used one looks a lot more appealing.)

 

[AlanB]

I buy used, (and often rough) as I usually want more machine then my wallet can handle. For me it works well as I can usually repair what goes sideways, WHEN, not if it does.

I have a close freind that is not mechanicly inclined, and pays others too work on his equipment. New is a good way for him, as when he buys used, it often costs more (paying someone else to repair) then the machines are worth.

I think it depends greatly not only on the particular machine in question, but the operator, and the repairer of the machine, and it's intended use.

 

[flusher]

OK...amongst all the recommendations/opinions on what tractors to buy, some people suggest new and others say used. I've bought both new and used cars over the years and have to say that while new -- with a good warranty -- offers some peace of mind, used offers often substantial savings and allows getting "more" for your money. Of course the trick is how can you avoid the headaches that come with wear and tear of used equipment?

So my question is, for those of you who have bought used: do you regret it? Would you do it again? Are tractors different than cars -- better built -- so that buying used (with low hours) isn't as much of a risk?

OK, that's three quesitons, but they's all trying to get at the same issue: new or used, which way do you lean based on your experience (not just your opinion).

Thanks!

Dave

I bought my first tractor in May 05, a new Kubota B7510HST (21 hp engine, 17 hp pto, 4WD) with the LA302 FEL (4-ft bucket). Looked at used Yanmars, but decided to go with the Bota since I needed a reliable tractor for work around my new house (excavating for paver block walkways and patio, plowing and rototilling the landscaped area, general material hauling with the FEL).

In July06 I bought a 1964 MF-135 diesel (45 hp engine, 37 hp pto, 2WD) in good running condition, but in need of a lot of cleanup, rewiring, new gauges, repainting. Learned a lot about tractors refurbising that 135.

In Mar08 I traded the Kubota for a new Mahindra 5525 (55 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD) to have more hp for haying (plowing, discing, baling). Assuming that the 5525 is reliable and trouble free, I'll probably not be buying a new tractor again. But I'm always looking for a used tractor as a restoration project (e.g. Farmall Cub, Farmall H, Allis Chalmers WD).

 

[jaybrad]

I found it impossible to find a used tractor set up like I wanted - and with the 0% financing on new ones (and dealers not willing to give much of a 'cash sale' discount), I bought a new tractor.

I don't usually buy new cars, but I do look for cars that have been well maintained and carefully used - things that are difficult for me to assess on a tractor.

Of course, now that I have bought and paid for a new one, that should mean a significant drop in selling prices for the rest of you.

Jay

 

[Mickey_Fx]

The answer is going to be different for all of us. One issue is availability of used machines to choose from, another is ones personal ability to evaluate a used model and if buying used, ones ability to turn a wrench if/when needed.

Personally I've had 5 tractors if one includes the GT's (garden tractor). Only the current GT was new and that was due to the insurance Co paying for it.

Still have my first GT a 70 model. Still gets used every yr. Bought a used JD 318 and had it for about a doz yrs. Both the used models were relitively trouble free.

Now have a CUT and long time ago had a full sized Utility model. Bought a MF 165D when it was about 10-12 yrs old, worked it hard for the few yrs I kept it. Had a leaky PTO seal when purchased and that is the total problems I had with that machine. Seem to recall it had about 1800 hrs on it when purchased and about 2400 when sold. For the CUT, my Yanmar, late 80's model, have had it 3 yrs and no problems so far.

Never had a need to hire someone to turn a wrench so this has never been a issue for me.

Personally, I've saved a bunch by buying used.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I bought both my tractors new because at the time I was looking (B2400 and L4740), the used market for both models was very scarce and if you could find one, the price was almost the same as new. The Compact market is a little more populated now but not many of them come up for resale used. Around here you can get a much better deal on used utility tractors, especially in the 50 - 100hp range with anything from 500 to 3000 hours on them. In that case I would be tempted to buy used if I could save a buck or two and it looked as if it had been well cared for and not abused.

 

[yankee7]

Hey Mech! I just noticed you're from Pine, CO my old stomping grounds! Small world! I lived off Sunset Dr. for about 5 years before moving to Collbran (so my wife could be closer to her folks). I don't know if we ever crossed paths, but you never know. Thanks for your experience. I've been warned about "gray market" deals and plan on staying away from them if I decide to go used. One of the previous posters made a good point about the cost of newer used tractors are so close to the new ones that with the dealers offering 0% financing, there's really no difference, if any. Don't know how I'll finally decide, but everyone's input has been very helpful.

Dave

I bought a gray market Yanmar, without seeing it, from a "dealer" in Texas. I have a long thread in the Yanmar section titled "If you are thinking about buying a gray market tractor" if you want to read about it. I got most of my money back and bought a new 790, a Yanmar also but I now have a dealer 20 miles, not 1000 miles away. I was very lucky, some have not been, and some have had good experiences. My previous 2 tractors were all used, Ford and John Deere and they were great.