Tight budget: Is this even possible?

[sd_smoker]

I'm looking for a used compact tractor, probably grey-market, with the following features for under $5k.

17-20 hp
4wd
FEL

Is it remotely possible to find a tractor is good running condition in that price range? If not, I guess I'll either have to go without the FEL or just wait another year or two...

 

[OKnewguy]

Hi there, fellow okie. You might also consider chinnese. I just bought one recently and am very pleased with it so far. It was a Jinma 224 and was a bit over your range, but what I found was that the grey's with 4 wheel and fel usually put it up at about the same price jinma's. I did consider going with the small yanmar and iseki in 2 wheel drive, but now that I have seat time I would definetly go with 4 wheel. I am not a longtime tractor guy, but these are my findings after researching this for about 6 months or so. Good luck.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[frank_f15]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm looking for a used compact tractor, probably grey-market, with the following features for under $5k.
)</font>
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE but this is not likley. but if you are persistent ou might run across something. around here there are not many "grey market" tractors. but under $5k is stretching it a bit. But your area may be different.

 

[frank_f15]

go to this site and select your preferences u just might find someting close to you and in your price range.

http://www.ironsearch.com/IRONSearch/content.aspx

 

[PineRidge]

I sold this one for under 5K so don't give up the ship too soon.

4WD 25 HP Chinese made and a real workhorse. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is it remotely possible to find a tractor is good running condition in that price range? )</font>

Yes, remotely possible, but unfortunately, I'd speculate that your odds are about the same as the odds of you winning the lottery. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

I am living proof that is it possible. However, I can almost assure you I'll never run into a deal like I got again. I bought a B7300 16hp, FEL, boxblade, 299 hrs, excellent condition for $4800! I still can't believe it. Somewhere in the Kubota buying forum I have a thread called "Call the police, I almost stole a tractor!" But in all honesty, deals like that are very few and far between.

Don't get in a hurry and keep your eyes open everyday! If you can fall into one of those once in a lifetime deals you have to be the first to find it. Look in the classified, etc. daily.

 

[rtimgray]

It's possible - but not likely. You can probably pick up a decent Yanmar/Iseki/Shibaura for $4000 to $5000 (20 hp/4wd), but probably not the loader. I think loaders for those size tractors range between $1500 and $3000, depending on who makes it and how beefy it is.

That said, I once came across a Shibaura 4wd tractor that was about 18 hp (I think the model was 1843 but it's been too long, can't remember) that had a Japanese factory FEL that cost $2800. It was in just-out-of-the-container condition (well, it did have the wheels and steering wheels installed), but it started and ran great. Obviously, these deals will not come along very often. Your best bet is to probably pick up the largest tractor you can afford and add a FEL later.

Good luck with your search. And don't be afraid of grey market tractors - for the most part they are solid units. Just check with the Yanmar/Grey Market boards and make sure you get a model that has decent support.

 

[sd_smoker]

Thanks guys.

How difficult would it be in install the FEL myself? I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but not all that experienced. Certainly not with hydraulics and stuff. Is it something I could do myself in a few hours? a weekend? is it a two man job? What kind of tools would be needed?

 

[WhiteRock]

I saw a Kubota B7300 on this page. Looks like no FEL though, but has implements. Might be an example of what can be found in this price range.