Tractor age, value, finding the right tractor and deciding what's a good deal

[Tennsawdust]

If people dont mind me continuing to throw some random inquiries out there.
This is a bit out of my search area, but it seems like the best deal for a newer tractor I致e seen in under 500 miles. Does that sound right? Would you lean toward a deal like this, or would you feel more comfortable spending the extra cash for a new tractor (that would come with a warranty, etc)?

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/32093787/2013-case-ih-farmall-55a

Not a bad looking tractor for the money. Being that it is so close to the coast I would want to check for water in the fluids, but otherwise it looks really good.

 

[fried1765]

If people dont mind me continuing to throw some random inquiries out there.
This is a bit out of my search area, but it seems like the best deal for a newer tractor I致e seen in under 500 miles. Does that sound right? Would you lean toward a deal like this, or would you feel more comfortable spending the extra cash for a new tractor (that would come with a warranty, etc)?

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/32093787/2013-case-ih-farmall-55a

I think you are on the right track!
That looks like a nice machine!

Buying a new tractor only makes sense to me,...... if you cannot afford to pay for a tractor (need financing).
There are MANY good used machines out there, if you spend some time looking.

A used machine can avoid most of the issues that you might ever need a dealer for, such as electronic, or regen issues, which new tractors seem to have plenty of.

Surely in WV, you must have many local shops that can fix most anything on a tractor....except electronic, and regen issues.

 

[rScotty]

Concerns: I know that my budget will limit things. I'm mechanically inclined, but I've never owned my own tractor and assume it will take time to learn to properly fix/maintain a tractor.

So. How much do you consider age when buying something? I've been browsing for a long time, and it seems like some utility tractors hit a certain price point and remain static, regardless of hours and age. I feel like I need mfwd and a fel, but it seems like those two desires really push my prices up to the limits of my comfort range, even for tractors that are 25-45 years old.

Example: I'm looking at a Case-IH 885 that looks like good condition, but is it worth $15,000 or are the FEL and mfwd combination and a lack of supply pushing the price to that limit? There is a 1970ish International 844s that is significantly cheaper that checks those two boxes, but I'm worried that I'd find myself with a project tractor that I don't have enough experience to keep up repairs on. I guess I'm not sure what I should be weighing as "most important" as I sift through what is available.

Your program sounds great. We've always had a couple of horses & once rode across the state on them. If you are at all mechanically inclined then I think you can find a good older tractor in that price range. In fact, for $$12 to $15K I'd expect you can find an older one in decent running condition but needing tires, battery, seat....that sort of thing.

Frankly, old tractors were built never to wear out and so age matters less than condition. Try it out. If it works when you try it and doesn't have any "tricks" required..... then chances are good that it will work the same way for years to come. The problem is that a lot of farmers look at tractors as the modern type of "horse trading", and will conceal problems and take advantage if they can. It all comes down to trust. If you find an older tractor from a guy you trust then that's your very best bet. I've sold a lot of my own used machines, and never hesitate to help a new owner if he has problems. You want to find that sort of rural consciousness.

Used tractors themselves are wonderful things for the mechanically inclined. Particularly the older ones. They were made specifically to last forever and be easy to diagnose and repair if they did wear out something. The ones from the 1960s through the 1990s particularly. In fact, in that period I would go by condition more than by age.

Some things you do want: You must have a loader, and it must work on it's own hydraulics.....not by requiring a diversion that disables some other system on the tractor. And if you have a loader, the tractor must have good power steering. Not leaking and whining....just working normally. A diesel should start easily when cold and especially in cold weather. That's the basic test for wear. Keep in mind that there were some darn good older tractors with gasoline engines. The problem there is that gasoline today is not as pure as once was and gums the carbs.

As you can tell, I like the old ones. If you get a good one then so will you. But it does take a bit of a search. You will be looking for a specific type of tractor owner as much as the tractor itself. Then he will either have - or know of - the right machine.

Luck beats good planning,
rScotty