USED JD 855 FEL, BH,+++ v. NEW NH TC30 FEL

paroxysm · Jan 5, 2004

I have 3 choices in front of me:

 2003 Lease return TC30 FEL full warranty $14,500 (hydro), $12,900 (manual trans)

or

 1990 JD 855 with 260 hours, garaged, perfectly maintained (friend of mine). Includes FEL, backhoe with 2 buckets, 60" hydraulic belly mower, box scraper, brush hog, tiller, weights, 2 sets of tires on rims (turf and R3). All this for a mere $16k. 

Thoughts?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

deere955 · Jan 6, 2004

I would take the 855 deal if it was me, just because I have had experience with the 55 series compacts from deere, They are one tough little tractor. Most techs I talked to say that they very rarely have a 55 series come in for a major problem. Look at all the atchments you are getting as well a back hoe, man I wish I had one of those for my 955.
Jonathan

JDgreen227 · Jan 6, 2004

I test drove a TC-30 HST and really liked it, the price you are being offered is very fair. The 855 sounds like a great deal and knowing the seller maintained it well makes a lot of difference. The number of hours seems very low for a 14 year old tractor, makes me wonder why anyone would buy all that equipment and rarely use it.

While having all those attachments for a low price would be handy, would YOU actually use them, and do you have a place to store everything? If you can answer yes to both of these questions, buy the JD. They were built well and will retain their value for a long time, and parts and service will always be available.

If you go with the NH, the attachments to make it comparable to the JD would likely set you back $18000 with everything new. If everything included with the 855 looks clean and well maintained, that would be my choice.

tdenny · Jan 6, 2004

The two new tractors I considered before purchasing my 855 were the Kubota B7500 and the TC30. I liked both but got a really good deal on my used 855 (although not quite as good as the one you have a shot at). I'm very pleased with my choice. I bought my 855 with 275 hours and it has done everything I've ever asked. I've put 200 hours on it so far and the only thing I've had to do to it was get a new fuel filter. Got some bad diesel. I only wish I had a backhoe as I can't possibly justify spending that much for one. I'd take the 855 in a minute given your opportunity. Of course it is very nice having a brand new tractor but with all those extra tools ready for use................

There are many 755, 855 and 955 owners out here on TBN and I think that most are very pleased with their machines.

Mark_in_NH · Jan 7, 2004

( makes me wonder why anyone would buy all that equipment and rarely use it. ) /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

It's a guy thing !! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

flyingpig · Jan 8, 2004

( I have 3 choices in front of me:

 1990 JD 855 with 260 hours, garaged, perfectly maintained (friend of mine). 

Thoughts?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

I think this friend of yours must be some kind of idiot! 260 hours in 13 years? After spending all that money? That guy must have more money than brains! Do you believe him? Next you'll be telling us he's going to buy a new JD 4710 with all the trimmings. Maybe he's one of those vulgarian "dot-commers".

/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Pigeon · Jan 8, 2004

Grab that JD and RUN, do not walk to the nearest exit! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

JDgreen227 · Jan 8, 2004

Read the post by Mark in NH--

"It's a guy thing"......must be.

I had a buddy some years back who drove a very modified 3/4 ton Ford 4X4, jacked up to the sky, custom paint, chrome everywhere, turbocharged big block, etc.

The name on his truck, proudly displayed in large letters:

"FOOL AND HIS MONEY".

Yup, it's a guy thing indeed !!

paroxysm · Jan 11, 2004

( ( I have 3 choices in front of me:

 1990 JD 855 with 260 hours, garaged, perfectly maintained (friend of mine). 

Thoughts?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

I think this friend of yours must be some kind of idiot! 260 hours in 13 years? After spending all that money? That guy must have more money than brains! Do you believe him? Next you'll be telling us he's going to buy a new JD 4710 with all the trimmings. Maybe he's one of those vulgarian "dot-commers".

/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif )

Flying Pig,
Let's not indulge in speculative character assasinations. ;->

In fact, I would call him far from an idiot (though he is trading up, but obviously the reason the 855 wasn't used was that it was too small). It's more related to that expression, "He (and it is always he) who dies with the most toys wins." This guy has won and he ain't even dead yet.

And what's wrong with a few extra pieces of equipment? There are guys here in my neighborhood in Oregon who keep a couple of Cats around, "just in case."

Thanks for all the advice. I did buy the JD, and I'm proud to be green.