Is there any source to check tractor prices for used tractors? We need to buy one for our 30 acre farm, and want one we can buy parts for. Need a versatile one for rototilling, heavy duty bush-hog for palmettos, etc., bucket for cleaning the barn, digging a 1+acre pond, square-baler, and if it can safely push down trees (12" in diameter) if that's feasible.

We don't know anything about tractors--don't know how many HP we'll need, so your suggestions are welcome!

-- Marsha Wadsworth (CaprisMaa@aol.com), May 14, 2001

Answers

Try ytmag.com for lots of useful information. Check the discussion forum. Look under Today's Tractors if you are looking for info on newer models, also check the catagories for a particular make if you are partial to one. Somewhere on the site the is also a list of going prices for some models. My only advice is to stay with a name make of tractor preferable one with a stable dealer close to you. I have a John Deere 2350 which I like very much but really most models from the major mfg. (John Deere, Massey Fergesson, CaseIH, Ford, Kubota,etc) are good.

-- Marty Palange (MPalange@ahmail.com), May 15, 2001.

When I bought my Ford, I just did a Yahoo! search on "for sale Ford 1720" and did a lot of surfing. Did turn up quite a few hits for used equipment dealers, and got a good feeling for what market value was in other areas.

But make sure you have a dealer nearby who can order parts for you. Buying a Ford at a good price isn't such a good deal if you have to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest place to buy parts.

I only have a few acres, so the 1720 is probably overkill here, but the front loader has been a real back saver already. I'd look at 35+ HP. And a wide front end. I'd stay away from the tricycles.

-- Eric in TN (eric_m_stone@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

check www.yesterdaystractors.com

-- john (natlivent@pcpros.net), May 15, 2001.

Marsha, pushing down 12inch trees is a tall order for a farm tractor, thats more of a bulldozer or front end loader range. Here in Cen Fla. $5,000.00 is about the average price for a used, in good condition, 4 wheeled, 4 cylinder diesel such as Massy Ferguson or Deutz (a German made quality tractor)in the 40 to 60 horsepower range which should be enought power for 30 acres in tough condition. Have the person selling the tractor demonstrate what it will do under real load conditions; being new to tractors dosen't mean becomming a victim, get a knowledegable person to see it with you.

-- mitch hearn (moopups1@aol.com), May 15, 2001.

Marsha, You started right. Figuring out what you want to do. How much of the 30 acres will be used for what purpose. Is that 29 acres to bush hog and 1 to till or 29 to till and 1 to bush hog. Tractor size could be affected by the mix of task. There are also things best left to other tools. building a pond, knocking down trees are best left to the right hardware. Hire these out or rent the correct tool A tractor is not the correct tool.

rototilling with a tractor is find if the tractor fits. A small garden is not the place for a large tractor. If its a larger area that needs turning, maybe another attachment is better suited, but you would be able to use it with a tractor. Bush hog is a prime task for a tractor. Cleaning stalls is fine, but again your tractor has to fit into the barn.

Depending on your task a 30 to 40hp tractor should meet your needs. Find out what the local dealers are selling. You want local support. Everyone has their own prefered tractor manufacture. I would recomend a reasonbly new tractor with all the safety features and modern conviences.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), May 15, 2001.

Many thanks for your answers and website info. Big help since we don’t have any tractor dealers in our vicinity. The www.yesterdaystractors.com site is wonderful, it sure helps price comparisons! Suggestions for safety and local parts dealers/repair are exactly what we need to know! Bush hogging will be a major requirement–have tons of palmettos, and want to clear enough land for raising corn, grain, etc., and will build the barn to ‘fit’ the tractor. Laughing–but would obviously like a tractor to do it all, but my ignorance is showing as had hoped it would also dig ponds and take down trees too. Again, your advice is much appreciated!

-- Marsha (CaprisMaa@aol.com), May 16, 2001.

Try looking at Hobby Horse Ranch. They have lots of new and used farm equipment and compact tractors. http://www.hobbyhorseranch.com/

I suggest you go to a local dealer and describe the kind of work you want to do and they can tell you what class tractor you will need. Go to several and compare notes.

-- Skip Walton (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), May 16, 2001.

Wish I hadn't looked at the comparison prices in Yesterday's Tractors. Five years ago I bought (on my brother's 'advice') a 1942 Allis Chalmers B tractor. He said it was an excellent buy at $1800. With a belly mower that didn't fit right. What did I know? My brother is a 'farmer' and he said it was a good price. Well, seems that the engine was damned near blown. I invested another $2600 into it (mostly labor) to restore just the engine. Mostly after this happened I found a local Allis Chalmers head that has restored/used Allis' to farm. He said I got took big time. Grrrrrrrrr. I now have a tractor with over $4000 invested with little or no chance of ever selling her for a better tractor at the price I would need. I would DEFINITELY suggest that you get one with a PTO shaft (no, the B doesn't have it), and a loader (no, my B doesn't have it), with a properly working belly mower (no, my B's doesn't work right and the brother welded it to 'work.') PLEASE get lots of advice from lots of folks! Make sure that you check the oil when you look at one. It shouldn't have water in it (the B did) or gasoline (the B did). Also know that once you start fixing things - like the engine - you will most probably put stress on every other part too. Better engine/compression = blown radiator/hoses/belts/carb/etc. Just another life lesson, huh?! Good Luck and Good Hunting!!

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), May 20, 2001.

where are you located. maybe a nice person from this forum would know a honest dealer. In our time, we have meet a few honest people and a good many ?.....If in N.East KY, we have meet a vary reasonable and honest dealer. If you are near e-mail me and I will give you his name and number.

-- lexi Green (whitestone11@hotmail.com), May 20, 2001.

Well THANKS to all for the great advice, we purchased a Ford 3000 tractor today with a bush-hog attachment. My husband is ready to go out after work every day to clear underbrush. Grinning -- I still don't see why it can't knock down trees and dig ponds....

-- Marsha / GA (CaprisMaa@aol.com), May 21, 2001.

Ooops. I said PTO (power take off) and I meant you need a three-point hitch hook up. Makes it tons easier to lift things. Glad you found something that you wanted! Happy digging!!

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), May 22, 2001.