Partially, there is a certain percentage of people that are usually city people trying homesteading for the first time
and some will fall into that trap. What Mike says is pretty much right on. But there is another reason the 40's-70's tractors
are a volotile business. These same people have need of a small 25-50 hp tractor for small acreages and the only other option are the Branson's and Kubota's that are there to fill that niche. The problem is the Mfg. didn't factor in these people are on a small budget as they are just starting out. At 40000$ a machine on average that pretty much leaves a second mortgage option on the farm. My opinion is that the market for a low powered tractor is still out there and these Mfg. failed to meet the market by going modern. If I had the millions, I'd get the rights for re-mfg some of the older models, not changing a thing on them, not even the tin or tooling or casting, a guy can pick up an old manual and repair it. These tractors can be sold I'm sure at 15-20000$ and still make a wholesale profit margin I'm sure. I'd take away the aluminum of the Bradson's and gizmo's that only the Japanese can benefit from for parts, and replace with cast iron of the oldies,repairable ignition, and heavy windings of the starters,etc. Here in eastern Ontario one can still purchase
a good used tractor from the sales ads. The estate tractors you mention are not my experience. They are reliable tractors, but may have a sitting problem from under use, but all in all they are well maintained. It may seem cold and business is business, but the best time to approach these widows is a month or so after the funeral, and before the spring auction, they need to pay off
some bills. The best time for dealer buying in these parts is in the dead of winter on the coldest day. The dealers are anxious to make sales in this off season and make up for the loss by selling snow blowers,ski doos and ATV's and the like. Bring a charged heavy duty battery and jumper cables, a few tools and socket sets, a snow mobile suit and boots, a spray can of "Eazy Start" then go shopping. Don't expect them to take you to the tractor. You can save up to 500$ off season. For auctions, stay local and time it for a real bad day. Nice spring sunny days with the birds chirping make people buy. Try the tractor before the sale by taking a drive down to the place beforehand. Bid only at the last bid. These people can read a face like a book. If 10 guys are in a battle for it, walk away. 7 of them are "price lifters" for the auction company. Auctions I have found are a thing of chance anyway. Seems like everyone else is lucky cept me. M2C
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