How would you do it?

I wouldn't mention you snooped and wouldn't say anything about the tractor that couldn't be discerned from the road. If you couldn't see it from the road, ask about the item that apparently grabbed your attention in the first place when first meeting him. After this, I wouldn't recommend snooping again.

On how to talk to the guy...
I am working on a 60 I got from a guy I sprayed crops for this past summer. He was standing right there as I unloaded my machine and I noticed an A under the trees. Just making casual conversation, I mentioned I was looking for a two banger to play around with and asked what his plans were for the A. By the end of the conversation, I learned he had another A and a 60 and all were for sale.

Turned out labor was more important to him than the money or the tractors. We set a dollars per hour and a selling price. I gave him my number and it took him 6 months to get back to me on it. Like the others said, don't be pushy.

I'm now working off the 60 and have it half "paid for" and I'm doing what I enjoy - farm work. The best part about it is that I'm working on the tractor in my free time and he has been a very good source of info on it. When he saw what condition it was in as compared to what he remembered, he dropped the price a bit for me without me asking. I eventually want a 730 diesel and an unstyled B to compliment my 60.

Good luck on getting that diesel.

Was there a "For Sale" sign on this tractor?

I think I'd be a little careful about snooping around on someone else's property uninvited.

Allan

I'd start out by saying to the farmer that you are looking to restore and work a tractor like his 730 and if he knew any for sale. Asking if he knew any tractors for sale gives him a chance to answer something other than "No". If his tractor has sentimenal value, knowing that you are going to restore it and use it instead of parting it out will be important to him. (If you have pictures of past restorations you have done, that would be a plus.) Your age will be a negative, so you really need to come off as sincere.

If the tractor has sentimental value and you do end up getting it, be sure to keep him in the loop as to how the restoration if going, especially once you get it running. This farmer could turn out to be a great resource for any future tractors you might be looking for.

Good luck, you"ll figure out what to do.

I'm keeping them.

However, he got a line on an Ollie swather that he was interested in from me, & traded an 880 for an 1800A with a friend of mine because of talking to me. So, he got some business out of me. We see each other & chat at the auctions. Nice guy. Didn't ever bother me that he asked. Unfortunately for him my rusty un-needed stuff is Case planters & Ford 3pt cultivators, the Ollie 185 digger, front mount cultivator, Super 77, & 2 & 3 bottom trip plows I plan to keep.

Don't be pushy or needy, and everything will be ok. You might get something differet some day out of it, even if you don't get what you were looking for today.

Listen to what & how he says his answer.

--->Paul

Email's there..... Send details.

--->Paul

--->Paul

LISTEN, hear what he says. It may be something that money cant buy. If it isnt...maybe..... .....

"I've been wanting to fix one of these up, make her look good and run better. Would you consider selling her?"

And plan on spending a lot more than $500. I saw one winched on a tow truck Sat before Xmas at a sale brought $2500.