Re: City boy needs help on buying a used tractor..

Posted by txgrn on July 25, 2005 at 04:47:01 from (209.151.112.194):

In Reply to: City boy needs help on buying a used tractor.... posted by Scott in IN on July 24, 2005 at 20:24:07:

I think you passed the initial test. My neighbor's experiences with the little guys with all the whistles and bells is that they are way too many for the engine size. It is just overwhelmed and provides little functionality. You have to get over 30hp to get up where they can handle all that stuff.

I'm going to do this color blinded so pick your color. Think hard about what you said you are going to do with it. The loader is neat when you use it but always in the way when you aren't. If you had one with a quick attachment feature it would be nice so that you can take it off when not used.

There are numerous "utilities" out there. They are built low to the ground, and easy to get on and off. With the tires set out somewhat they are usually pretty stable. Roll Over Protection (ROPS)is a great idea and can be outfitted with a hood and provide shade from the sun......but you can't mow under trees very well.

Power steering is helpful for the misses but more to keep running and something else to fix. If you get the loader you need it.

Gas or diesel. Had both. My fleet is now all diesel. Just do better on a day to day basis. Cost more to fix than gas granted, but once you get the bugs out they run a long time. May be a little finickey in the winter but there are easy ways to combat that.

3 pt lift is a must.

Live or Independent PTO very desirable. If you ever used one and then use a PTO like on a Ford n series, you'll immediately see what I mean.

I like to look at little things to see how a tractor is cared for...if it looks rough, it probably is. Those with clean sheet metal and other things in generaly good conditions, tight steering, brakes that work, grease fittings showing lube help tell you that the major components may have been cared for also. New paint is pretty but you have to look beyond that. It's easy for us to think that "if it looks good it is good". Gotta ask yourself what did it look like before the cosmetic affair.

A good balance between functionality and price is mid '70's to mid '80's. You are new enough to get a lot of goodies and hopefully low hours, yet old enough to benefit from depreciation.

Good luck.

Mark

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