455 with 40 FEL

I agree. If it really does look good, well taken care of, clean, etc., I would think around 5-6k would be ok. If it was a gas engine, about 1k less.

The 48 inch deck on a 455 (or any other large or "super" GT) is pretty useless, as the overall width of the tractor is also 48 inches-ish, and so it's darn near impossible to trim up close to anything without hitting it. Even the 54" I have is kind of narrow for the tractor. I like the 60 inch WAY better, but it's hard to get into small spaces.

Tire selection also makes a big difference with a loader. If you're exclusively using the tractor for loader work, a set of rear ag tires and ribbed front tires make a huge difference. If you're still planning to mow with it, turfs work ok, but it's tough to dig into a pile without spinning. The turfs also feel "spongy", whereas higher ply rating tires will make the whole machine feel more stable with a load.

There are quite a few guys who fix up mowers for money. They check with the dealers pretty often. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them have special deals with guys at the dealership. Then I know that the guys at the dealership get first crack and I know some of them have side businesses fixing and reselling mowers. I guess we outsiders don't see the really good deals. Too bad that did seem like a good deal.

Chris

That is the type deal that you should be sitting at the dealership when they open......

But yes, there are guys that buy the trade-ins to resell. Here the only thing that the dealers have on the lot are what I would classify as less desirable machines X700, X720 X724's X744's etc.... There is a repair shop that I have bought some machines from..... never a 430 though... he has a standing offer of $2,000+ for any running 430 he gets from a guy 6 hours away!

Last year the dealer posted a X748 package (tiller, 7-iron etc) it lasted all of 4 hours... list price was $8,500.... local guy bought it and had it relisted less than a day after he picked it up (took him almost a month to pick it up) for $12,500 IIRC.

Spend some time at your dealer...... don't just buy parts online or run in and run out..... folks like to talk..... chat with the parts and sales folks some..... A few 10 min conversations might net you a decent deal on a nice package.....

mrbeef said:

That is the type deal that you should be sitting at the dealership when they open......

But yes, there are guys that buy the trade-ins to resell. Here the only thing that the dealers have on the lot are what I would classify as less desirable machines X700, X720 X724's X744's etc.... There is a repair shop that I have bought some machines from..... never a 430 though... he has a standing offer of $2,000+ for any running 430 he gets from a guy 6 hours away!

Last year the dealer posted a X748 package (tiller, 7-iron etc) it lasted all of 4 hours... list price was $8,500.... local guy bought it and had it relisted less than a day after he picked it up (took him almost a month to pick it up) for $12,500 IIRC.

Spend some time at your dealer...... don't just buy parts online or run in and run out..... folks like to talk..... chat with the parts and sales folks some..... A few 10 min conversations might net you a decent deal on a nice package.....

Click to expand...

Last year I traded in my 425 AWS for an X734.....had a lot of trouble at the end with my 425 (1998 with 1700 hours, original owner) love my X734...curious as to why you say the X series is less desirable.....It does eat more gas, but it's also maybe 7.5 more HP......interested in your thoughts.

Fadz

fadzaev6 said:

Last year I traded in my 425 AWS for an X734.....had a lot of trouble at the end with my 425 (1998 with 1700 hours, original owner) love my X734...curious as to why you say the X series is less desirable.....It does eat more gas, but it's also maybe 7.5 more HP......interested in your thoughts.

Fadz

Click to expand...

I should have gone in and edited my post after the fact. I read it and saw that it might be read wrong. My point was that the x728/9 and x748/9 are the most sought after of the X7 series. All of the tractors are great, just a function of resale value on the part of the flippers. Having a used x728 or x748 is going to drive more interest than having a x744 sitting there. As to why I called out those particular models..... The X700 is a plain version and most of the time on the used market folks are going to spend a little more to step up to an x720 which is a 2wd machine.... 4wd is much more attractive and again if it's the used market. AWS is not for everyone, some people love it; some hate it...... And then the x740.... Most folks that are going to pay a premium for a diesel tractor are going to step up to the x748..... So in the end x7-- machines are desirable just have an order. :fing32:

I should also note that the used market is very different than the new market. New market sales are driven more by what the owner needs/wants and the used is driven more by wants/needs. Financing a $7,000+ purchase at times is not the cheapest proposition...... But if that much cash is being thrown around folks want bang for their buck!