A little advice for a TOTAL newbie please...

1899 Views 14 Replies 11 Participants Last post by BLIND REF, Jun 18, 2009

MNAL

Discussion Starter · Jun 17, 2009

Hey everyone! I am brand new here - and actually to tractors for the most part. I have had a small rider for a while but nothing fancy at all. Well, I ended up moving and now have about 4 acres(for a city boy like me that is HUGE). The house is situated on about .75 acre, so there is a bit of open brush space to play with. Between Craigslist and looking on here I really want to get a used tractor. One LARGE problem is I am totally clueless as what to look for. I do know I want something with a 3 point hitch, and would like the option to get any number of attachments for it down the line(loader bucket, possibly a backhoe). Now, do I need a tractor(or a compact utility tractor I was thinking)? NO, but I was also hoping to get one that might need a bit of work, so I might get my self a nice hobby. For starters, is Craigslist a good place to look? Are there better places? Anyone want to give me a few suggestions of what I might want to look for? What are some things that should be looked at and checked out when buying a used tractor? And although I look at the fancy expensive ones, right now they are financially just not a option. I was looking to spend around(don't laugh) $2000 maybe a bit more, but a bit less would be GREAT! It doesn't really even need to run right away I guess. So are hopes totally crazy? Where should I start looking? Anyone with any opinions would help my search! I live in Minnesota so it would only be used for about half the year. If people are still reading my rambling post at this point, and are willing to give me there 2 cents this truly is the friendliest forum around! Thanks for your time and input!

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Norhernjake

· #2 · Jun 17, 2009

Hi MNAL,
First of all, me being from Canada, prices don't equate to you folks on the South side of the border, our prices are higher... anyways, some suggestions. Being new to tractors and the country life, the first thing I would do is try to find a friend that does know a lot about tractors who can go with you to look. (We can give some advice on what to look for, but that would be a long list, especially if we mention things to check that you may not know what they might be, ie; PTO, etc.)
Quite often a reputable dealer will give you some great assistance and even keep a look out for what you are looking for. You can also go on-line to Machine Finders or Iron Search for example. There are several of these sites that usually deal with equipment at dealers. Saves a lot of driving around.
You mentioned your budget which is very responsible, but some of the so-called fixer-uppers will cost quite a pile of dough before they are SAFELY operable. Another option would be to get yourself a decent garden tractor to maintain the .75 acre of grass while you save up for your tractor.
I imagine you will get a lot of good advice here, or heck, maybe someone will have just what you are looking for.
Good luck and have fun looking,
Jake

slkpk

· #3 · Jun 17, 2009

:Welcome1: go to auctions, farm sales etc. & good luck. slkpk

Upper5Percent

· #4 · Jun 17, 2009

Welcome to the MTF...

But at $2000 you will find yourself limited as to options available to you...

Are you handy with tools?...

mark777

· #5 · Jun 17, 2009

Norhernjake said:
Hi MNAL,.......... Being new to tractors and the country life, the first thing I would do is try to find a friend that does know a lot about tractors who can go with you to look.....

Quite often a reputable dealer will give you some great assistance and even keep a look out for what you are looking for. You can also go on-line to Machine Finders or Iron Search for example....

.... some of the so-called fixer-uppers will cost quite a pile of dough before they are SAFELY operable. Another option would be to get yourself a decent garden tractor to maintain the .75 acre of grass while you save up for your tractor.

Good luck and have fun looking,
Jake

Jake...Great advice!

I would add that meeting the closest neighbor, talking tractors and confessing you're new to this, may open opportunities about what's being used, what's available - and what NOT to buy. $2K may not seem like alot of money to some but to others struggling with the current economy, many who have two (or more) tractors might be willing to let a back up machine go reasonably.

Good luck and :MTF_wel2:

Mark

DJ in WV

· #6 · Jun 17, 2009

:Welcome1:

All of the suggestions above are excellent ones. A nice used rider to maintain the lawn and save some more money for a larger subcompact might be the way to go for you.

Whatever you do though, study the options that are available and watch the want ads in the paper, ebay, tractorhouse.com, ect., to see what kind of money machines go for. Knowledge is power, my friend, and a knowledgable friend is even more powerful.

For four acres, my opinion would be that a JD 2305 or one of the Kubota BX series would be a great choice. There are others, of course, to consider in the same weight, size, and horsepower range. Look at some Yanmars, they are good, and used ones can still be had for not a lot of money.

Just some thoughts.

PBYAN2

· #7 · Jun 17, 2009

Keep your eyes open.l
learn everything you can.
There are some good deals out there. last month I found a YM2000 on our local Craigslist.
Tractor had not run in something like 4 years. Wound up getting it for $850.00
Put almost another $800.00 worth of parts, including a new head into it.
Running very good now.
Guy I know found a 1948 Ford 8N and bushhog. Also on Craigs. $1500.00 for both. Tractor has been rode hard and put up wet quite a few times. But over all is in decent shape.

wally2q

· #8 · Jun 17, 2009

There are deals out there... here is a few listings from Kijiji in Canada - you can find same kinds deals in US.

Keep in mind canadian prices are higher than in the US

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ractor-135-with-a-bush-hog-W0QQAdIdZ135799520

http://london.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-other-tractor-david-brown-990-diesel-W0QQAdIdZ135751788

happy tractor searching

Save

Team_Green

· #9 · Jun 17, 2009

Just last night on kijiji in the edmonton section there is a 8N (fan i was thinking of you) for 2000 bucks says it runs good needs some love though. So the deals are out there.

Team_Green

· #10 · Jun 17, 2009

Heres the add.. (just to tease Fan) ... and for your reference.

http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-other-Small-Acreage-Tractor-W0QQAdIdZ135682958

MNAL

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jun 18, 2009

Thanks for your ideas guys! I was planning on waiting maybe another year to get into something. However, I stumbled upon something that might be a good deal during lunch today and am on my way to check it out. It's a John Deere "Patio Series". I'm not sure it is going to be large enough or have enough power for what I'm looking for but we will see. It comes with a loader bucket, so that's a plus! Thanks again everyone!

Shack

· #12 · Jun 18, 2009

a patio with a loader??? If it isn't a rust bucket and is a real patio, then buy it unless the guy wants an exhorbatant amount for it.

MNAL

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 18, 2009

No, it is actually in REAL good shape. rebuilt tranny even. New tires. It's a 112. Any ideas on what it might be worth?

Team_Green

· #14 · Jun 18, 2009

WOW that sure looks purty... IF its a real patio and a real patio seat its worth a ton. That seat alone on ebay new goes for 800 bucks.. YES just the seat.

BLIND REF

· #15 · Jun 18, 2009

Nice looking tractor. Looks new! If the price is within range, I would jump all over it if I were you.

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

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