Rant on two cylinder guys!!!!

I just wasted a good Sunday morning. I have several JD two cylinders that I am/was selling for a friend that is going into a assisted living center. He is ninety-three years old. His wife passed and he just needs help with a few things to keep going.

Any way these tractor where "restored" twenty years ago when he had first retired. They had been stored inside since then but are just plain old tractors nothing special an we both know that and they are priced accordingly. Just a 1949 JD "A" and a JD 1948 JD "B". We are asking $1500 for either of them.

This guy calls me early last week to see if I would be around on a Sunday so he could look at them. I told him I could be but would prefer it was after lunch as I like to go to church. He told me he only could be here Sunday morning. He talked like he was interested in both of them. SO I agreed to meet him this morning at 8 am. First off he was late with no call. Then as soon as he was in the door of the shop he started on how this and that was not two cylinder "Certified Expo Quality". What the HE!! I never said they where. These tractor are nothing special just two old tractors to play with. I managed to stay shut up for a few minutes. HE then started telling me how he was so busy that he had a hard time getting here to see these tractors. He was chewing me out because he wanted these two tractors to be top show winners for $1500 each. He then let it slip that he could not come yesterday because he had to play golf and he had another round to play this afternoon. That was it. I turned the shop lights out and told him to hit the road. The tractors where no longer for sale to him.

He then started to tell me how he would tell all of his two cylinder club buddies about me and that I would have trouble selling any thing to any of them. I told him that would be great. I don't want/need to deal with any of those self important a$$holes any way. LOL ( as you can tell I really don't care for most of the club members)

I just called my friend and told him I had sold both of the tractors for the $1500 each. I told him to come out for lunch and I would have his money. I just bought them both. I will keep them them for the kids/grand kids. They always want some thing to drive in tractor rides and such. These will be perfect for that. They are good enough to have fun with and cheap enough that if they get dented or scratched who cares. Kind of like a beginning driver car.

I think if I have any more JD two cylinder stuff I will advertise that no Two cylinder club members need to come look at it. I have had issues with many of them over the years. Many are real nice guys but it seems that there are too many self important little Hitlers in the club too.

I just don't need the aggravation of dealing with them any more. I had not gone to the show in almost ten years until last year. I did not miss much. I saw the same bunch of guys and all that had changed was that they where older. They just about drive any new/younger guys out. It seems like they don't get that they all are not going to live forever. They need some "new/younger" blood to keep going.

Well my rant is over. LAMO It seems like my good Sat. did not continue into Sunday. Have a good day guys.

All I can say is GOOD FOR YOU.
I love 2 cylinder tractors, but hate people like the one you talked to.
Richard

I, myself like to get a good (low) price on the stuff I buy, but I would like to let you know that not all 2 cyl club members are bad. Some of us are just plain "good old boys that like green" Dale

i gotta say i totally agree with you! in my opinion the two-cylinder club is a good organization that has access to and provides great information to collectors of and users of john deere two-cylinder tractors and equipment. but past that i personally think the club and its expo and its love of ceramic coated manifolds and knee deep paint jobs has run its course! i personally followed a certain prominant higher-up of the two-cylinder club around at expo last year and watched this person pick out what he called "certified expo quality" tractors. you know...the ones with mismatched tires....welded gear shift levers, etc....but hey they had nice paint....and they went with the ceramic coating on the exhaust. that did it for me. i used to be pretty into the two-cylinder club and its expo...but for me, after seeing that personally, its run its course. and its results have helped to create people like you"ve had to deal with.

It has nothing to do with two cylinder tractors or clubs for that matter.
A$$holes are always a$$holes no matter what they are buying or selling, no matter what color tractor they like.
And being in a club is like belonging to a church. It is not what changes people, that comes from a very determined decision from within.
Many people pretend to "change", few do it.

YEa that's about my impression with both the clobbers and the "correct police". I don't need anymore of that stuff......

Maybe get yourself another piece of that pie.....could make you feel better!

Rick

JDSeller I have been there. Our local club had about 60+ members in 2003, with exibters from 5 counties at our show. Now there are none. Life is too short to put up with self appointed "EXPERTS".

My dad belonged to the 2 cylinder club, and he was salt of the Earth. There are great, average and crappy people in all groups.

I would not judge everyone by this individual.

Me, I am a Red, Blue and Green guy.

Yea i know what ya mean. I have PUT up with it before and due to my nature i have a vary short fuse . I i see and add for something and i feel the price is more then what i want to spend then it is simple i don't call. If i do go and look and i see that well maybe i do not want to give quite that much then i will make a REASONABLE offer , all they can say is no . If i say i will be there at such and such time baring unforeseen traffic problems or break down i will be there when i said give or take a couple min. not a half hour or five later . If i am the seller and i tell you over the phone about it i am not hiding anything .

You did the right thing by telling him to get lost. The only difference would have been I would not have put up with his attitude as long as you did. What did he expect for $1500? I don't like so called experts telling me what is wrong with my tractor.

It IS hard to swallow, that MOST new people to "Our World" are Woefully Under-educated in EVERY aspect of Country Life ( Existence) and have NO idea what common Courtesy OR Manors are...
Most ONLY know what their "School" ( parents???) may have accidentally "Taught" them (Heaven Forbid that they be MADE to listen)...
I have Run more than a couple suiters of my Daughter's off, after they bragged about how many Clutches they had torn out of there Dad's tractors, etc...
I think EVERY young man should learn how to FIT a shovel Handle to his hand and load a couple Hundred Bushels from a flat wagon, to a high-sided truck every day for a Week...They always told ME that it "Builds Character"..I believe they were Right...!!

Ron..

I would have done the same thing. The nearby Buffalo Ridge 2 cyl. is about the same way. You could have the rarest most valuable non jd tractor in the world and they wouldn't give it a second look because it isn't green. As the story goes they had a plow day a few years ago open to all colors and a guy showed up with a 500 Case standard with a turbo, he was giving the 2cyl. tractors fits as they couldn't keep up so they told himto start a new land and they would come over and plow with him, they left him all alone instead! Those same guys are sure fun to beat at a pull with a Case,it really bothers them! Some of those arrogant jerks need to realize a 2 cyl. was a poor mans tractor in their day. We had a plow day on the farm last year and all colors were truly welcome.It rained the night before and the tractor that showed us all up was a WD45 AC. As for your deal he was bashing them to get them cheap. He can either get over it or be mad for along time!

My son has a 1956 J D 50 with all of he bell and whistles Know the day it came off of the line and whee it was first shipped s equipted with a 45 loader.he made repairs on it and painted it is used regulary. Swathes and bales about 3000 bales a year. Nis uncle has a JD B and hauls it to shows and knows it all. Very critical of 50 it has some oil leaks and fumes coming from Crank case breather pipe. Dumb when he saw it was right out of the field baling. What do you expect? gitrib

Most of them are surely and egotistically different. I don't have any time for those of them who are like that.

Like when we refurbed or '70; I used stainless fasteners for the hood and grill. Some of those "green and yellow" folks couldn't resist telling me how wrong it was to use stainless fasteners. I told them after the time I had getting off the original fasteners, I'd bet my bottom dollar that JD would have used stainless back in 1954 if they had them.

And another thing to mention to them: who approved the great engineering decision to have to remove the hood, steering, etc. on the letter series Deeres just to remove four cap screws change a muffler? So-how about all of them "cut hoods?"

And BTW--I have four two-cylinder Deeres so I'm not trying to start a color war. Just telling like it is.

I use to have a couple of JD Bs over 20 years ago. The 1938 long frame was kind of show, the 1942 styled was just an everyday tractor. I think your asking prices are quite reasonable.

Whoa! You are right up to a point but it is much more prevalent with the JD "correct police" than with folks who own other brands.

I didn't renew my "Two cylinder" subscription this year.

It's too bad you can't see these kinds of people coming, I think as age creeps on us, we become totally intolerant of others who waste our time, more so when you have a busy lifestyle.

Personally, I don't call unless I have the money and the intent to buy, I show up, if the item is not to my liking or different than I expected, I leave, thank the person for their time, and that's it. If the price is too high, I'll make an offer, either some negotiation takes place and a deal is made or not.


I will cite a recent example:


End of March 2012, I finally had some extra cash for something I have needed for a long time, a log splitter. I did my research, know my needs, and what I am looking for, a Huskee or Speeco, 28 or 30 ton model. Now TSC carries the Huskee branded model, so there are a lot of them around, often times garage kept and light use, several hundred bucks less than new.

So I see an ad, call the guy, says its only done 4 cord, kept under cover and is in perfect shape. I saved the ad, a screen capture off craigslist.

I arrive, turns out I went to school with the guy, years back, he did graduate from a different school, so I had not seen him since, what are the odds, was great to see someone you have not in close to 30 years.

I look the unit over, getting towards dusk, he wanted 1300, I offered 1000. He said it will stay at that price, he dropped to 1200, and delivered it. I did notice a bearing cap off one wheel, but not much else, well the threads on the oil fill of the honda motor were deformed a bit, but the cap still threaded in, maybe not as easily as it should.

I get it home, notice the paint on the hydraulic reservoir is severely bubbled, spalling, popping off in some places and so on. Factory paint, no primer, crappy job from the start. So.... these are so simple to work on, I'll sandblast it, prime and paint it, re-decal it etc.

Now, the ad said it was in perfect shape, actually it was not, and it was not kept under cover, judging by the aluminum on the cooling fins, muffler etc. Bearing cap missing too, paint bubbling off. He said it was only 2 years old, was almost 5 years old. I did not say a word, or call the guy and complain, some would though and cling to that ad he placed stating it was perfect. See if I had done that, I'd probably still be looking and not have the work done, and to me getting work done on time is critical to many aspects of life.

I look at it like this, these are not often available used, you see them for sale once in awhile, so to save a few bucks, like about $500 in this case, who cares, petty little things, all that can be fixed, it works great, most of my wood is split and drying over a month, and now I own a sorely needed piece of equipment, and saved some money.

I like things that are well kept, in nice shape, holds resale value better, usually performs as it looks, and helps you take pride in it, take care of it etc. so I try to find things in good clean condition, but does not always happen.

I changed the oil, ordered and received that non typical bearing cap, re-packed the wheel bearings, ordered and received the log catcher and the 4 way wedge, will take care of that hydraulic reservoir when time permits.

I'm happy with it, though I think I paid a little more than it was worth, I still saved a fair amount over new, people ask 2/3 or = that price for the old types of splitters, that don't go vertical, don't have 2 stage pumps, and less power, 12-20 ton, I see those often, like Didier and similar types.

About 15 years ago one of the local shows was featuring IH. The local IH collector guys got the word out that we wanted to get 200 tractors there. The local JD guys made sure they got at least 200 there and showed up several days early to get all the prime show area on the grounds. That was all the proof I needed.

Goes both ways. I bought a tractor some distance away over the phone. Guy says it starts good and runs good, has good power steering. I get there and the first thing noticed is no power steering . Him either being a complete idiot or him thinking I was, argued with me that it did have ps. Tractor was running when I got there and seemed to run fine. I shut it off and tried to restart it. (Diesel) Wouldn't fire at all. He gets his can of ether and gives it a shot and it starts up. See, he says, it starts good. Was no blowby from it but somebody drilled a 1/2" hole in the breather pipe under the hood so it wouldn't be noticeable. He told me he had just put new antifreeze in it to top it off. Radiator was low with pure rusty water in it. Told the guy what I thought of him right in front of his son but he didn't blink an eye.

I believe that "police" thing runs in all of them. It just does not bother the ones of the color that are policing, only the others.
The JD's are different, many of the rest are basically the same with a few trick mods that sets them apart.
JD made so many changes, many of them during the production year, that it does take more knowledge to truly know what is what.
JD's lack of popularity with some models back then makes for some expensive models today. That is that over used trick word that always means they want more money, and it is spelled
" R A R E ".

It takes all kinds!!!! And it don't matter what brand or even if they own tractors. I get along with most everybody but I did find a man a year or so back I showed the door and firmly told him our visit was OVER.

Yup. The first reason to tell him to hit the road would have been the "golf" issue! I can't stand "Originality Police" (most of them are fooling themselves, anyway), nor golf fanatics.

Had a guy come look at something I had for sale the other day, he was hemming and hawing, tearing it apart, trying to jew me down, and generally wasting my time. I knew right off he wasn't gonna buy.

It's the old saying - "Mine is gold, your's is cr^p"

On the comment "it takes all kinds" I would respectfully disagree with that. It doesn't necessarily take all kinds, we just have all kinds.. Mike

Talking about the golf thing, when I was younger( about 40 some odd years ago) a neighbor asked me if I would help him move. I went over and his hired man and I loaded about a half truckload of furniture. He was not there and I assumed he had gone to town to change utilities or somthing. I finally asked his wife where he was and she said he had a golf game today.

Communication is an interesting thing. "Starts good" apparently meant something different to that guy.

"Restoration" seems to have different meanings for different people also.

I replied to an add for a "restored" Farmall Super C for $3500. Talked to the gentleman in great length. Fair price if all he said was true. Very knowledgable and said all the right things. Drove for 4 hours and the guy pulled a no show on me. The tractor was at a feed store so I could look at it.

Paint was oil stained in multiple places and starting to peel. Apparently they didn't fix any leaks before he "restored" it. Attempted to start it and no juice, battery dead, wouldn't even light the lights or move the amp gauge. Talked to the young man running the store and he went and got a 12v charger with starting feature. No good, it's 6v. Removed gas cap and no gas, bone dry and rusty. opened a pet cock and no oil from top and black sludge that barely flowed from the bottom. Looked like the hydraulics had been leaking. Pulled the fill plug on the touch control block and bone dry. Pulled the radiator cap and bone dry with big chunks of rust and debri visible.

Pictures were obviously taken back when it was "restored", they looked good. It obviously had sat outside for years with out being maintained.

The only thing this tractor had going for it was the tires were new and motor is loose.

I left and never did talk to the guy.

It is that way with ever tractor color.

the best one's are the pickers , they are the people that stop in generally on a sunday or past 6 at night and ask if a tractor or other item sitting out with no for sale sign and ask "is that for sale" and then attempt to beat you up on the set price and tell you whats all wrong with it . When it really wasn't for sale to begin with !

But if all of us were the same Mike, Would we all be necessary? I'm always afraid I'd be one of the ones not needed

wish you were in my neck of the woods, you can't touch an "a" or "b" for that price in im sure as good of condition as the ones your selling. those club types around me think even worn out needing a complete overhaul/restoration are gold and i see them all the time asking atleast $2500 or more.

$1500 Johnny Poppers would last a whole 5 minutes around here.

I guess it takes a few of us to make the rest look better... Mike

There are Case Guys on here that are the Same,There's worth Gold - Mine Worth Nothing.1/4-1/3 of the price offers, or wanting to trade,We had this happen to us about 2 Months back !A Guy From PA Showed up and tryed to trade 2 RC Tractors [Never even Saw them ] for our Case 730 Western 1960 model diesel/Wouldn't take a CASE letter Tractor for any thing. But Shows up in a 50-60 Thousand NEW Dodge 3500 Diesel Truck, Looking for a Farm Tour of all our tractors . O Of Course He Had No MONEY To Spend,Just looking to Trade ????

Just a run-of-the-mill jerk. I worked for a Central Tractor store for several years in the 1990's. They will beat you up over anything to get the price they want. I swear one guy was ultra-aggressive to the point where I think he got a new mower every month for mowing season two years consecutive then the corporate morons wised up and dared him to sick his lawyers on them. Sometimes you have to take a punch to give one back but then at least they know you will fight back. These people unfortunately think ethics are for chumps. Such a sad attitude and it's only getting worse.

I don't know where you are but here in Texas that is a steal for two two cylinders at $3,000.00. I am like you it doesn't have to be expo quality to have fun with.

Please don't look at all Two Cylinder Club members with this experience. I'm a member and prefer tractors in their "work clothes". Fancy paint jobs hide too many sloppy repair jobs. Also, I like to drive and use mine. With an Expo Quality tractor you are scared to death of putting a small scratch on it. These tractors are just to look at.
I only take the magazine for the ads, suppliers of parts, etc.

While we are at it, is anyone looking for a 1950 JD MT? Could say restored but more like "reconditioned. 4 new tires and a professional paint job.
Email back or call 785-254-7650, in Kansas.

you are a class act !! first to buy the tractors for your bud is cool. THEN to turn the lites out on that guy is way cool. i had a 4020 for sale and a FARMER came and nit picked it and ninny cried like an old grandma. it was pathetic.
the next guy, an URBANITE came and was tickled to death to pay cash for it........go figure.

(quoted from post at 03:20:01 05/21/12) you are a class act !! first to buy the tractors for your bud is cool. THEN to turn the lites out on that guy is way cool. i had a 4020 for sale and a FARMER came and nit picked it and ninny cried like an old grandma. it was pathetic.
the next guy, an URBANITE came and was tickled to death to pay cash for it........go figure.

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Every once in a while I get a yearning to hear a JD running , so I buy one.
After a brief period I have satisfied that urge, so I sell it. I have sold a lot of tractors and when it comes to the JD's, the potential buyers are unique.
They want everything to be perfect and they don't want to pay more than junk price. I have run several of them off because they have lousy attitudes. Oh well. LOL.

JD.I wish we could talk , face to face instead of on here . I have the same line of thinking as you do . It seems that the C P are around in all colors of tractors . Over many yrs. of showing tractors & machines , I have encountered some show officals that need to take a long course on manners and how to treat the public.
I have just about stopped showing tractors anymore, tired of the falt finders. clint