(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

tractor sales

M

Michael V (NM)

Member
Has anyone here been selling tractors they have advertised? here or any other places?I'm asking because I have advertised one recently(here and CL) and have had NO calls or any contact(except one scammer).I do have some I'd like to sell...not just plain give away, even if I'm upside down with em...
My feelings are that the tractors from the late 40's and 50's, the market is really softening, or going backwards, it's sure not as good as it was,say 10-15 years ago, while the ones from the 60's to early 70's are doing OK to better specially the "Muscle" tractors of the late 60's and early 70's..

Ya'lls thoughts???....
 
The market is very soft unless it is something that is somewhat rare, on the early models. The 60's and 70's are a little stronger, but a good portion of them have had their guts pulled out, and it's a considerable amount more money to restore a 970 Case, 4020 Deere, 1206 IHC than it was to do the same with a JD D, Case LA, Farmall M, etc.

The hobby is slowing down considerable, and the crop prices in the cellar are the main reasons I would say. But if you have a low production model, the prices they bring will still hit the ceiling. Bob
 
My opinion is that most older tractors are listed for more than they are worth. I have a lot of respect for the Farmall M. But when I see one listed for $2000 I have to ask myself who would want it for that price. Was a time that I would contact a seller and try to make them an offer but these days you get called names if you do that. Even when you have a logical argument. Scammer, low-baller...or worse. If you have your tractor priced right, it will sell. You did not mention a specific tractor you are trying to sell and how much you wanted for it. That would help in getting opinions. As a person who buys a lot of used stuff on the internet...no calls = price way too high.
 
Its quite simple, the guys that collected tractors like h's and m's and all other colors of that vintage are very old or past on. Younger guys like myself have no use for them unless they are a family tractor. If a tractor does not have 3 point and decent live hydraulics they are useless on my farm and that's why tractors from the mid sixties and on are more collectable and usable. Heck we don't even have a gas tank on the farm any more. I know a lot of guys on here won't like that but that's the way it is. I buy and sell a lot of tractors from the mid to late sixties on and they still sell well.
 
Low crop prices are one reason for softening prices, I think the other main reason is less people with any attachment to these older models. The guys trying to sell these are the ones that used them to farm. The guys that they want to buy them remember them as that old tractor that sat in dad/grandpa's shed and that's all they see them as. Just another thing taking up space.
 
the ones I'm wanting to move are a couple LP models,, I don't consider them rare by any means,, more an 'uncommon' tractor. I don't think I asked too much, as I priced about the same or a little bit lower than asking price on comparable models..and as far as location, I even offered some help on hauling..

yea, I realize the farm economy is kinda down also now,, but that doesn't mean that farmers are the only ones looking for a hobby tractor...or a project
 
Very simple there are more old tractors out there than there are folks wanting one. Some folks never go to an auction and do not keep up with the market but for sure old tractors have got cheaper. Guy give a grand for a tractor spends thousand on paint job and thousand on tires, does he have a three thousand dollar tractor. You can bet he thinks so but in real world not always true.
 
Yeah, cannot sell plain old models for much of anything. I had 3 H Farmalls for a while, finally got $600 for one. Not a lot of younger guys want stuff like that I guess.
 
i been watch mecham i gone farming auction on RFDTV of late some of the tractor on there all painted looking good bring less then i seen some ol in bad shape one s are listed for it be interesting to watch it in april this year see where price are but seem to me there about low thy can go well maybe not
 
"younger guys like myself" well don't know your age but I'm 46 and I own 3 old tractors. 55 Ford 640. 56 Ford 960. And a 50 farmall cub ( technically the cub is my 15 year old son's).never had any of of those on a family farm. We like em, and use them. We have 3 acres but we do some hired work.Also load em up and go to shows. If younger folks don't get involved in the tractor hobby ...................but I see your point I would hate to have to run a farm with those tractors. We have bought and sold a couple other tractors this year, selling is getting tougher.
a253976.jpg
 
Yep, I see plenty of 3,000 dollar Farmall H's and M's on the local Craigslist and they sit there and sit there. They might have that much into it but the market will no longer support doing that.
 

Just loaded one up and said goodbye about 30 minutes ago...was on CL for about 6 weeks. I could have sold it sooner for less, but I am never a desperate seller, so held out for better $$$. I do see some on CL for months, tho. Most are older and do not have a loader or 3pt hitch.
 
As was posted, most true collectors want tractors they are familiar with. The ones that they operated when they were a kid, most likely the one they learned on. So most guys who learned on a letter series tractor of yesterday are old. Either in a nursing home/assisted living or dead. The ones still around and healthy already have one too, that is if they have room. Many of the old timers live in cities now and just don't have room for one. I know that for the most part here in my area few farms were using letter series tractors by the mid 70's. Sorry, just the way it is. As far as being unusual? Sure, but most people don't have to ability to refuel an LP machine. IMO that makes it less desirable, not more. I'd like to find a fair shape Farmall 560D. A gasser would be acceptable. I wouldn't even look at an LP if it was free. Just too much of a problem getting it refueled.

Rick
 
Two big strikes against getting a good price for a tractor........

Location and LP, Who wants to mess with what all is required to get an LP tractor refilled?
 
I'm in my early 50's and one of the first tractors I learned on was a Farmall M. The Oliver 88 and JD 4010 were not far behind. My hobby budget is extremely limited so I am open to an older gas tractor. I have an eye on a 1972 JD 4020 diesel when it comes on the market and hopefully I can swing it then. I would like an Oliver 1550 or 1555 but that will have to be down the road. I think by the time I have a lot of money to spend even 1970's and 1980's tractors will be passe. However, if we are in for extended hard times is it is more probable to come those 1970's and 1980's tractors might become inexpensive.
 
Is it a generational thing? a few short years ago (maybe decades) but Model A Fords seem to be worth more in the past than now,young ones do not identify with these cars, a car buddy asked in general when will people start forgetting the 5-6-7- chevys and or the 70s mopars,That may not be too far in the future and I think its the same with the vintage tractor world.
 
Could it be you're asking too much? You did state you are not going to giving them away.
 
I have put several on here and get nothing. Don't think have priced too high, will come down but not over the phone or internet. The other problem is transportation.
 
here is one kinda like one I'm trying too sell, this one was up on same auction bout month and half ago,, I'm guessing a non-paying bidder happened,...
https://www.auctiontime.com/listings/farm-equipment/auctions/online/22991665/ford-961

mine is a model 951, does not have the rear weights, has original 3 pt and chair, runs, with power steering...I started at $2500,,, might have some wiggle,,,it does need some TLC though,..so I guess I'm to high....

other one is a MH 44 special, factory LP, with 3-pt, has Swartz wide front, runs and drives,, I'd like to see $1900 for it... I guess I'm to high...

<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9215.jpg"/>

yea, I know its takes someone to like the LP ones, and deal with the problems of filling and/or getting fuel but, my gas don't go bad or disappear... I guess I've priced em to high

I have offered to help with hauling for reasonable charge,,,but,,, I guess I priced too high...
a253991.jpg
 
If I had the money I would love to have a Farmall M, John Deere A and an Allis Chalmers WC. Just to look at.

I think the collectors are getting "younger" and want tractors from the 60's and early 70's.
 
what is a good price for a john deere 720 or 730 i see lots of them for $10,000 + is this the market or is someone dreaming?
 
The market for common tractors is very soft....We are running out of buyers as the
younger people arent interested and cant afford them...Just about all the collectors
in my area are over 60 years old..The farms are getting so big that very few kids grow
up on a farm so theres not much interest in old tractors..Rare pre 1930 tractors are
doing OK as are 1206 IH's,D-21 AC's,6030 JD's-etc..
 
I have said this before but the older generation either already has the tractor they want or are too old to care. The younger generation simply does not have the large disposable income, even if they do have a desire for old tractors. There's a H Farmall on the local Craigs list all painted up. But for the $4,800 he is asking for it a person can find a much newer and nicer tractor. I sometimes wonder if the tractor collectors are their own worse enemy. Not that long ago Two Cylinders were bringing three quarters the price of a new generation Deere. I think alot of people just bought the newer tractors because the price was not much more and the demand for the older tractors dried. Case in point I'm going to look at a 350 Farmall Wednesday or Thursday weather depending. Guy is asking $2,800 with brand new rubber. Called on a couple Hs that were in "okay" shape and they were asking in the $2,000 range. Seems like a no brainer. Why pay $5,500-$6,500 for a 720 or 820 when a 3010-4010 can be had for not much more. Heck I have a chance to buy a gas 3010 in real nice shape for $4,000. If it wasn't for the fact that I don't need something that big I'd jump on it. Sod Buster
 
while I agree the bottom has fell out of prices. If the tractors make you happy to look at, work on or show who cares? Will new tires make them more valuable? Probably not but if makes you happy go for it. Family tractors to me as low production number tractors are priceless. To the doom and gloom guys anyone have a Moline udlx for pennies on the dollar??
 
I had several nice old tractors mostly pretty rare Oliver and AC from the 30's and 40's that I sold over the last 10 years because I had just gotten tired of them sitting there with no
use to me what so ever.I'd done the show thing got tired of that so I sold them took the money and bought some newer tractors from the late 60's and 70's that I can enjoy owning and
still use and operate in my farming operation.To me they're much more satisfying and fun to own.No desire to own the ones with no hydraulics,no electric start,no lift etc any more.
 
I don't think I asked too much, as I priced about the same or a little bit lower than asking price on comparable models..and as far as location, I even offered some help on hauling..
Click to expand...

The fallacy to that logic is, you are comparing your pricing to tractors that are still advertised. If they are still advertised there is a reason, and that reason is usually because the price is TOO HIGH for what it is.

Also as a selling tip, do NOT mention delivery or hauling on Craigslist. The culture of Craigslist is LOCAL dealings with private individuals, and offering hauling makes you look like a non-local dealer at best, and a scammer at worst. Many people will flag your ad and cause it to be removed.
 
Plus there are bargains around last Fall I bought a nice IH 240 Utility with brand new tires,has really nice sheet metal including fenders,power steering,2pt hitch with 3pt adapter arms,
it needed a battery and a steering wheel for $650 at an auction.Also the same day bought a complete parts IH 340 Industrial not running for $50 and an IH 2444 with the head off motor but with a really good looking loader
for $100.
 
I think that very little in the way of discretionary income in the younger generations is the key. The good high paying jobs have all but disappeared around here. If you are in your 20's or 30's you probably make enough to cover the basics even if you are making a fair amount above minimum wage. If the income is enough the wife is going to want a substantial vehicle for the family versus the Urkel-mobile. I think the second reason is most young people today lack a connection to farming so no interest in old tractors. Enjoy the shows today because they may not be there in 10 or 20 years.
 
Often if you have the tractor set up to do something it will sell faster and for better money

You can sit on an old machine for a long time, put a blade on it and advertise it around the time of the first good snow and you will get calls on it.

Put a finishing mower or an old feed grinder with it early summer and you will get calls on it.
 
The tractor collecting hobby took off 30-40 years ago because obsolete 1930's & 1940's tractors were so cheap to buy and they were easy to fix up without spending too much money. The glamor for the hobby peaked in the late 1990's and early 2000's and has now faded. Collectors are retiring onto fixed incomes and most are now down-sizing their collections instead of buying more, so the hobby is now back to being a buyer's market. When the market gets to where no one is buying those old tractors anymore, prices will drop off even more, the bottom will probably be near or at scrap price.

The M-H 44 tractor in the pictures looks like a working tractor in fair condition, but tractors like that are not very practical for most people anymore. In the Midwest, I think you would be doing very well if you could sell it for $1,200.
 
I have always noticed from thanksgiving til after first of year selling some stuff is slow,,,tax time when they got some money to spend look out
 
Must be no scrap yards any ware close around you to get for a quarter of what a junk dealer here would pay.
 
I guess I fall into the younger Generation at 32. Personally I'm only interested in what I grew up with so Oliver/White tractors and the Ford 860 that I inherited. I finally have gotten to the point that I can look at tractors. Mostly I want smaller tractors with a 3pt for ease of use.
 
I can't agree with the younger folks having no disposable income. Not when the young ones around here are dropping 30K on used trucks and 20K for fancy ice fishing houses. They have disposable income. What they don't have is an interest in old tractors.

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 20:57:57 01/17/18) I can't agree with the younger folks having no disposable income. Not when the young ones around here are dropping 30K on used trucks and 20K for fancy ice fishing houses. They have disposable income. What they don't have is an interest in old tractors.

Rick
Click to expand...
Difference being those trucks and fish houses are almost always bought on payments. In the case of vehicles many are "in house" financed. Old tractors not so much. New trucks and fish houses are generaly less risk to borrow against than old tractors.
 

Have to agree with most posting on this topic: no interest among most younger folks, high debt loads (house, car, student loans), no connection to the farm, high cost of restoration materials, etc. A factor not mentioned is with the on-going rural recession I just don't see people moving to the country like they used to. Perhaps high land and building costs keep them in the city. When we first got some llamas lots of folks were moving out my way and wanted a few to keep the pastures down and something for the kids to do. Those folks are older and lost interest and the kids are grown and gone. The tractor of choice then was an 8 or 9N Ford. Now all you see are Case/IH, Kubota and New Holland. But few new mini-farms around. We are only an hour drive to downtown Columbus so it's not like we are far removed from access to the city jobs.

Good news if you are interested in an old model since prices are better for something you might want. We are winding ourselves down into retirement and want to reduce our llama herd size so less maintenance around the place and more free time. No interest in more work with old tractors than what we have. I have either the 8N or 9N attached to the manure spreader all the time so I don't need anything except a tractor that runs and moves with a draw bar and a PTO, so there is no reason to have anything beyond the Ns for that. With a smaller herd that will be less manure and less to haul.

I bought a new little Mahindra a few years ago with a loader, hydrostatic transmission and live hydraulics and PTO that does way more than for me than the Ns do or any other antique tractor out there could do. So I guess I'm part of the "problem".
 
I like using non-3-point hitch tractors from the 40's and 50's as long as I have implements to fit them. If you had a mower, mounted plows, or cultivators for them, it might help them sell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Massey Ferguson MF10
Replies
10
Views
458
rustred
rustred
B
Massey Ferguson MF10
Replies
4
Views
192
Balder
B
C
John Deere generator
Replies
12
Views
472
CLM66
C
Majorman
Monday Tractor
Replies
1
Views
684
johnlobb
J
T
430 or 530 as dedicated loader tractor
Replies
4
Views
379
casecollectorsc
casecollectorsc
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top