Tractor parts on Ebay

I've bought tools and farm toys on ebay but I've never bought any tractor parts. Is it a fairly reliable source or is it just another place where people dump junk? There are some parts I need and I just don't want to throw money away.

I have bought several new and used tractor parts on ebay,no complaints.

Both. Watch for guys that have good feedback selling large amounts of parts over a long time. There are too many small fries on ebay that don't know a good part from a poor one because the one they have is the only one they can compare to. There are bargains on ebay if you watch. Especially the more common tractors.

All depends on the specific item. Many if not most deals are complete rip-offs and some are genuine bargains.

Good deals are certainly much more rare now, then when Ebay first started - but still can be found. Too many dealers or want-to-be dealers on Ebay now instead of personal sellers.

One example of a great deal. I've got several IH B-275 and B-414 diesel tractors. I've always wanted to install power steering if I'd ever found some cheap conversion parts.

Last week I bought a complete aftermarket power steering conversion kit off a salvaged B-275 for $16 !! I still can't figure what happened. But once in awhile, and item comes up and nobody bids. I had a high bid on it for $300. But, got it for $16 purchase price and $26 shipping charge -which is a bargain.

And, the same salvaged tractor had a used, condition-unknown Cessna 23 GPM hydraulic pump that sold for $100 plus $18 shipping ?? I can buy the same pump brand new for $200. So, that sale was way high.

(quoted from post at 06:22:40 03/27/10) I've bought tools and farm toys on ebay but I've never bought any tractor parts. Is it a fairly reliable source or is it just another place where people dump junk? There are some parts I need and I just don't want to throw money away.

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I have bought and sold a lot of tractor parts on Ebay and it's about like anywhere else, you'll find the good, bad and ugly there. Just pay attention to the sellers feed back, if they are new or have negatives, be careful. And of course "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam". A lot of times it's what they don't say about an item that you have to question. Many times they say a tractor/part has good paint, say that has been rebuilt and that it looks good. They didn't say it runs/works good, if it smokes, has water in the oil, has been welded up, if it's complete and etc. They just talk about the good points. If it's an expensive item (several hundred dollars) or if I'm not comfortable for some reason I'll ask for a number and call the seller. If they don't want to talk, don't know what they are talking about or don't seem very straight forward, walk away. I have been disappointed a time or two by items I bought but I have not been really burned in the several hundred transactions I have had. But, I would not have been able to enjoy this hobby as much as I have if it were not for the internet and Ebay. I don't have a local source to go to when I get stumped timing an unstyled A nor do I have a local source for those hard to find items such as a DRV2A magneto or NOS Champion 2COML sparkplugs and etc, etc.

The others have covered it fairly well however SHIPPING: can kill on large heavy items.

All depends on what parts. Used sleeves, pistons and crankshafts would be a no no (if) it is stated that they look good. Pictures do help all that much. Those parts need to be measured by yourself or someone you trust before buying. Came from a running tractor does not help eather. I have bought all three way to many times and have yet to get what I was expecting.
I have been satisfied with those parts that were New Old Stock.

I have had very good luck on ebay but I do watch the feedback the seller has accumulated. If his feedback is anything less than 100% I look alittle closer. Recently I bought a hydraulic pump for my 3388. Case IH wants $2400. I got a used one on ebay for $400. and change. I had it checked out of course and it is a good one. But then I have gotten parts from this particular seller before and have alwys been satisfied with his stuff. I figure if I can sit at home and find what I need it is better than driving all over the place looking for a good deal. My last project tractor was an IH 464. I found everything I needed on ebay, bolster, oil pan, radiator and water pump. It's just like asking questions on this forum. You get to sit at home and find out what you need to know.

It is not Ebay or any other source, it is the people that are selling that either are honest or are crooks.
You can find them anywhere these days.

Non moving parts is not a problem. Bought a very good rehabed JD A carb for about core price ebay. Bolted on and no problem. Bought an unsyled JD A carb from this site and worked great.

I've haven't been ripped off buying tractor parts off eBay yet. I don't buy from people with low or bad feedback. I don't buy items without pictures and I ask lots of questions. Also make sure that you add the shipping into the price. A lot of guys will try to rip you off with high shipping.

I like to repair my Oliver tractors and buy
as many parts as I can on ebay. The best deals
for me are the parts I buy for future projects.
It seems like if I need a part right away it
always costs more than if I plan ahead.

Look at the type of items in their feedback too. If they are selling a high end farm item but all their feedback was for Barbie dolls or something, keep looking. I will make a few phone calls with questions and e-mail and ask for as many answers by e-mail as I can. At least that way, you have it in writing, not just a verbal misunderstanding. And if you are high bidder, money orders gives some recourse if something goes wrong.

I have been burned on a few items but have also saved a lot of money on several items.

e-mail and ask QUESTIONS .. if they don't return your e-mail ...
WALK AWAY .... that's my policy ...

MARK