Buying A Tractor At Auction

Before you start looking for a classic or virtually any pre-owned tractor for your farm, there are several things it is advisable to bear in mind. To start with, do not become carried away by nostalgia. Acquiring and rejuvenating a classic tractor may be a great fulfilling hobby. But it also can turn into an expensive one.

Buying an antique tractor at an auction can be a fun-filled, rewarding way to get the tractor you've always wanted. But for the unwary it can also be a frustrating way to buy yourself a new money pit.

Many farm equipment auctions are held in conjunction with fairs and offer family entertainment for an enjoyable time. Antique tractor clubs and other organizations also sponsor auctions. A list of current of upcoming auctions is easily found by searching on-line for "tractor auctions".

When you locate a sale you would like to attend, contact the sponsoring organization before you go. They can provide you with a catalog that contains all of the items to be auctioned. It also shows the order in which they will be sold along with a description of each item. Catalogs with pictures are commonly posted on-line but printed catalogs are also available.

Before Bidding
If at all possible you need to arrange to inspect an item before you bid on it. This is not always possible when buying on-line. If not possible, contact the owner of the item to answer any questions you might have.

Registration
Whether on-line or in person, you will need to register in order to bid on an item. Various auction houses have differing requirements for this so be sure and read the catalog if you have any questions or better yet, check with the auction organization.

Payment
Again, payment requiems vary so be sure and check to make sure you are able to pay in the appropriate form whether it is bank transfer, certified funds, cash credit card or person check.

Taking Delivery
If you are close, delivery should present no problems. If you are at a distance, be sure and check on shipping arrangements and cost before you bid. This should not be a major obstacle, but it is something that needs to be taken care of.

In Summary
Buying an antique farm tractor through an auction can be a rewarding experience, both financially and personally. You just need to exercise the same caution and take essentially the same steps that you would take if you were buying from a private party in your local area. Recognized on-line auction clearing houses such as eBay do every thing they can to make this an enjoyable experience and assist you in buying the the best vintage tractor for your needs.

Before you start looking for your tractor, make sure you understand what you really want. This may well appear too basic, however it is easy to get side tracked and buy something that you did not start out to buy. Only if you are able to put together an itemized list of your requirements should you commence your search. Do not forget to incorporate your technical and performance needs in the list. If you do not understand just what you will be searching for, how are you going to decide where and how to search?

If you are seriously hunting for a vintage tractor, be careful and not let enthusiasm get the best of you. If you do, you may well be in trouble before you begin your project. Restoring an antique tractor or other old farm implement is satisfying. But it isn't an overnight project plus it can get pricey very quickly. Parts for lots of older tractors are available however some are challenging to locate and can be on the spendy side. Original tires could be difficult to buy and reproduction tires might cost more than the tractor. You might discover that instead of purchasing a project tractor, it would be just as gratifying to acquire one which someone else has previously put all of the effort, expense and time into. Chances are good that you could purchase it for less money than the owner put into it, to say nothing of all of his labor.

Test any tractor before you decide to get it. Is it easy to get started and seem, sound and feel right? Are the tires in good shape? Is there any kind of hydraulic leakage obvious? Do you notice any missing pieces or accessories? Make certain and give equally close an inspection to any attachments. Finally, be sure that an antique tractor truly fits the needs of the job you want it for. It's difficult to go wrong with an antique tractor such as a John Deere if you shop carefully.