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.
Filed under Antique Tractors by 
When you start searching for a vintage or just about any pre-owned tractor for use on your place, there are a couple of points it is advisable to consider. First, never become caught up from nostalgia. Acquiring and restoring an antique tractor may be a delightful fulfilling pastime. But it also can become a really expensive one.
It is easy to fall in love at first site with an antique tractor and to buy the first vintage farm tractor you find. Careful thought has to be given to be sure you make the right purchase decision.
Vintage tractors are a part of our farming heritage and many models have a history. Is this what you want to buy? Are you looking for a piece of history and the nostalgia that goes with it? Or do you need a working tractor in good condition and are looking at old tractors because you can buy them cheaper? These may be basic questions but many buyers of vintage farm equipment do not give them proper enough consideration.
It is a fact that old tractors cost less than new ones. But the initial purchase price is only a beginning. Factors other than price are important.
Don't Skimp On Your Research
Talk to others to get recommendations. Check on-line with a resource such as Yesterday's Tractors. Your local library is also a good resource for production information on your favorite tractor models. This will give you a good idea of rarity and value. It will also indicate how easy it will be to find repair parts.
Whether you want a working tractor or simply want the pleasure of restoring a vintage farm tractor there are certain questions you need to ask.
Is It In Running Condition?
If not, what does it need? Are parts available? After you get it running, will it be worth the time, money and effort you put into it or would it have been better to take a pass and keep looking?
Is It Structurally Sound?
Check and double-check areas of welds and joints. Wipe them clean so you can get a good evaluation.
How Are The Hydraulics?
You won't know until you work them, so make sure the tractor runs and then work them to the stops. Is the pressure good? Are leaks visible?
Do The Brakes Work?
Again, don't ignore this as a minor item. Replacement parts may be readily available but some models may require extensive tear down to get to them. Is this something you want to tackle?
How Is The Clutch?
This is another fairly inexpensive part that requires major work to replace.
Do You Hear Clunking Noises When It Runs?
This is not good and you will never know if it isn't running so you can put it under load when you are checking it out.
Is The Electrical System Okay?
Does it indicate a charge when running?
Does It Smoke Excessively?
White or black smoke may be easily corrected but heavy blue smoke can indicate more serious problems.
There are other items you also need check, such as fluid leaks and over heating. Some dealers and auction houses with antique tractors for sale will assist you in checking out your purchase but most auctions are "as is". So be sure you know what you are bidding on. A recommended place to start your search is Ebay which has an extensive listing of vintage tractors and tractor part for sale.
Before you begin looking for your tractor, be sure you understand what you really would like. This may appear overly basic, however it is easy to become side tracked and buy something that you didn't start out to buy. Only if you are able to create a complete listing of the requirements should you begin your hunt. Don't forget to include your technical and performance needs in your listing. If you do not know just what you are searching for, how are you going to determine how and where to search?
If you are sincerely hunting for an antique tractor, be careful and not let enthusiasm run away with you. If you do, you might well be in trouble before you begin the project. Rebuilding an antique tractor or other old farm implement is rewarding. However it is not an overnight project plus it is able to become costly quite swiftly. Components for lots of older tractors are obtainable but some are difficult to find and can be on the spendy side. Original tires may be impossible to purchase and reproduction tires can cost more than your tractor. You might find that rather than buying a project tractor, it would be just as fulfilling to buy one which somebody else has already put all of the time, effort and expense into. Chances are favorable that you could purchase it for less money than the owner put into it, to say nothing of all of his labor.
Test the tractor before you acquire it. Do you find it easy to start and appear, sound and feel right? Are the tires in good shape? Is there any kind of hydraulic seepage apparent? Can you observe any missing parts or equipment? Be certain and give just as close an inspection to any attachments. Lastly, be sure that an antique tractor really fulfills the needs of the task you desire it for. It is difficult to go wrong with an antique tractor like a John Deere if you shop cautiously.
Filed under Antique Tractors by
