Decent Deal?

This is not my ad, folks, but I've watched it for awhile. It has been reposted a time or two so, apparently, it is not selling.

I know nothing about the condition of this tractor (or the PA rims) but it looks good in the photo. It has PS and pie weights. These options should add about $1,500+ to the price of the tractor. $5,500 would have been a good deal a few years ago but vintage tractors (not just Fords) are no longer selling well. These days, younger folks are buying new or used Kubotas. So am I. I own 5.

I've watched this tractor even though I'm not in the market because I've advertised my very good 55, 860 for several weeks at the same price with only a single call. My 860 has heavy F & R weights and dual (yes, dual) remotes but does not have PS or PA rims. PA rims are available but not included in the price. I well know the condition of my 860 and no nothing about the condition of the posted 861 but from the photo, they look similar.

Folks, this stuff is not selling.

My advise to the seller of the 861 is to strip the weights (maybe even the PS, if mechanically inclined) and sell the tractor at a reduced price. Sell the weights (looks to be a heavy set that will not allow full adjustment with PA rims) and, maybe even the PS separately.

Looks like that is what I will do with my 860. Strip the F & R weights and the dual (yes, dual (sorry, but this is one of my pet peeves)) remotes and sell the tractor for $3,500 - $4,000. Then sell the remotes and weights but only after the tractor sells.

The other alternative is to leave it, along with everything else, to my son who lives 1,800 miles away and cannot change his own oil.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Dean
Ford 861

I agree that if you want to get closer to your asking price you will probably be further ahead selling the wheel weights and remote valve separate and reducing the tractor price to closer to current market price. Around here weights still bring decent money and the dual remotes also still are sought after. I read your other post about antique tractor values and current market demand and agree with most of the opinions expressed that the antique tractor market has peaked with the exception of rare or low production makes/models. A couple more factors hurting older tractor sales are the greater availability of used compact tractors and younger people being less inclined to use/own the older tractors as they often are unfamiliar with the older proprietary equipment needed and also have neither the skills or interest to work on the older ones. I have talked to younger people who are completely unfamiliar with many of the older tractor brands/models and would struggle to maintain them without help. Good luck as you move forward on selling your older tractor(s) .

I'm afraid you are right. Folks just aren't going after the old stuff unless it's very cheap. The skills to maintain them are being lost is one thing. The other is just money. They can buy a new one for pert near nothing down and not have to worry about working on it. That's a biggie. Don't have an answer to your problem but it sounds like you have the best plan in mind.

I have an 851 and 2 old M's. Would like to add more old iron but there's no point. I'm too old now and the kids aren't interested so I'll just play with what I have as long as I can. I'm sure they will be sold for a few hundred after I'm gone. It is what it is.

Dean,

To be honest with you your ad should have some better descriptions. Tire conditions, dual remote and weights should be called out. Remote and weights are worth around $1400 if there is a market in your area for them.

Vito

Prices vary by location of course, but around here, prices are way
down. My 851 with a back blade didn't get a single call at $2500.
It looks good but has a 134 engine in it which was noted in the ad.

There is a Jubilee with a non-jungle gym, trip bucket loader, good
tires and tire chains on it for sale on the local Craigslist for $1500.
Been there almost a month. It says the hydraulics quit working.
Could be as simple as a pump prime or something far worse.
According to the ad, runs great. But it's still for sale.

The last 3000 I bought had a badly knocking gas engine. $1000
Bought a running replacement engine out of a 4000 for $350.
Great tractor for the price. 8 speed, live PTO, power steering,
ROPS and a dual remote hydraulic valve. (yes, four hoses)

I really believe you'd make more money selling parts off it then
selling the tractor whole if your market is like ours is here.

I guess it also comes down finding someone at the right time that wants what you have. The 961 went in a week for just a few hundred under what I was asking. It was a fair deal for both of us. I kept the loader and it's currently listed in the photo ads on this site and CL.

I've been telling my wife the same thing, the old Fords don't bring half what they did 10-12 years ago. Last month I brought home a good running 1963 4000 (blue 861 clone) with new rear tires, fresh head job and remote valves for $1750. This tractor 12 years ago would've brought $3500.
My two son in laws can't change their oil either. The under 35's just don't care anymore about the old iron. Just enjoy them while you can and let it go.

I've been in the market for a good 8X1 for months. Just bought an 841 last week. To tell you the truth, your ad would have done nothing for me. Lacks description, Lacks sufficient photos.

If you want me to pick up the phone and make the call, you have to make it attractive. I want to see a lot of photos from all angles. I want a good description of the tractor. "Starts and runs good" does not set your tractor apart from all the others. They virtually all will say "starts and runs good. List the details, like the type of transmission, live hydraulics and live PTO. How much horsepower, etc. Don't assume that everyone looking for a tractor will know an 861 from an 841 from an 8N.

The more detail you have in the listing, the more interest you will get.

Cheers!