I won't pay much more than a grand for them
unless they run decent, have very nice tin and
don't need new tires, or have rarer options
fitted that can be worth as much as a tractor
depending whats on it.
Tires are getting expensive to replace. I just
paid $500 for 2 worn matched 16x30's for a
project here, as I didn't want new ones on it.
other parts/ machine shop aren't cheap either
if you need a specialist to do anything.
I know what can go into a $4000 tractor to get
it there sometimes it's$5000+. Thats why i quit
doing them for resale! some you could make $500
if you got lucky, so it don't cover the time it
can be just a fun factor with saving them most
of the time.
The Last super I sold was $3000 it was
experienced and looked real sharp with new
paint the profit on that deal was the snow
blower the guy brought from me with it.
if you can see rust damage from the fluid
outside be careful with the rims. I have had
them not look to bad, until the tires off, then
the rim is paper thin on the inside, you can
poke a chipping hammer right through them
without hitting hard in some cases.
I have had over 30 of them in my time so speak
from a good batting average of what i have
found with them!. last year I had 15 in the
yard together 5 were just plain parts
tractors,with no hope of getting them running.
the good stuff is in the shed and the rest is
off to China from them.
If you got a good mechanic friend and a
service/ operator/ parts manual, you will do
just fine. its all in the books or general
mechanical experience.
I got my first one at 14 Im now 41 so been
doing them and collecting a while. My Dad
farmed with them in the day to so he knows a
lot from doing his own repairs.
Good luck with your project you might be lucky
with it. you might not like my answers but you
could end up with surprises in a few places
To be honest from what you said first it
sounded worse than it might actually be. Can
you post a picture, I'm real curious to see
what you have got for a tractor.
The image if it posts is the last one i sold
Regards Robert