JD 50-60-70 JD 530-630-730

I have just started collecting a few tractors and I want to start a nice collection. I like them all but want to get the more desirable ones and with my limited background I don't know what those are. I don't want to put a lot of time and money into something that someone one day says, "no one likes them old tractors. You should have gotten this model…" I like the 50-60-& 70's but it seems to me that the 530-630 & 730's bring a lot more. Just wondering if there is something that I don't know about these that I may find out about later in life.lol Kinda seems like the older it is the less its worth. Don't get me wrong, I'm surely not doing this to make money. Just don't want to not know any better. Thanks for any input, good or bad.
 
If you haven't found out by now that the JD 30 series were the
last of the 2 cylinders and that's why they sometimes bring a
premium then you need to hit be books, magazines, and
archives harder.
 

JD made fewer 30 series tractors than the 20 series..

I myself prefer the 20 series, they look more Traditional and have no universal joints in the steering shaft..
 
If it was me, I would forgot what people said and go by what YOU like.
The 30 series being high dollars is fake, and WILL NOT LAST they are not that rare, and my generation would not pay that much for a barely useable 2 lunggers that is just slightly improved over the 20 series. if you are looking for a placement, I would ignore those.

Myself I got a MM GVI, MH55, Hart Parr 18-27, JD GM, 505, 2020,4020, 5020, 4620.
No pattern in it, except maybe the 20 series, but I went by with what I like, big Wheatland tractors of all brands, every makes made a good one! next one probably not a JD, probably not a model every body wants, but I do not care, and you should not either!
 

I prefer the slant steering wheel of the 30 series even if it does contain a u-joint. Also 20 & 30 series has a better rear hitch with built in centerlink attaching point & sway blocks than models 50,60 or 70
 
The tractors that bring the most money today will be over the hill in a few years. Collectors tend to collect what they grew up on and that happens at a point in there lives when they can afford it. When I got into the hobby unstyled tractors were the hot item. That generation has passed and we move ahead. If you like the first numbered series tractors then go for it. It doesn't matter what you spend your time and money on you won't ever get it back.
 
Wreckmaster,this is a just my observation as I am not really a collector but buy and sell collector type tractor and of course I have my favorites that I keep and use.The 330 JD is one of the best 2 cyl for resale and also certain 730s do well.The original low houred tractor still do best.The Hi-Crops have peaked and in general all 2cyls have weakened .One reason is many people have passed that thought any tractor with more than 2cyl wasn't a tractor at all.What I specialized in was the side counsel 2520/4320 and again low houred originals are most sought after and the last year being 72 bring a premium.Certain models with the powershift or HFWD are the top of that group.Again the people that bought those tractors new are above 70 years old and they have also softened.Now I am selling mostly 30/40/55 series and they are popular as many people had them new and are tired of all the over priced ,computer driven,environment and pollution friendly gadgets,and being made of plastic that are available today.Any tractor that has been misused or poorly restored is a liability.Many collectors have just gotten tired of maintaining a collection.Batteries ,dust,space,and investment mount up and they have moved on.In summation I don't think it would be a good time to expect a collection to enhance its value as has happened in the past.I would buy what you like and enjoy it.Many don't agree with me but I have never had a tractor too good to use or a car too nice too drive but everybody is different. Good Luck!I have never owned a Two-Cylinder tractor so definately not an authority on anything.As usual my advice is worth what it costs.
 
If you like the 50/60 series buy them. They are cheaper and
you aren't going to be on them all day. Doesn't matter what
they bring later on. You will lose money anyway.
You won't have as much initial investment and you won't spend
any more on them than the 20 or 30 series.
If you're thinking about making money do something else.
 
Your one statement of "don't want to put a lot of time and money into....." My advice is don't buy anything that is going to take a lot of time and money. Buy the best you can afford...don't have to be museum pieces but either excellent/complete originals or excellent complete restoreds or as close to it as you can get. At best you will get $1.00 per hour for your labor repairing one plus why not be able to enjoy it right out of the box when ya get it? You will be better off money-wise. You can buy 630,s for $ 3800 without their 3pt hitch , with wrong wide front end , and no fenders and needing re-done. Correct wide front =$ 1400 , nice 4020style fenders $ 800 , complete correct 3 pt hitch =$ 1500 and re-furbish $ 2000. $ 9500 and even if your 're-furbish is $ 1000 you are at $ 8500. That will get you one you don't have to touch and with all the right stuff. Even less if you shop wisely. Just an example but applies in varying degrees to all tractors.
 
I think the 30s bring more, but that is today, tomorrow will probably be the new gen series as people pay for what they remember.
 
I see a lot of people collect what takes them back to their childhood or a good time in their life. We were never farmers but like most people in the country, had a 5 acre garden with peas, corn, butter beans, etc… The thing is here in south Alabama everyone had a 8N or a Jubilee. Only the big farmers had the JD's and very few Farmalls other than the A,B, and C models. No one around here restores them but a lot of people still have them around the yard or old barns. I restored a Golden Jubilee in my body shop to look better than new. Just like the one we had when I was a kid and in my shop it got 3 times the attention of my Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. Guys would come in and look at it and stare off into space. You could see them going back in time and just say Wow! So I sold the TA and switching to tractors. I can buy 10 nice older tractors for what one car cost. Its worth it to me to see other peoples reaction to them. No tractor shows anywhere close to here. Other than the local FFA at the high school. I don't have but 6 now. I'll post a pic when I get one of all of them, before and after.Thanks for all of the responses,,, Mark
 

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