Suggestions for used 80-100hp tractors

Shelbyk7

New User
My grandpa is selling his JD 6300 (power quad). Has more features than he needs

We were considering going to an older clutch model but Im concerned the clutch would be heavy (he is 90yo)

Not wanting to be very new and pricey as its just used for brush hogging

That being said, who makes the most reliable/ best value of the tractors that moved on from mechanical clutch ?

Dont know a lot about the different tractors

But I know the power quad is very expensive to fix if it went out. Idk how it is for reliability compared to other brands comparative transmissions

Any have some suggestions?
 
Power shift would get you away from a dry clutch. They are far more pricey to rehab and you would really be rolling the dice on a unit unknown to you. Prices are crazy on used tractors right now so the traditional rule of thumb on prices seldom applies these days. A JD 4230 would probably fill the bill the best but make sure you know the history of any tractor you look at. Expect to pay at least 15,000 dollars for one in very good condition but most likely lacking a factory cab for that kind of money. Given the age of your uncle he is probably at the point of needing a switch type control versus pressing any pedal and working a lever. Those kind of tractors are far more money and far harder to evaluate. Such a tractor can look very clean but hide many problems. Good luck.
 
Assuming it is paid for, I don't know why he would want to go from his 6300 to an older tractor. The 6300 is as dependable and convenient as any tractor in that hp range. So what if it has some features that he never uses? It has a clutch - hydraulic activated instead of mechanical activated which makes it much easier to push. It is probably all around easier and safer to operate than any older tractor. The power quad transmission is about as dependable and convenient as you can find. If it is good now, it is no more likely, probably less likely, to have problems than an older tractor. Why switch to an older tractor with an unknown background, with less creature comforts? As per your description of what he needs, the JD 6300 sounds perfect. My opinion.
 
Assuming that the 6300 is in very good condition an older tractor would sell for less so he could pocket some money going from the 6300 to the older tractor. I'm thinking either option will be short lived as he eventually will not be able to work anything other than electric switches.
 
True. And at the risk of starting a great debate, I think it might be time to discuss the wisdom of a 90 year old operating heavy machinery. My FIL is 88 so we are there.
 
I have a suggestion. Keep the 6300
I know of a few of them with over 14thousand hours with no issues.
They may be expensive to fix but if you buy an older one he wont fix himself anyway and he will be fixing more often and paying high labour prices.
In the end might cost more than keeping the 6300
 
That being said, who makes the most reliable/ best value of the tractors that moved on from mechanical clutch ?

The one you have. I'm not that familiar with a 6300 but I'm guessing it's far easier to get on and off than and older tractor and easier to use especially at his age. Also, you know what you have. Older used tractors are just filled with bad surprises.
 
You can ask why but when a 90 year old guy sets his mind on a notion, it's not easy to get him to change it. The guy has decided he wants a different tractor. If he's in the position financially to do so, why deny him?

Is there a tractor that was his favorite? Something he had back in the day that he wishes he never sold?

On Machinery Pete's website the 6300 listings range from $14000 to $35000+ so depending on the condition of the 6300 he may not have any left over trading down to something different.
 
Change can be disorienting for people in their 90s and create unexpected problems. My mother is in her early 90s, some days she is very sharp, other days nothing works well for her. Every day her condition is different.

It is great that multiple generations are involved in helping your grandfather. At that age decisions like this should be coordinated with your grandfather's primary visitor (future care giver) weather that person(s) is that one of your parents or uncles and aunts. It may be time to ask if it still a good idea for your grandfather to operate heavy machinery alone or if is it now better for a younger family member to do those tasks with him or for him? Changing tractors may not be the solution to your grandfathers new difficulties.

Good luck.
 
It seems there are more psychologists than mechanics on this topic. If Grandpa is a JD man and familiar to them I would think that is your starting place. Snoop around Tractorhouse and Auctiontime for market examples. You can narrow it down and then ask about certain models. Unfortunately the last JD I logged time on is a 1520 so Im not an expert. There are many 20-30 year old JDs out there.
 
We had to force my Grandpa off tractor at age 94 after seeing him about laying down on seat driving his Farmall H. 94 when he broke his arm and was nursing home untill he passed a moth and half before he would have turned 99. I do know what it is like to have to do that. And I am 79 and hope I never make it to 90.
 

Is the motive to " save money" or raise assets ?
Likely better to keep the 6300 that he is familiar with .
https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/1/6/167-john-deere-6300.html
 

Keep the 6300. Nice basic tractor and very easy to drive especially with powerquad. Wet clutch and simple manual controls. Flat floor and nice platform open or cab model.

If you are worried about buying a tractor that someone will find physically challenging to operate due to age, I'd be more concerned about change causing an accident "the other tractor the <insert control> moved this way/lever was different place etc etc and that is why the accident happened"

Your mind gets less adept at learning new things as you age. That age and heavy equipment aren't a good mix 99% of the time with few exceptions, everyone is different and you know your family best, not people on the internet.
 
The 6300 IS a 20 to 30 year old tractor If anybody needs me I'll be at home crying. Time flies indeed,LOL
 
If he is like my 95 yr old Dad, save your breath because he has already made up his mind. Our choices are to help him do what he wants to do or walk away. Like last year when he wrecked the Cherokee, no one would take him car shopping and he eventually decided to stop driving. I sincerely hope your Dad isn't like mine though.
 
Keep that one and then get another one that grandpa wants. If it is a 4020, find one and buy it. At that age he should be able to do what makes him happy. He may never drive it , but who cares. Bill
 
2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, cab or open station, how big is the brush hog? There are many unknowns here to throw a suggestion out there for. The 6300 is not new, it is a yesterday's tractor itself. if going to the dealership for service anything is going to be expensive to repair a clutch or transmission in. how many acres of brush hogging are we talking about? Nearby dealers are also something to consider. Do you want to buy from an individual or from a dealer. Prices for used 6300 for sale are all over the place so that is also going to determine what you can afford to purchase. good luck
 

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