Re: tractor restore

Posted by JD Seller on December 20, 2015 at 07:44:23 from (208.126.198.123):

In Reply to: tractor restore posted by stonerock on December 20, 2015 at 06:25:48:

A truly restored tractor will never make you any money. It all is down to what you mean by the term "restored".

I have restored 3-4 tractors from the ground up. I do mean everything stripped and made back to factory or better. I had 2-3 times the value of what they would sell for if you figured anything for my labor. The last tractor was a JD 4020. I had over $15K in parts and machining, $8500 in the tractor to start with, and over 200 hours of labor. So if you figure shop time at $30 that would make me having around $29500 in the tractor.

Now if you just get thing working, paint, tires then MAYBE you can make something on it. It all depends on what model of tractor anymore. I can buy regular letter series JD two bangers for less than the tires would cost new. Farmall letter series are that way too. Some of the older Case tractors are even worse. A VAC in top shape will hardly break the $1000 mark anymore.

I knew a fellow that specialized in Ford 1953-1960 tractors. He always had one restored and for sale. He usually would get $4500 or so out of them. When he was done they where 100% functional and looked sharp with good tires and paint. He has hard time doing it anymore. The cheap payment plans on the compact tractors has shrunk the hobby market for tractors.

So in my opinion it would be hard to do if you count your labor for much. I still trade some tractors but they are newer and usually just need little things done to make them right, cab kit an maybe lights and such. The days of overhauling them and such an making money is over. The basic tractor, even non running, is too high right now. Plus parts are high as well. So your behind the eight ball before you even start.

The last larger tractor I did was a JD 4450. I got it with a NEW JD 740 loader for $24000 delivered. The tractor was straight but faded and cab interior shot. Good tired too. I sold the loader off. Then painted the tractor. New cab interior with seat, repaired the AC system, fixed the leaking load shaft/seals, and installed as step kit. With the cost of all the parts and such, I broke even. So I will not go that deep in one anymore.

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