I'm an incredibly lucky Branson owner. My next door neighbor bought a 2020 Branson 2510h tractor with a factory bucket BL100S and factory backhoe BH100, and even a block heater. They built a lean to off the side of their garage to give it a place to live out of the weather. In the summer of '20 he passed away from a heart attack, so the tractor just sat under the lean to. In the fall of '21 power company contractors started dropping all the dead beetle infested pine trees. They ground anything smaller than 4" and the home owner is responsible for rest of the tree(s). In my case it was (s) somewhere around 25 100' pines and a couple of big oaks that were on the ground. Not an easy task cleaning up this mess for a man pushing 70. These things were big and heavy and I had no way of moving them around the 5 acres. It was almost instantly I knew I needed the help of a tractor. Who do I know that might have a tractor their not using. I called my next door neighbor and asked if I might rent the Branson from her to help move things around. In less than 30 minutes she drove over to the house, handed me the keys and said " have fun" . And no I couldn't rent it, I know where it's at if I need it. The hour meter read 30 hrs. The days turned to weeks that turned to months. Since Nov 2021 4 different PGE tree contractors have been in and out removing all the dead trees around the power lines on my property. Almost needless to say I am buried in logs. Everywhere. The little Branson has done a wonderful job of moving the logs around, it's extremely nimble, easy to drive and perfect for my 5.5 acres and this old man. I've put on 40 hours since she brought it over, so I've really got to play with her. I did the 50 hour service when it came do. Easy to do. I would call her every couple of weeks to make sure she was okay with the tractor being here. Not a problem. At some point I had told her I would be interested if she decides to sell it, about a month later she asked if I wanted to buy the tractor. Absolutely! I'm a newbie and I have no idea what this barely used tractor is worth. I called the local Branson dealer and the owner told me around $17k. The PO for the tractor was $20,500. When we talked money I offered the $17k, that's too high she said, how about $13K. I was kinda stunned, "you sure $13k" I asked. Yes she said, SOLD! I bought it. I have a power grapple on order to help manage all the trees that need to be moved around here. So many other uses for it also, let the adventure begin!
Awesome advice! I own a landscaping company and bought my first tractor last year. I got “burned” from my own ignorance.. I purchased a John Deere 790 with 1800 hours on it. Clutch went out and pto engagement roll pin sheared all with in 2 hours after purchase. I did as much pre inspection as I could but once I hooked up an implement that required pto power I found out about the clutch being worn out. Do your homework when buying used. In my opinion just buy new unless you absolutely know the tractors history. They’re expensive… but so is being broken down and no being able to work! Lol. Thanks for the info Courtney. BTW the 790 is a great tractor, buy one if you can!
Bought a JD 3032 open station with almost 2000 hours with FEL with quick connect bucket and nice QC Bradco Forks. Wheel weights and quick hitch. Tractor was owned by school district, in good working order and well maintained. The only issue is the quick mounts are worn, and the FEL is a bit loose at that mount point. But it performs very well and I've been very happy with the last 3 years.
In looking for a used tractor now, (35+ pto hp) I have been following your videos because I have found them to be VERY informative, and I pick up on suggestions from you not thought of before! Though I've operated tractors and equipment for 60 years, you're never too old to pick up good ideas! Thanks for your insights, Courtney!
One piece of advice I read is that it’s okay to buy a second hand tractor without a front end loader. A tractor without a loader is almost guaranteed to have never been used as a bulldozer & abused doing a job it’s not designed for. Of course this is advice is provided on the basis a loader can be fitted to the tractor and can be bought.
Hey Courtney..These are good points for buyers to consider. Will help to avoid the painful education and expense you experienced in your buying and re-selling career. Thank you for sharing!
When I traded in the MMM off my 2025R, hope I supplied you all the bracketry and stuff that was needed. So much to look at on used equipment, especially if dealing with "Auction" sales. Good vid GWT Investigations
It's funny that you mentioned people using your adverts. I've seen a few times a week in recent months, someone posting Kubota and John Deere tractors for sale on Facebook marketplace for stupidly low prices. The ads generally have 3 pics one with a email across it. 3 or 4 Times the photos have been of tractors that you've had for sale with the GWT sign badly photoshopped out, or their in typically American settings (I'm in Australia) so they get reported as a scam.
Corrosion is very important, great point good sir. Need to get under the tractor and look at the hydraulic line connections, linkage, frame, etc. for corrosion. Ask if the tractor was kept inside or outside while looking it over. Check the drive shafts also, some have two with U-Joints (engine to hydro/tranny, 4WD transfer case to front axle). Ask if they or their U-Joints have ever been replaced and if greasable check they have been greased. Drive shaft U-Joints dont last forever so it is good to have a clear picture where they are in their life. 🙂
The difference in price between a new tractor and a decent used one is narrowing. If you put a value on the time hunting for the right used one, it may make financial sense to buy new.
Exactly, after having 2 tractors sold right out from under me (after renting a trailer and recruiting a driver in one case) off of Facebook marketplace, I decided to end the headache and just buy new.
Great information I purchased John Deere 2520 with 800 hours 40 inch quick attached bucket forks and 60 inch drive over mower deck last summer was pushing good old Illinois snow drifts today awesome little tractor I got weight box on three point hitch but next must is some kind of grapple attachment picking up tree branches lmbs
All good points. When we decided to get a 'new' tractor, we didn't have a clue about how much things had changed and what to look for in a tractor. Followed Google to Tim, Mike and you for info. We took what we learned from you guys -- plus some input from some farmer friends about dealers and their experiences -- and made our purchase. We got a good deal with that info. Question for you: Which of your discount partners sells the lamp on the shelf to your left? 🤔
Courtney, I feel the what the video is about and named is very good advice. For the home owner that is buying a newer John Deere or Kabota(and other brands) and have the funds for said tractors. But for the people that have the skills and tools to do a little work, I feel there was one area that you mention(pinned buckets) a person could save on so to speak. That is the quick attach on the front. As I do have a older tractor that does not have that. But my tractor has all what the newer more modern tractors have except that. Now with that said, I do plan on and will buy a conversion kit to make my bucket quick attach, to then be able to use more front attachments to my advantage. The other point is for what I paid for my tractor with the quick attach backhoe,(and yes it did come with all the three point arms and such) but fixed front bucket. I can buy the quick attach conversion and put it on with my skills and tools. And still be way cheaper than a newer John Deere or Kabota(or others). I hope this all made since. And of course I like your videos. Thanks for listening
I think ultimately what you’re saying is if you have the skills to convert to quick attach, don’t be too afraid to buy a tractor with a pin on bucket. Or perhaps if you save enough money buying used that your budget allows for your shop to convert it for you.
I have a rating system I call the 10 foot system. Does what you are selling look good up close or from 10 feet? When you said "Kubota" and added in the clip I just about fell out of my chair! I'm still giggling!
Excellent presentation, works for those who are also looking to buy new. What should I buy when getting the tractor & what can I add myself. As you stated, you can get burned here as well
Lots of good info! Question though, for a person buying used from a distance: would be acceptable for the potential buyer to request a live video walk around with the salesperson?
I bought my first house last year and had the opportunity to buy the previous owners L3010 Kubota that he bought new in 1999. I didn’t really care what brand of tractor I ended up with, but I wanted to know the history of it. He had things circled and underlined in the owners manual, so I felt pretty comfortable buying it.
Made that mistake when I bought my x595. Got the snowblower, 54" blade, mower deck & triple bagger, tow behind spreader, 1500 cart. Asked by the salesman if I wanted the loader; "Nope, don't need it". Guess what? I need it! To make matters worse, loader model #45 has been discontinued by the factory ☹️.
I ended up buying new because I got exhausted looking for used to save very little money. One thing I also was looking out for when buying used was rental tractors. I would never buy a used rental anything. I am an auto mechanic and I see how rental cars are treated. Look for signs of old stickers or some kind of number letter system. Say no to rental equipment
It depends on the rental yard .The operation i worked at, we maintained the equipment very well kept records and many of the tractors were traded in at the end of every year!
I have about drove myself nuts trying to buy a good used sub compact tractor. Friend has a 1025r EC I know its been taken care of. 260 hr. 2017 model. Comes with loader,62 inch deck box blade,canopy, tire chains.15k And then a 2025r 457hrs. Dealer owned comes with loader,mower deck,forks,3bad vac system.he says its been well maintained serviced as needed. It looks clean and all asking 17k I ask if he would take 15k. Answer was Yes..I like the bigger tires on the 2025r vers those on the 1025r . trying to decide !! Your thoughts?? Good video here!!
I'm an incredibly lucky Branson owner. My next door neighbor bought a 2020 Branson 2510h tractor with a factory bucket BL100S and factory backhoe BH100, and even a block heater.
They built a lean to off the side of their garage to give it a place to live out of the weather. In the summer of '20 he passed away from a heart attack, so the tractor just sat under the lean to. In the fall of '21 power company contractors started dropping all the dead beetle infested pine trees. They ground anything smaller than 4" and the home owner is responsible for rest of the tree(s). In my case it was (s) somewhere around 25 100' pines and a couple of big oaks that were on the ground. Not an easy task cleaning up this mess for a man pushing 70. These things were big and heavy and I had no way of moving them around the 5 acres. It was almost instantly I knew I needed the help of a tractor. Who do I know that might have a tractor their not using. I called my next door neighbor and asked if I might rent the Branson from her to help move things around. In less than 30 minutes she drove over to the house, handed me the keys and said " have fun" . And no I couldn't rent it, I know where it's at if I need it. The hour meter read 30 hrs. The days turned to weeks that turned to months. Since Nov 2021 4 different PGE tree contractors have been in and out removing all the dead trees around the power lines on my property. Almost needless to say I am buried in logs. Everywhere. The little Branson has done a wonderful job of moving the logs around, it's extremely nimble, easy to drive and perfect for my 5.5 acres and this old man. I've put on 40 hours since she brought it over, so I've really got to play with her. I did the 50 hour service when it came do. Easy to do.
I would call her every couple of weeks to make sure she was okay with the tractor being here. Not a problem. At some point I had told her I would be interested if she decides to sell it, about a month later she asked if I wanted to buy the tractor. Absolutely! I'm a newbie and I have no idea what this barely used tractor is worth. I called the local Branson dealer and the owner told me around $17k. The PO for the tractor was $20,500. When we talked money I offered the $17k, that's too high she said, how about $13K. I was kinda stunned,
"you sure $13k" I asked. Yes she said, SOLD! I bought it. I have a power grapple on order to help manage all the trees that need to be moved around here. So many other uses for it also, let the adventure begin!
Awesome advice! I own a landscaping company and bought my first tractor last year. I got “burned” from my own ignorance.. I purchased a John Deere 790 with 1800 hours on it. Clutch went out and pto engagement roll pin sheared all with in 2 hours after purchase. I did as much pre inspection as I could but once I hooked up an implement that required pto power I found out about the clutch being worn out. Do your homework when buying used. In my opinion just buy new unless you absolutely know the tractors history. They’re expensive… but so is being broken down and no being able to work! Lol. Thanks for the info Courtney. BTW the 790 is a great tractor, buy one if you can!
Bought a JD 3032 open station with almost 2000 hours with FEL with quick connect bucket and nice QC Bradco Forks. Wheel weights and quick hitch. Tractor was owned by school district, in good working order and well maintained. The only issue is the quick mounts are worn, and the FEL is a bit loose at that mount point. But it performs very well and I've been very happy with the last 3 years.
In looking for a used tractor now, (35+ pto hp) I have been following your videos because I have found them to be VERY informative, and I pick up on suggestions from you not thought of before! Though I've operated tractors and equipment for 60 years, you're never too old to pick up good ideas!
Thanks for your insights, Courtney!
the one and only youtube-channel, where I do not have to increase the video playback speed ;-)
Solid advice! Great video! 👍!
Buy quality not cheap! And bling is nice but it can’t compare to useful accessories! Great message Friend!
Loved the Kubota seat joke man I nearly choked. Thanks for the good advice and great laugh lol
🤣
One piece of advice I read is that it’s okay to buy a second hand tractor without a front end loader. A tractor without a loader is almost guaranteed to have never been used as a bulldozer & abused doing a job it’s not designed for.
Of course this is advice is provided on the basis a loader can be fitted to the tractor and can be bought.
Excellent heads up! Have a great weekend.👍🏝🍻
Hey Courtney..These are good points for buyers to consider. Will help to avoid the painful education and expense you experienced in your buying and re-selling career. Thank you for sharing!
When I traded in the MMM off my 2025R, hope I supplied you all the bracketry and stuff that was needed. So much to look at on used equipment, especially if dealing with "Auction" sales. Good vid GWT Investigations
It's funny that you mentioned people using your adverts. I've seen a few times a week in recent months, someone posting Kubota and John Deere tractors for sale on Facebook marketplace for stupidly low prices. The ads generally have 3 pics one with a email across it. 3 or 4 Times the photos have been of tractors that you've had for sale with the GWT sign badly photoshopped out, or their in typically American settings (I'm in Australia) so they get reported as a scam.
Corrosion is very important, great point good sir. Need to get under the tractor and look at the hydraulic line connections, linkage, frame, etc. for corrosion. Ask if the tractor was kept inside or outside while looking it over.
Check the drive shafts also, some have two with U-Joints (engine to hydro/tranny, 4WD transfer case to front axle). Ask if they or their U-Joints have ever been replaced and if greasable check they have been greased. Drive shaft U-Joints dont last forever so it is good to have a clear picture where they are in their life. 🙂
The difference in price between a new tractor and a decent used one is narrowing. If you put a value on the time hunting for the right used one, it may make financial sense to buy new.
Exactly, after having 2 tractors sold right out from under me (after renting a trailer and recruiting a driver in one case) off of Facebook marketplace, I decided to end the headache and just buy new.
Great information I purchased John Deere 2520 with 800 hours 40 inch quick attached bucket forks and 60 inch drive over mower deck last summer was pushing good old Illinois snow drifts today awesome little tractor I got weight box on three point hitch but next must is some kind of grapple attachment picking up tree branches lmbs
All good points. When we decided to get a 'new' tractor, we didn't have a clue about how much things had changed and what to look for in a tractor. Followed Google to Tim, Mike and you for info. We took what we learned from you guys -- plus some input from some farmer friends about dealers and their experiences -- and made our purchase. We got a good deal with that info.
Question for you: Which of your discount partners sells the lamp on the shelf to your left? 🤔
Took me a minute to find the lamp you were looking for. Looks pretty interesting and probably for outdoors
I guess outdoors would be a good place for that bejeweled, pink lamp. (At least, it looks pink on the video.)
Courtney, I feel the what the video is about and named is very good advice. For the home owner that is buying a newer John Deere or Kabota(and other brands) and have the funds for said tractors.
But for the people that have the skills and tools to do a little work, I feel there was one area that you mention(pinned buckets) a person could save on so to speak. That is the quick attach on the front. As I do have a older tractor that does not have that. But my tractor has all what the newer more modern tractors have except that. Now with that said, I do plan on and will buy a conversion kit to make my bucket quick attach, to then be able to use more front attachments to my advantage. The other point is for what I paid for my tractor with the quick attach backhoe,(and yes it did come with all the three point arms and such) but fixed front bucket. I can buy the quick attach conversion and put it on with my skills and tools. And still be way cheaper than a newer John Deere or Kabota(or others).
I hope this all made since. And of course I like your videos.
Thanks for listening
I think ultimately what you’re saying is if you have the skills to convert to quick attach, don’t be too afraid to buy a tractor with a pin on bucket. Or perhaps if you save enough money buying used that your budget allows for your shop to convert it for you.
Well said, Courtney. Should be required watching for anybody in the market to buy.....
I have a rating system I call the 10 foot system. Does what you are selling look good up close or from 10 feet? When you said "Kubota" and added in the clip I just about fell out of my chair! I'm still giggling!
Another great video. Great info. Thanks!
Excellent presentation, works for those who are also looking to buy new. What should I buy when getting the tractor & what can I add myself. As you stated, you can get burned here as well
Don't forget to estimate the % of tire wear. Replacing tires can add up to big $$$
Lots of good info!
Question though, for a person buying used from a distance: would be acceptable for the potential buyer to request a live video walk around with the salesperson?
Definitely
Thanks Courtney. Great video. Great advice about backhoes and mowers.
I bought my first house last year and had the opportunity to buy the previous owners L3010 Kubota that he bought new in 1999. I didn’t really care what brand of tractor I ended up with, but I wanted to know the history of it. He had things circled and underlined in the owners manual, so I felt pretty comfortable buying it.
Great tips! I'm looking to get a used 1025r, your advise should help me save some bucks.
Made that mistake when I bought my x595. Got the snowblower, 54" blade, mower deck & triple bagger, tow behind spreader, 1500 cart. Asked by the salesman if I wanted the loader; "Nope, don't need it". Guess what? I need it! To make matters worse, loader model #45 has been discontinued by the factory ☹️.
Aftermarket loader by chance?
Thanks Courtney.
I ended up buying new because I got exhausted looking for used to save very little money. One thing I also was looking out for when buying used was rental tractors. I would never buy a used rental anything. I am an auto mechanic and I see how rental cars are treated. Look for signs of old stickers or some kind of number letter system. Say no to rental equipment
It depends on the rental yard .The operation i worked at, we maintained the equipment very well kept records and many of the tractors were traded in at the end of every year!
Hey Courtney, I’m curious what your process is for purchasing a used tractor long distance, like payment, scheduling delivery, etc.
OOHHH 😮 with the Kubota paint!
😂 just a little playful poke!
I have about drove myself nuts trying to buy a good used sub compact tractor. Friend has a 1025r EC I know its been taken care of. 260 hr. 2017 model. Comes with loader,62 inch deck box blade,canopy, tire chains.15k And then a 2025r 457hrs. Dealer owned comes with loader,mower deck,forks,3bad vac system.he says its been well maintained serviced as needed. It looks clean and all asking 17k I ask if he would take 15k. Answer was Yes..I like the bigger tires on the 2025r vers those on the 1025r . trying to decide !! Your thoughts?? Good video here!!
The 2025r is a 2016 model? Gen 1 for sure
I want to find a tractor that I can mount a small hydraulic cutter from a mini skid steer. Any suggestions
Happy Snowy Thursday! How much did you get? About 10 over here. Great video again!
Dunno, I'm in Colorado! 😂
@@GoodWorksTractors change your number, skip town....it's like I don't even know you anymore - lol - safe travels
@@SummertymeJamz haha work-life balance...2022 resolution
@@GoodWorksTractors hardest skill to master 😉
Which John Deere models come standard with the center PTO?
I've got a 1997 Massey Ferguson with 950 hours on it for the age do you think that is high mileage?
A compact tractor without a front end loader...That's like John Wick with a sling shot.
Hey Black Hawk, you popped into my head today. No other way to reach you, but thought I'd reach out and say I hope everything is going well!
If I were to get the spee quick hitch, do you have to use some kind of extension for the PTO?
Sometimes. Look into the quick PTO hookup I believe he sells them or has a discount code. That may push you out enough to make up for the quick hitch
You mean like you use Steve Carrell’s image for your video?
Is that what has you crying today?
I bought a Kubota without a loader. Who needs a dagnab loader? Mine has ashtrays.