Good Times, Bad Times

Image Gallery John Deere R

Bargains abound right now on the antique tractor market, beckoning newcomers to enter the world of collecting. Those interested in selling their old iron, however, may find that the market for more common tractors is soft right now. No matter which end of the spectrum you're on, to get the best value when buying or selling, it is important to know the current general values.

One way to learn more about tractor prices before entering the trading fray is to purchase a report on them. The cost of such a guide likely will be more than recovered in a lower purchase price, or a higher selling price, on equipment.

Prices often vary considerably from region to region, and internationally, and they may vary depending on whether one is dealing with an individual or an auction house. Some owners may even change their asking price in response to such random variables as 'dealing diplomacy,' what side of bed the owner got up on that morning or the daily farm report.

At auction, final prices occasionally can be surprising too, due to such variables as sparse buyer attendance, the weather or economic conditions.

Bud Panning, a collector/restorer from Bigelow, Mo., says if a collector finds a tractor he wants desperately, or if a seller has to sell for some reason, it can make a lot of difference in the price.

'It's like any other kind of antique, with an interested collector often paying more than he expected for a tractor he must have.'

Bud says he thinks that, at auctions in his part of the Midwest, guessing prices beforehand is iffy, at best. He blames the poorer farm economy, resulting in farmer/collectors having less money to spend. Also, some restorers have slowed down on their programs recently because unexpected price dips have occurred at some auctions.

'Still, rarer or more-famous tractor models continue in strong demand,' Bud says, 'while some of the commoner ones have declined. I recently saw a more-common Farmall H in near-mint condition and near-new rubber bring $750 at an auction near here. A year or two ago it might have nearly doubled that amount.'

At the same auction, a John Deere R in very good condition - excellent tin, nice paint, very good tires - and rare for the area only brought $2,200.