oilwell1415 563 #1 Posted December 16, 2019 Hi guys. First post about first tractor purchase. I've been looking for an old tractor for a few years now and may have found one that will work for me. I've done a little research, but haven't found a lot because I don't really know what I'm looking for. I think it's a Suburban, but don't really know. The seller of this tractor says it's a 55-60 model, but doesn't know which one. It was allegedly in use until 4 years ago when the owner died and has been sitting in the garage since. The ad has been up for probably a month or more and the asking price is $1000. I think that's pretty high based on some other tractors I've seen for sale that are ready to go to work and are in much nicer condition, but like I said I don't really know what I'm looking at. Can you tell me what this is and what a fair price would be? I don't want to low ball them, but based on what I've seen in other ads ranging from $200-$1000 over the past couple of years I think they've got a $350 tractor, maybe $500 if it started and ran. I have no use for the plow and decks. Is there a market for them? Are there any problem areas on this that I should look for? My intended use is as a tug for small aircraft that weigh about 2,000 lbs. Would this do that job? Thanks for any advice. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2355 #2 Posted December 16, 2019 I am no expert when it comes to rj's or suburban's but what I do see, is NOT a $1000 tractor. Although it's it would make would make a good project if that's what your looking for I don't think it would make a good tug. It sounds to me your in need of something along the lines of a heavier model. Mid 70s to mid 80s C-series 10HP to 16HP single cylinder long frame would get the job done also 3,4,& 5 series from mid 80s to early 2000 10HP to 20HP are all capable tractors. Hydro's and 6,8 speeds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4167 #3 Posted December 16, 2019 I would say he is dreaming for 1k bucks, looks like 1961 551 or 401 model, the original engine is gone, the rear axles are leaking like crazy, bad repaint. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4167 #4 Posted December 16, 2019 I see this more and more, especially with people buying their first tractor to restore. do your research, and be very selective, spending a little more or having one shipped will save a ton of headaches later on. a nice wheelhorse is easy to find Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #5 Posted December 16, 2019 Wow. That's a lot of great info. Thanks guys. I knew it was the wrong engine, which doesn't bother me too badly but might once I get into this. My plane is a 1947 model and I'm looking for something that appears period correct, so a newer model is out. I am currently pulling/pushing the plane out/in the hangar by hand and there are hand tugs out there that run on power drills, so I'm not too worried about it having the power or stopping ability needed. It won't be going more than walking speed and only about 50 feet at a time. I was more worried about maneuverability and reliability. Nothing ruins a good flying day like getting to the airport and finding equipment that doesn't work or that you have to fight with constantly. I will probably fabricate my own foot rests and belt guard. I am a tinkered with some fabrication skills, so I am expecting this to be an extended project. The engine that's on there is equipped for electric start, so I was planning to fab a battery box to put on the front to make that usable while adding weight to the front end. I was a little concerned about the weight distribution, especially with my 250 lbs on the seat. Might do a weight bar as well. The push bar will be on the front, so I can also play with the geometry of that a little bit to keep the front wheels on the ground. My overall plan is to just get it set up and use it for a few months to make sure it does what I want it to and then take it apart and fix it up. BTW, here's a pic of the plane. 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #6 Posted December 16, 2019 Oh, and these are definitely not easy to find in the south. If I had time to drive to Pennsylvania, North Dakota, or other northern states I would have a lot more to choose from. I've found a few down here, but this is the first one the people have contacted me back about. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4167 #7 Posted December 16, 2019 (edited) u ship and fastenal can ship a garden tractors reasonable, cheaper than driving. nice looking navion! Edited December 16, 2019 by jabelman 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2401 #8 Posted December 16, 2019 Excellent looking Navion! I'll jump on the "it isn't worth a grand" bandwagon. You could easily buy a much nicer running one from up north and have it shipped down here for the same money and have a better starting point. There was one on CL a few months ago around here and one on one of the selling sites like offerup or something like that. I'll see if I can find anything close to you that might be a better candidate. If he doesn't like your $350 offer, after he sits on the tractor for a little while he'll probably call you back and sell it to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #9 Posted December 16, 2019 And this one popped up today for $200. But it's a 4 hour drive one way to get it. Much nicer tractor and much nicer price. Wish it had fenders. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2588 #10 Posted December 16, 2019 (edited) WOW... @OILWELL1415 ,,,,,,,NOW THAT IS NICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD EYE.. Edited December 16, 2019 by 857 horse Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4167 #11 Posted December 16, 2019 25 minutes ago, oilwell1415 said: And this one popped up today for $200. But it's a 4 hour drive one way to get it. Much nicer tractor and much nicer price. Wish it had fenders. that's a steal for 200 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #12 Posted December 17, 2019 The ad for the $200 tractor I posted above has been edited to say he wants to buy one instead of selling one, so that didn't work out. I also found this one for $225 a 6 hour drive away. Based on what you guys have said it may be better suited for what I need. I really like the look of the smaller tractor better, but functionality is important as well. I could either find or fab some round fenders for this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #13 Posted December 17, 2019 47 minutes ago, T-Mo said: For a $1000 you can buy a reasonable condition Farmall Cub, or maybe even an A, that will handle that plane with ease. And the Cubs first came out in 1947, and Farmall made the A from 1939 to 1948 when it was replaced by the Super A. You might even find a B, which was made from 1939 to 1947. I used to have a 39 Farmall. Those are way too big for what I need. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4167 #14 Posted December 17, 2019 8 minutes ago, oilwell1415 said: The ad for the $200 tractor I posted above has been edited to say he wants to buy one instead of selling one, so that didn't work out. I also found this one for $225 a 6 hour drive away. Based on what you guys have said it may be better suited for what I need. I really like the look of the smaller tractor better, but functionality is important as well. I could either find or fab some round fenders for this one. that's not a wheelhorse! I need to see the front of the hood, might very early lawnmaster, which is the same as a porter cable tractor/moto mower which looks like this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
