Buying tractors - the options

[Spud]

I am currently looking at replacing my venerable old MF 7480. 11yrs and 12460hrs of service, and its got to a point where things are a bit worn.

In the 11yrs I've had it, tractor prices have at least doubled!!

Because its a bit old and tired, its not worth a tremendous sum as a trade in, so the gap to new is a bit scary.

It does about 900hrs/yr now (has worked harder in its younger years) mostly pulling a 4000lt 24m trailed sprayer, also spreads fert and plants spuds.

So the options: (dont really want to change colour) Must be CVT box

Buy a late model 7480 (on the back of this one being probably the most reliable tractor we've ever owned) The last are 2012 machines, approx £40k with c.4000hrs. Not easy to find with air, front links and pto. (I accept that these can be retrofitted..at a cost.)

S/H 7618 2012-15? £55k, 3000hrs? Again not easy to find at correct spec (lots of D6's) Bit heabvier than 7480. But prob a contender
S/h 7718 2015-current - £65k, 2000hrs? As 7618 really
S/H 6616 - Lighter than 7480 and shorter (appealing) Small fuel tank and very rare as a VT, never mind at right spec
New 6718s - 4cyl - demoed a D6 version - superb re grunt, ride and manouvreability, but very very expensive as a VT. (six figures!!!) 6716 a bit cheaper
New 7718 - 6cyl - cheaper than a 6718s, and prob worth more at say 4yo too. Heavier than 7480
New 7716 - according to the brochure, these are 0.5t lighter than a 7718, anyone know for sure? Why might they be lighter?

We have tended to buy the majority of our tractors outright, and new in the past, with a few s/h exceptions, but feel its appropriate to look at the different options again, and see the advice/experiences of the forum on this

Contract hire - all warranty and servicing included - good from a short term cashflow perspective, not owned at the end, so need to continue a new deal or buy the tractor at that point.

Buy outright - what we're familiar with, but expensive, own the tractor at the end. Repairs and servicing to pay for.

Long term hire - not got figures on this yet, but in the past have struggled to hire the appropriate spec for our requirements. Seem to be a good option for cart tractors etc.

Hmmmm need to make a decision pretty soon to have a solution for spring.

regards, Spud

 

[icanshootwell]

I will have to congratulate you on keeping a tractor so long and being a spud farmer too, most around here are on 5 year turn around because of the hours they are on.
I think your best option is hire in at peak times for the big hp tractors, and your every day tractors change every 5 years or you get the big price gap that your getting now.

 

[Flat 10]

I would be very tempted to buy another 7480 l think if you could find one, largely due to the fact you like the old one so much and it’s the cheapest option. Maybe retain your old one for back up if it’s worth very little?

 

[Thomas5060]

Is refurbishment an option for the 7480?

 

[Spud]

Is refurbishment an option for the 7480?

We've considered this, but on a 2006 model, given the work its done, and will continue to do, its not really a viable option.

 

[DeeGee]

Is refurbishment an option for the 7480?

Not an expert by any means, but it sounds to me as though the tractor has done a lot of work and every component will probably reflect this, so I would doubt very much whether refurbishment is economically or practically feasible. Sounds like the tractor needs changing for something much newer.

 

[SilliamWhale]

I would be very tempted to buy another 7480 l think if you could find one, largely due to the fact you like the old one so much and it’s the cheapest option. Maybe retain your old one for back up if it’s worth very little?

I think this too. Will be the cheapest option

 

[e3120]

Having just done a deal for a nearly new tractor, the gap to change has gotten big. But, despite this, the cost to run the old one doesn't look bad at all. The fresh one will struggle to match it. Trying not to re-ignite the old depreciation calculation battle here....

The small matter of cashflow aside, big costs to change aren't necessarily a bad thing - I'd much rather lay out 40k every 6 years than 30k every 3. A 'hand me down' policy reduces the number of dealer margins required.

I can't advise the OP on replacement, but it sounds very much like the current tractor is worth more to him than anyone else - could there be scope for a more adventurous plan, knowing you have a capable backup?

 

[Drillman]

I am currently looking at replacing my venerable old MF 7480. 11yrs and 12460hrs of service, and its got to a point where things are a bit worn.

In the 11yrs I've had it, tractor prices have at least doubled!!

Because its a bit old and tired, its not worth a tremendous sum as a trade in, so the gap to new is a bit scary.

It does about 900hrs/yr now (has worked harder in its younger years) mostly pulling a 4000lt 24m trailed sprayer, also spreads fert and plants spuds.

So the options: (dont really want to change colour) Must be CVT box

Buy a late model 7480 (on the back of this one being probably the most reliable tractor we've ever owned) The last are 2012 machines, approx £40k with c.4000hrs. Not easy to find with air, front links and pto. (I accept that these can be retrofitted..at a cost.)

S/H 7618 2012-15? £55k, 3000hrs? Again not easy to find at correct spec (lots of D6's) Bit heabvier than 7480. But prob a contender
S/h 7718 2015-current - £65k, 2000hrs? As 7618 really
S/H 6616 - Lighter than 7480 and shorter (appealing) Small fuel tank and very rare as a VT, never mind at right spec
New 6718s - 4cyl - demoed a D6 version - superb re grunt, ride and manouvreability, but very very expensive as a VT. (six figures!!!) 6716 a bit cheaper
New 7718 - 6cyl - cheaper than a 6718s, and prob worth more at say 4yo too. Heavier than 7480
New 7716 - according to the brochure, these are 0.5t lighter than a 7718, anyone know for sure? Why might they be lighter?

We have tended to buy the majority of our tractors outright, and new in the past, with a few s/h exceptions, but feel its appropriate to look at the different options again, and see the advice/experiences of the forum on this

Contract hire - all warranty and servicing included - good from a short term cashflow perspective, not owned at the end, so need to continue a new deal or buy the tractor at that point.

Buy outright - what we're familiar with, but expensive, own the tractor at the end. Repairs and servicing to pay for.

Long term hire - not got figures on this yet, but in the past have struggled to hire the appropriate spec for our requirements. Seem to be a good option for cart tractors etc.

Hmmmm need to make a decision pretty soon to have a solution for spring.

regards, Spud

Good luck with trying to buy a 2nd hand Massey round here. I asked our local Massey dealer 6-7 weeks ago about what tractors they had coming in. The rep said he would come back to me.

Never heard a thing from them since so gave up and spent my money elsewhere.

 

[holywell farmer]

I am currently looking at replacing my venerable old MF 7480. 11yrs and 12460hrs of service, and its got to a point where things are a bit worn.

In the 11yrs I've had it, tractor prices have at least doubled!!

Because its a bit old and tired, its not worth a tremendous sum as a trade in, so the gap to new is a bit scary.

It does about 900hrs/yr now (has worked harder in its younger years) mostly pulling a 4000lt 24m trailed sprayer, also spreads fert and plants spuds.

So the options: (dont really want to change colour) Must be CVT box

Buy a late model 7480 (on the back of this one being probably the most reliable tractor we've ever owned) The last are 2012 machines, approx £40k with c.4000hrs. Not easy to find with air, front links and pto. (I accept that these can be retrofitted..at a cost.)

S/H 7618 2012-15? £55k, 3000hrs? Again not easy to find at correct spec (lots of D6's) Bit heabvier than 7480. But prob a contender
S/h 7718 2015-current - £65k, 2000hrs? As 7618 really
S/H 6616 - Lighter than 7480 and shorter (appealing) Small fuel tank and very rare as a VT, never mind at right spec
New 6718s - 4cyl - demoed a D6 version - superb re grunt, ride and manouvreability, but very very expensive as a VT. (six figures!!!) 6716 a bit cheaper
New 7718 - 6cyl - cheaper than a 6718s, and prob worth more at say 4yo too. Heavier than 7480
New 7716 - according to the brochure, these are 0.5t lighter than a 7718, anyone know for sure? Why might they be lighter?

We have tended to buy the majority of our tractors outright, and new in the past, with a few s/h exceptions, but feel its appropriate to look at the different options again, and see the advice/experiences of the forum on this

Contract hire - all warranty and servicing included - good from a short term cashflow perspective, not owned at the end, so need to continue a new deal or buy the tractor at that point.

Buy outright - what we're familiar with, but expensive, own the tractor at the end. Repairs and servicing to pay for.

Long term hire - not got figures on this yet, but in the past have struggled to hire the appropriate spec for our requirements. Seem to be a good option for cart tractors etc.

Hmmmm need to make a decision pretty soon to have a solution for spring.

regards, Spud

Ok it's dyna 6 but would look at later 6480 prehaps ?

 

[Spud]

Ok it's dyna 6 but would look at later 6480 prehaps ?

I bought a 10plate 6480 earlier this year, to replace a 6180 that fired. Its a great tractor, but its no vario. For the constant speed changes at every end of every tramline, and constant engine speed required of all of its roles, the vt has become essential.

 

[Speedstar]

Good luck with trying to buy a 2nd hand Massey round here. I asked our local Massey dealer 6-7 weeks ago about what tractors they had coming in. The rep said he would come back to me.

Never heard a thing from them since so gave up and spent my money elsewhere.

May be they are not sell many new MF tractors our local dealer has sold as many Fendts this year as MF tractors ,Used to be 3 or 4 Mf to every Fendt in the past
Refurb is a good idea if the cost can be kept under control, As a lot of this new stuff is not very good

 

[ffbb]

Think the 6600 and 7600 tractors had their share of cab suspension problems

 

[holywell farmer]

I bought a 10plate 6480 earlier this year, to replace a 6180 that fired. Its a great tractor, but its no vario. For the constant speed changes at every end of every tramline, and constant engine speed required of all of its roles, the vt has become essential.

Spud know your Massey man but if price was right you look at other colours

 

[J 1177]

I bought a 10plate 6480 earlier this year, to replace a 6180 that fired. Its a great tractor, but its no vario. For the constant speed changes at every end of every tramline, and constant engine speed required of all of its roles, the vt has become essential.

How do you like your 6480. Im currently looking at one. Teir 3 perkins

 

[Clive]

I am currently looking at replacing my venerable old MF 7480. 11yrs and 12460hrs of service, and its got to a point where things are a bit worn.

In the 11yrs I've had it, tractor prices have at least doubled!!

Because its a bit old and tired, its not worth a tremendous sum as a trade in, so the gap to new is a bit scary.

It does about 900hrs/yr now (has worked harder in its younger years) mostly pulling a 4000lt 24m trailed sprayer, also spreads fert and plants spuds.

So the options: (dont really want to change colour) Must be CVT box

Buy a late model 7480 (on the back of this one being probably the most reliable tractor we've ever owned) The last are 2012 machines, approx £40k with c.4000hrs. Not easy to find with air, front links and pto. (I accept that these can be retrofitted..at a cost.)

S/H 7618 2012-15? £55k, 3000hrs? Again not easy to find at correct spec (lots of D6's) Bit heabvier than 7480. But prob a contender
S/h 7718 2015-current - £65k, 2000hrs? As 7618 really
S/H 6616 - Lighter than 7480 and shorter (appealing) Small fuel tank and very rare as a VT, never mind at right spec
New 6718s - 4cyl - demoed a D6 version - superb re grunt, ride and manouvreability, but very very expensive as a VT. (six figures!!!) 6716 a bit cheaper
New 7718 - 6cyl - cheaper than a 6718s, and prob worth more at say 4yo too. Heavier than 7480
New 7716 - according to the brochure, these are 0.5t lighter than a 7718, anyone know for sure? Why might they be lighter?

We have tended to buy the majority of our tractors outright, and new in the past, with a few s/h exceptions, but feel its appropriate to look at the different options again, and see the advice/experiences of the forum on this

Contract hire - all warranty and servicing included - good from a short term cashflow perspective, not owned at the end, so need to continue a new deal or buy the tractor at that point.

Buy outright - what we're familiar with, but expensive, own the tractor at the end. Repairs and servicing to pay for.

Long term hire - not got figures on this yet, but in the past have struggled to hire the appropriate spec for our requirements. Seem to be a good option for cart tractors etc.

Hmmmm need to make a decision pretty soon to have a solution for spring.

regards, Spud

The hire or buy question depends totally on the respective deals being offered

 

[Goffer]

Take it on a 3-4 yr deal with servicing with balloon , (mostly underwritten somewhere as financ house aren't stupid) with option to purchase or re finance balloon . If good keep it , if bad send it down the road. Most manufacturers are realising no one going to fork out such a wedge nowadays and kill there cash flow

 

[Spud]

May be they are not sell many new MF tractors our local dealer has sold as many Fendts this year as MF tractors ,Used to be 3 or 4 Mf to every Fendt in the past
Refurb is a good idea if the cost can be kept under control, As a lot of this new stuff is not very good

Said same dealer sold iro 30% more new tractors this year than last, doesn't sell fendt. Refurb not really viable at 12500hrs, too much worn, not got time to stand it down for long enough to do it properly either

 

[Spud]

[="holywell farmer, post: 4609472, member: 7014"]Spud know your Massey man but if price was right you look at other colours[/QUOTE]

Possibly a cvx, but we like the fendt sourced vario box having separate oils. Fendt equiv to 7620 (last time I considered one)about 30% dearer than MF. MF dealer also very good

 

[mo!]

Said same dealer sold iro 30% more new tractors this year than last, doesn't sell fendt. Refurb not really viable at 12500hrs, too much worn, not got time to stand it down for long enough to do it properly either

I think the new salesman has had a lot to do with that! I also think that they've got the product a bit better sorted. We're happy with our 5610 so far, I'd certainly be looking at a 7718 if we wanted to swap the T7.210 whereas the 76 was never really a contender. Get a T7 out on demo and see if the pencil gets sharper...