550 Value

[Phil in Pa]

Anybody that wants to chime in with an opinion, I appreciate it. Pre-1963 550 an elderly lady wants to sell. If I buy it, I don't want to cheat her or cheat me.
Condition is good to very good, tires like new all around. Mystery hydraulic issue needs repair but the gas engine runs.
I know, pictures. I stumbled across this unexpectedly and didn't think to grab my phone at the time. Thanks guys

 

[rrlund]

In the real world, it's kind of tough to get $2000 for a good one. With hydraulic issues, I wouldn't feel guilty offering $1200. If she offered it to me for $1000, I wouldn't tell her it's too cheap.

 

[Gambles]

Things that add value to a 550: I bought a late 550 last year and mine came fully equipped with wheel weights, factory draw bar and a working power steering.

 

[JOCCO]

What are you comfortable with? Value on them is all over the place. I have seen them from $1000- $5000 of course depends on what they have for extras or features (remote control valve, power steering etc.) Next how bad do you want it, do you have use for it? If it needs say new tires or a radiator, are you willing to bear the cost and work? For me if I want something I don't let that stuff bother me to much. If you really want it are you going to fold up negotiations over a couple hundred dollars? Yes I have seen such foolishness!

 

[rrlund]

Doggone, if you'd asked me what an 880 was worth yesterday, I'd have said $1750, but I'd have been wrong. There was one on a consignment sale today, gas,seat rubbers were broken, average shape, original paint but nothing outstanding. Had power steering and power booster, add on amp gauges, narrow front, average older 15.5 tires, black streak of oil running down the block from one of the manifold gaskets. Had some home made brackets on it for a front hitch and some kind of brackets on the rear axles. That blasted thing brought $3200. I was just a spectator after it hit 1750.

 

[TractorDad3]

I wouldn’t let my diesel 59 with a remote go for 5. Hate to say it but with one in good shape with nice tires should be $2500 plus, especially packing the creature comforts mentioned above. Swoop it up if you can, I think they’re a joy to operate with solid parts support

 

[JOCCO]

Doggone, if you'd asked me what an 880 was worth yesterday, I'd have said $1750, but I'd have been wrong. There was one on a consignment sale today, gas,seat rubbers were broken, average shape, original paint but nothing outstanding. Had power steering and power booster, add on amp gauges, narrow front, average older 15.5 tires, black streak of oil running down the block from one of the manifold gaskets. Had some home made brackets on it for a front hitch and some kind of brackets on the rear axles. That blasted thing brought $3200. I was just a spectator after it hit 1750.

I too am seeing lots of stuff come on the market that is way beyond my price range.

 

[rrlund]

I too am seeing lots of stuff come on the market that is way beyond my price range.

Other things were going dirt cheap. A local guy brought in a Ford 3000 gas that he used to use to rake hay and what not, but just didn't need anymore. Straight sheet metal, ran like a Swiss watch, paint was bleached pretty bad was all. That only brought $1600. 8Ns would bring more than that 50 years ago.

Have you ever seen a Massey Ferguson 178? A jockey told me it was English. I'd never seen one or heard of one. I don't remember just what that one brought, but the little odd ball didn't bring much.

 

[JOCCO]

Other things were going dirt cheap. A local guy brought in a Ford 3000 gas that he used to use to rake hay and what not, but just didn't need anymore. Straight sheet metal, ran like a Swiss watch, paint was bleached pretty bad was all. That only brought $1600. 8Ns would bring more than that 50 years ago.

Have you ever seen a Massey Ferguson 178? A jockey told me it was English. I'd never seen one or heard of one. I don't remember just what that one brought, but the little odd ball didn't bring much.

No on the 178. Auctions are hard to tell what price will bring. Around me the Ford would have been cheap. Got thinking about the 880 last night. Around me $1750 would be cheap also. One thing I learned in life is not to rely on my crystal ball and I do not derive much income from physic ability!!

 

[rrlund]

No on the 178. Auctions are hard to tell what price will bring. Around me the Ford would have been cheap. Got thinking about the 880 last night. Around me $1750 would be cheap also. One thing I learned in life is not to rely on my crystal ball and I do not derive much income from physic ability!!

It's not like 880s come up on auctions here every day, but if you see a real nice one bring $2500, it's a rarity. You see them advertised for that and they ad just sits there. There were just so many little things needing to be fixed on that one, I sure wouldn't have paid $3200 for it just to have it taking up space and being in my rotation of tractors to take to shows. That black wet streak down the side of the block had me a little concerned. When they got up to it to sell it, they handed me the key and I got on it to start it. It rolled over until I ran the battery down but it never fired once. I quit bidding on an 1800 Checkerboard gas narrow front a few years ago when the other guy bid $3000, and that's a tractor that I've wanted since I was six years old. These Olivers aren't exactly rare oddities here in Michigan.

 

[JOCCO]

It's not like 880s come up on auctions here every day, but if you see a real nice one bring $2500, it's a rarity. You see them advertised for that and they ad just sits there. There were just so many little things needing to be fixed on that one, I sure wouldn't have paid $3200 for it just to have it taking up space and being in my rotation of tractors to take to shows. That black wet streak down the side of the block had me a little concerned. When they got up to it to sell it, they handed me the key and I got on it to start it. It rolled over until I ran the battery down but it never fired once. I quit bidding on an 1800 Checkerboard gas narrow front a few years ago when the other guy bid $3000, and that's a tractor that I've wanted since I was six years old. These Olivers aren't exactly rare oddities here in Michigan.

I agree some of this does not come up every day. Different areas of the county, different times, and different crowds affect the price or sale, I just looked at some 70's but they (to me) are priced out there. $3000-4500 and they are still for sale. See my new post on the old 88.

 

[Jpvano28]

I paid $2200 for mine last year, it's a 1959. I found her in a field buried up to the hood in weeds.. I'm in to it for close to 3500 + at this point and just about finishing her up. Look, you never get back what you put in to it. But, I brought the old girl around because It's a piece of Americana that you will never see again. These tractors fed America. So, 1200$ grab her.

 

[JOCCO]

I will add that a 550 remains a very usable tractor for a small farm or homeowner.

 

[Gambles]

I will add that a 550 remains a very usable tractor for a small farm or homeowner.

The 550 still has a good supply of aftermarket and replacement parts, unlike a lot of other tractors.