John Deere 730 diesel

[m16ty]

What’s a JD 730 diesel worth in fair shape? Talking to a guy that has one and he mentioned we would consider selling it and for me to make him an offer.
I think I’ve owned just about all the major brands and currently own 5 different brands, but I’ve never owned a JD.
It’s just something about that 730 that makes me want it, but have no idea what to offer.

 

[rustred]

5-10k , but no idea without seeing at least seeing a pic.

 

[wore out]

What’s a JD 730 diesel worth in fair shape? Talking to a guy that has one and he mentioned we would consider selling it and for me to make him an offer.
I think I’ve owned just about all the major brands and currently own 5 different brands, but I’ve never owned a JD.
It’s just something about that 730 that makes me want it, but have no idea what to offer.

Verify that the flywheel and clutch driver splines are "good" and the power steering works well, as those issues are horrible money pits, as well as the "pony engine" if it's gas start.

They can have "jump out of gear" or "get stuck between gears" problems due to worn nla parts in the shift mechanism or gear and bearing issues.

The hi-lo countershaft can have needle bearing issues and they run directly on the shaft and inside the compound gear.

Add that to many other things can wear out on a 65 year old machine you are taking a BIG financial risk unless you know FOR SURE a lot of things are in decent shape.With good tires, $5 - 7 thousand, more with a complete 3-point hitch is a starting point, IMHO.

 

[m16ty]

Verify that the flywheel and clutch driver splines are "good" and the power steering works well, as those issues are horrible money pits, as well as the "pony engine" if it's gas start.

They can have "jump out of gear" or "get stuck between gears" problems due to worn nla parts in the shift mechanism or gear and bearing issues.

The hi-lo countershaft can have needle bearing issues and they run directly on the shaft and inside the compound gear.

Add that to many other things can wear out on a 65 year old machine you are taking a BIG financial risk unless you know FOR SURE a lot of things are in decent shape.With good tires, $5 - 7 thousand, more with a complete 3-point hitch is a starting point, IMHO.

Tires aren’t the greatest and one of the rear rims has calcium cancer. Paint is good, electric start, no 3-point. Doesn’t currently run but he claims all it needs as batteries, said he would try to come up with batteries and get it started.

 

[jd318]

1500

 

[wore out]

Tires aren’t the greatest and one of the rear rims has calcium cancer. Paint is good, electric start, no 3-point. Doesn’t currently run but he claims all it needs as batteries, said he would try to come up with batteries and get it started.

If it's been sitting for a while (or even if it hasn't) check for diesel fuel dilution in the crankcase oil before starting it.

I hope it works out for you, I've owned an R, a 720, a 730, and an 830, all diesels and they are unique machines, for sure!

 

[rustred]

The electric start is the selling feature. And Is this the standard model tractor ,? not a row crop ? Thats why I say picture tells the story. Poor tires and rim I would not give 4k so picture picture to change my mind.

 

[Tx Jim]

About 10 yrs I sold a nice JD 730 diesel, wide frt, 3 pt, pony start engine with both engines stuck for $4k. I think this JD 730 D would bring $4K-$5K with engine operating with no 3pt hitch..

 

[NoDakInMN]

There is a belief among some that being a 30 series tractor it is a somewhat rare tractor and therefore should demand top dollar but as we know, condition greatly affects value. So start with what a tractor in good condition will bring in your area and deduct from its value what it would cost to bring it up to good condition. Rear rubber and rims are a big item and could cost a thousand dollars or more to replace both rim and tire. Of course, you can take this too far by deducting every little thing until you are offering scrap price for a running and driving tractor, so be reasonable, it is an old tractor after all.

It also makes me nervous when a seller asks the buyer to name a price because he will have an idea of what he thinks it's worth and you run the risk of insulting him with an offer. But if you begin with the good running order price and deduct for condition, you at least have a plausible argument to make defending your offer. Don't be afraid to walk away if you can't get the price down to what it's worth.

 

[TerryfromSWIowa]

Tell him it is his and only he can put a price on it.

 

[Blackhole49]

When someone asks me to set the price, I shoot a low ball price. That usually gets them to say what they are hoping for. Personally, I have never sold anything with "make an offer".

 

[TheBartman47]

I bought my 730 LP 4 years ago for $4k, already running, in decent condition, 3-point, and 99% new rear tires (front tires about 20% life left in them). Problems with it were oil leaks - center link load control shaft, and power steering very leaky, axle seals leak a bit, but not enough to worry about. PTO clutch needs adjusting (keeps spinning when off). 3-point lift arm yoke bushings worn out. No leaks in engine oil, clean burning no smoke. Lots of surface rust, which I'm in the process of cleaning and repainting now.