John Deere R Value

[fixer2u]

I need some advise guys. My dad is falling on hard times and wants to sell his 52' Model R which belonged to my great grandpa. I need to know an approximate value so I will describe its condition as best I can.

It has PTO & Hydraulics that work well. Rears are 18.4 x 34 one is 85% the other is maybe 25% at best. Both Fronts are good. Main engine is original. Fires fairly easily when it has been started recently, but usually needs a shot of either when cold (yes we follow the starting procedure in the manual). No excessive smoke when running. The pony is original and starts right up on the 6V starting system and has no issue turning the main over. No smoke from the pony. We repainted it about 15 years ago with classic green. I do have new headlight bulbs for it.

I sadly thank you for your advise guys.

Nick

 

[MikeinKy]

$4 to $5000 around here

 

[BushogPapa]

Think Hard on this...

YOU will regret letting it go all the rest of your life...(and, it will never be worth Less than now)...

Ron..

 

[fixer2u]

Papa I fully agree. I am trying to talk him out of it for that reason. He was thinking he would get 8-10K for it, but I told him maybe 5K in its current condition. I told him I would ask the experts on here. I am hoping that he will change his mind when he sees what it is really worth.

 

[Mike M]

Must be really worn inside as I don't remember ever hearing of a 2 cyl. diesel needing either ?
Look around for for sale ads here and on ebay under the completed items. Then you can show him what they go for.

 

[fixer2u]

I don't know. Seems to have plenty of snort once it does start, and does not blow blue smoke. Until a few years ago we used it to full a 5 bottom plow. It has started like that as long as I can remember, and I am 32.

 

[fixer2u]

So it looks like 4 - 5K is the consensus? I tried searching old closed listings on ebay and on here. There is not much there in the condition ours is in. There are several in a much more restored condition with 730 or 830 pistons that are in the 8- 10k range.

 

[Mike M]

I looked at ebay too. And one with nice sheet metal they can't even get 5150 for it !
So it would most likely be very hard for your Dad to get 5000 out of it on the open market. Plus he should throw you a keep it in the family discount !
I hope you can come to an agreement.

 

[fixer2u]

Yeah I am seriously considering buying it. He is also selling a Farmall H with culitvators which is in pretty nice shape. I am thinking of offering him $5000 for the pair....

 

[Mike M]

That offer sounds fair for both of you to me ?

 

[ss55]

I saw your other post about the Farmall H and I will offer a different perspective. Buying from family members is more complicated and delicate than buying from strangers. Since your father is only selling because he really needs the money, I would pay him his full asking price, even if it is more than double the current market value. If you can't afford that, offer as much as you can to the point your are totally indifferent if your bid is accepted or not, then don't be surprised and definitely don't complain if someone else buys it.

That may sound a bit harsh, but it sounds like your father has higher priorities to answer to and some tough decisions to make. Yes, you will be able to buy another R or another H for less, but they won't be your grandfather's tractors. In ten years the money will be forgotten. If you afford to pay a little too much for one or both tractors and also help your father out of a tough spot, I'd consider that a win-win for both of you.

 

[Localboy]

The front looks kinda banged up, average condition, I'd say 5k. Probaly more when the market was really booming 10 years ago but not now.

 

[[email protected]]

We bought an R just a few years back for $5,300. Older repaint and running great. I found my great grandfathers B after 24 years and bought that too. The B will not be sold. Though I have a boatload of cash wrapped up in it, at the point of having his original tractor, its fine by me. I will never lose that tractor again in my lifetime.

 

[Tx.Ricefields]

My favorite of the old Deere's....I have a '51, '53, & '54, the '53 & '54 will be with me until death do us part! Values are way down right now & who knows where they go from here. Mine are much nicer than the one you describe and in my area they would not be a quick sell at 5k. The good pony in your dads is a plus, but the big engine needs work.
I started running a '49 on steel in the late 50's and have not been without a R since. Never seen a R need starter fluid! Many of the farmers let the pony engines go and would just pull start, and they bust off in just a few feet.
Like others have said, family tractors are SPECIAL, hope you find a way to keep it......wishing you all the best.

 

[fixer2u]

Just as a followup, I was able to work out a deal with my dad, so I am now the owner of a 52' model R along with his Farmall H.

Thanks all for the advise.

 

[tlock0331]

fixer2u,

i know sometimes cash is hard to come up with, but its great to hear you were able to get it to keep family tractors around, as many around here can tell you, once you lose a family tractor, its never easy to get it back....im still hoping i can find a later G that ended up in the NC area, pipe dream...but a guy can hope

Congrats!