Auction in New Paris Indiana, Polk

[jdjoe_indiana]

Hey guys was at the auction today. Saw a original JD 420, 5 roller with three point sell for 15,000. That shocked me, any of you there? Joe

[Steven Walters]

Sometimes you just have to have it!

[jdjoe_indiana]

I know, I have been bit hard a few times myself by the " Green Bug". But geez. I felt bad spending $1200 on mine with a loader and backhoe, eventhough I know I have another$7000 to spend to get it perfect. But to spend that kind of money just due to being original? It didn't have a blade or loader on it either. I guess like you say, to each thier own. Two years ago watched a high crop 620 bring $115,000.00 now THAT guy was a idiot. Or as my dad always says "he has WAY to much money to know what to do with it". Joe

[Steven Walters]

You are rite 15,000 is a lot of money, but there must of bin other guys willing to give good money if it got up that high. I wish i was there to see.

[Lavoy]

Very nice original low hour machines, whether tractor or crawler will always bring good money, and have been commanding a premium in the last few years. Anyone can have a restored one, but there are only so many nice originals around. Every time someone restores one, there is one less to be had.
The crawler in question had at least 4 bidders to $12,000, and I know both the high bidder and second bidder.
Another way to look at it is take an average 420 crawler, and do a full restoration on it. Add the restoration cost, the cost of the crawler, and $2/hour for your time spent, and you will have the same money in it. But, if you bought that original one, you could change the oils, put in plugs and points and be done. Now, for someone that has neither the time, the inclination, the ability, or the tools to do the restoration, and it looks even better.
Lavoy

[jdjoe_indiana]

Lavoy,

I take it you were there, it would have been nice to meet you in person. Are you coming to the King Auction in Columbia city next weekend? I agree with you on the original demanding the money. Guess it comes down to being half what I make in a year and could never imagine myself spending it. Was a pretty good sale, tell me what you guys think. But I think the shear number of units and people is only half of what it was 5 - 7 years ago at these auctions. Is the hobby slowing down? Or is the hobby overpriced and leaving the younger family guys with no way to own a small tractor of the past? Joe

[Lavoy]

I was not able to go, just know people that were there, and had guys calling me with results. From what I heard back, it was probably the largest sale they had ever had. From the few auctions I have attended, and the ones I have had reports on, it seems to me that everything but the unstyled tractors has gone up quite a bit. I was at a local sale a few weeks ago, and watched tractors sell here for more than I would expect them to go at a large auction such as Polk's or King's.
No, won't make it to King's either, just no time. I normally go to Polk's every spring.
Lavoy

[Steven Walters]

Do you know how many 420's came from the factory with 3 point on it? And why would they put snow pads on a crawler you are going to use in a feild? Do you know how much the Mc brought?

[Lavoy]

There are no production figures as to how many came with 3PT hitch, it was just another option, plus it could be field installed later as well.
My guess on the 420 is that it was bought as a skidder crawler for use in the woods. They put a bar across the 3PT arms with a loop in it, then run the chain throug the hole to the drawbar. When skidding, they can get some uplift on the logs for easier draft, and more traction.
Lavoy

[Steven Walters]

Crawler is sweet! Was worth the cash and the ride to go get it. Needs a bath and a few other things to make it 100%, runs and drives good! I almost have to agree with Lavoy on the skidder idea but there is not a scratch in the drawbar. The center link is wore on the end, but other than that no cracks or welds(other than factory)on the 3 point. Steven

[Lavoy]

They could have also pulled from a loop in the crosspiece between the two draft arms, the one I have would do that. If that is the case, there would be no drawbar wear.
Lavoy