Cadet 108 Advice

[alsparl]

Alright gentlemen, and ladies too, I am about to do something I have promised (under my breath) I would never do, and that is ask how much something is worth. I fully understand there are a million different factors that go into this, mostly my pocketbook and how much I am wanting to repair. Beyond that, one person's description may not be exactly how the other person interprets it.

I have been presented with an opportunity to purchase what the current owner tells me is a '71 108. He says the drive clutch, PTO clutch, and steering all need adjusted, and it needs a new battery. Cosmetically, the top cast grill is cracked between the headlights and one rear fender has been bent in. I am told the paint is good and the engine has been rebuilt within the last 6 years, with less than 200 hours put on it since he acquired the machine. His reasoning behind wanting to part with it is the turn radius, his wife hates it (wants a zero turn), and they will be retiring and moving next year. I am also told the deck is solid and functions without issues.

My reason behind entertaining his approach is I hate to see a machine be sent to the scrapper. I don't even know where to start on this. Its not that I wouldn't like to have another older Cadet, but I don't really have the room and the wife has made threats...haha.

In your humble opinion, where do I even start talking with him about price? I'm not looking to steal yet I'm not looking to get taken to the cleaners if things are not what they seem.

Any suggestions and/or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Aaron

PS: I know, I know, "this thread is useless without pictures" ... gonna do my best there

[JayJay]

It sounds like you have more than one question.

1. The tractor is "worth" whatever he can get for it. Check on the scrap value and work your way up from there.

2. It seems to me you're struggling with whether you want the tractor or not. Do you have a definite need and use for a gear drive? Are you going to mow with it? I see you have a 782; the hydrostatic is much more suited to mowing than a gear drive. However, a gear drive helps with ground engagement tasks and with spraying. Note: the condition of the deck is immaterial if you're not planning to mow with it.

3. It also seems to me that you're struggling with how to justify the purchase to your wife (who is probably jealous of the attention you lavish on your Cubs). You can go a long way toward getting her approval if you can show a real need for the tractor, as in, "Honey, you said you wanted to put in a garden next year, this is the perfect machine to do it with."

Two additional comments: (a) Whether the machine goes to the scrap yard or not should not be your first concern, unless you have elected to be the neighborhood "Cub Saver." (b) If the tractor only needs adjustment, and he wants to make more than scrap dollars for it, he should make the adjustments. As long as you have the money in your pocket, and he wants it, you have leverage.

I would open up with, "Sure, I'll be glad to take it off your hands, I won't even charge you to pick it up."

[TheSaturnV]

Buy it, tinker around and put some sweat equity into it. Sell it to someone who really does want an older Cub. I've done it a few times and tend to make a few hundred bucks in the exchange. It's fun to sell tractors when you're in no hurry and you can potentially introduce some new blood into the IH world.

[alsparl]

Here is the machine that made its way home with me. The seller's tune changed once I got there; interesting how that happens when the conversation goes from prospecting to actual interest and dollar figures begin to be thrown around. Everything he said was true except he failed to mention it does have a sleeve hitch as well. Not gonna complain. So, a number of Benjamins later... Ought to be an interesting project.

[ACecil]

Congrats on your nice 108.