F Cub

Experience #1: I needed a small tractor and didn't know squat about tractors. Saw an ad for a Farmall Cub for $2500 and figured that was affordable. Bought it and soon found that it was not enough tractor for what I wanted to do. Put an ad in the paper for $3000 just hoping someone would offer me somewhere close to what I paid. I lucked out and someone greener than me offered $2800. In retrospect that tractor was probably a $1800 unit.

Experience #2: A man called me out of the blue a couple of years ago. Said he heard I collected tractors and he had one to sell. He told me it was a Cub, it ran, but needed tires and paint. How much? I asked. He said $500. I said I'll be right there to see it. He had it stashed in his backyard surrounded by piles of junk on all sides. It hadn't moved in 4 years but it did start and sounded strong. Paint was non-existent. Outlines of original decals were faintly visible. Sheetmetal was straight. It came with a pair of plows on back and a full set of wheel weights. Tires were completely flat and rotted. I didn't even argue. I paid the $500 and picked it up the next Saturday. By Sunday afternoon a neighbor had paid me $1200 for it. He sold it Monday for $1500 to a guy who sold it the following Thursday for $1800.

If it hasn't run in about 10 years, it might or might not be worth $1000, depending on the overall condition otherwise...whether it has starter and lights, or whether it's a hand-crank job with a magneto...whether it's hand-lift or whether it has Touch Control hydraulics...whether the paint is good, whether the transmission and PTO are good, whether the clutch is good, whether the block and/or head have ever been cracked and repaired, whether the lower radiator casting has ever been frozen up and busted...whether the tires are good or if the innertubes are peeking through...whether the front axle uprights are cracked or welded...whether the castings on the tractor are damaged...lots of things go into determining the value of a Cub.

Running, without sputtering or smoking, with good paint and straight sheet metal, the grille not missing, the lights all work, the seat not worn out, the brakes good, no obvious fluid leaks, good PTO and clutch, you might get $3000 for the outfit; not running, with a hand lift and no starter, lights, or hydraulics, you might get $300-500.