Older compacts are becoming antiques

botamike · May 29, 2008

Does anybody realize that the early compacts from builders such as Yanmar and Kubota are becoming antiques. Find a clean example of some of the earliest models is getting harder. I wonder if eventualy they will be collect as Farmalls, Allis, JD ect are collected today? Some of the older/smaller Kubota compacts are quite affordable, easy on fuel and many are 4wd or hydro drive. I am getting ready to restore a old B7100 4wd gear drive myself. Cheers Mike

JT · May 29, 2008

I don't think thay will ever be as collectable as American made old iron. The biggest reason, the Japanese do not believe in furnishing parts after 15-20 years. I may be wrong, but that is my opinion.
Jim

RobMD · May 29, 2008

hmm... antiques? Yes.

Collectables? NO.

...Never? Yep.

ericlb · May 29, 2008

never, one of the main reasons old american made iron is collectable [aside from the fact they were built to be repaired and made to last] is the memories that go with those old tractors, many folks on here farmed with these old treasures back when they were the power on their farm new, or drove them for somebody when they were young, thast true for farmall, allis, oliver,jd, and all brands, nobody i know farmed with japenese iron back 40 or more years ago, and i suspect the parts to restore one would be very hard to find

old · May 29, 2008

Well to me if its made after 1970 its not worth owning and for the most part if made before 1960 give ot take a few years I prefer not to own

Vacherie · May 29, 2008

My Kubota L245 is 31 years old and I will put it up against ny American made tractor of equal size. No oil leaks, starts every time, 3 speed pto, parts still available-except sheet metal.It will probably never be acceptable at a John Deere of Farmall show. I bet the Kubotas will outlast the Olivers, Minne Mos, Fords, Farmalls, and other non-existant brands.

RobMD · May 29, 2008

Look, you"re comparing a newer tractor to much older tractors. I"m sure it will last longer. But so can any Yanmar built John Deere.

Vacherie · May 30, 2008

I have 6 Farmalls, a Ford 8N, and 3 Massey Harris' and have had 4 John Deeres and they are fun to have and ride around my pasture.

I was just making comments about statements that parts would not be available, no tractors made after 1970 were any good, tractors not made in America were any good, etc.

Tradititonal Farmer · May 30, 2008

You treat that Kubota like some of the tractors from the 40's thru the 60's were treated and do the things they did the Kubota or any modern tractor wouldn't last a week.I like the imports but they won't stand the abuse handed out to many of the older US built tractors

Anonymous-0 · May 30, 2008

I ran a NEW 30 hp Kubota mowing and other odd jobs for awhile 8 or 9 years ago.It ran good,had good engine torque,but no live power-NOT EVEN A 2 STAGE CLUTCH!As far as collecting or restoring,Id say maybe city dudes might get into it,but not real farm folks probably.To me it would be like seeing a restored Honda Civic on Barrett Jackson car auction on satellite TV.We've got a lot of city dudes buyin a little piece of land out here.They will start out with a Ferguson or 8N Ford,then when they figure out just what those amount to ,they'll go get a Kubota

RickB · May 30, 2008

Parts availability for that Kubota is just as poor as that for any Yanmar or Shibaura the same age.

Mathias NY · May 30, 2008

Lack of parts may actually increase their collectability. Even if the OE won't supply parts they will be available in the aftermarket if there is demand. Take for example all of the parts that are still available for tractors that were made by American companies that are no longer in business. Just my $0.02....

Mike M · May 30, 2008

Dads JD 750 is now 26 yrs old and still looks like NEW. If these tractors were taken care of we wouldn't have to be restoring any of them ! I just can't understand how someone can spend so much money for a tractor when new and then not take care of it ?
I would put that 750 up against any brand really old tractor of similar size and have even done some things larger models couldn't do.
That 750 cost $8,000 when new with frt. weights,belly mower and rear blade. I have seen them sell for about that today so this one should still be worth what was paid for it.

02XLT4X4 · May 30, 2008

I think a lot of it is what is important to you. Growing up we used 2 cylinder John Deere tractors almost exclusivly (2 B's and an A) I wouldn't trade my B for any compact built, they don't have the memories and honestly I just don't like them as much. Besides it doesn't have the footrests that the B has on the aftermarket seat (kinda like a farmall one) that made me fall in love with it 15+ years ago when I would ride around the driveway with my dad as a little kid. My dad asked me what my favorite tractor was when I was in 2nd grade, I told him the '46 B (the footrest thing and I always have just liked it) and he said it is yours. My dad payed $25 for 30 years ago with a bad mag, stuck a distributer on it and it is as relaible as a hammer doesn't show any signs of slowing down yet.

I know a newer machine would work my ol' B under the table (it is pretty mean at blading snow though), but I have no reason to be drawn to something different as my love and history is for the older stuff, of course everyone is different. If you got one and you are proud of it go ahead and bring it down the show, I don't care for the red stuff either and they keep on showing up every year too. :roll:

jose bagge · May 30, 2008

My Satoh 650 might as well be an antique...but i doubt it will ever be collectable. Good lil tractor though, pulls pretty hard for it's size. Sure wish it had a loader.

jm.old · May 30, 2008

Disagree with whoever said they would not be collectable. Just sold a 1977 l series. One of the first ones brougt in by KUBOTA. Sold for over 3 times what the original owner paid for the unit..Somebody thought it was collectable considering he coul have had a new one for just a little more. If anyone knows of a L2000 with good tin could move it to the same guy.

02XLT4X4 · May 30, 2008

(quoted from post at 10:16:26 05/30/08) Disagree with whoever said they would not be collectable. Just sold a 1977 l series. One of the first ones brougt in by KUBOTA. Sold for over 3 times what the original owner paid for the unit..Somebody thought it was collectable considering he coul have had a new one for just a little more. If anyone knows of a L2000 with good tin could move it to the same guy.

Some people collect refrigerators too... to some degree just about anything is "collectable"

Dave H (MI) · May 30, 2008

Collectible as Farmalls? You mean will my $15,000 1989 Ford 1520 with loader someday be a hot prospect at $1000? Maybe there is hope for retirement afterall.

Vacherie · May 30, 2008

At least there are Kubota dealers unlike Yanmar and Shibaura

botamike · May 31, 2008

I think they will over time, many younger generation or first timers wont have those fond memories of JD and Farmalls, but of the small old Kubota or other compact brand machine. The others are around to stay, no doubt about it. About the only older tractor I like and that will fit on my trailer is a Farmall Cub, and those dont come with 3pt hitches and standard rear PTO for a rotary cutter or tiller. My B7100 Kubota with 4wd does. Those little jap diesels will run forever wtih proper care. Cheers Mike

Older compacts are becoming antiques

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