Need Advice: Tractor: Family: Sorry this is so long...

Alabamacoastie

Alabamacoastie

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My mom, in Alabama, has a 2017 John Deere 3030E compact tractor that she and her husband bought brand new last year. It comes with a bunch of used attachments (Bush hog, box blade, finish mower, front bucket, disc).

Her husband (62) died a few days ago. He was a good dude. It was completely unexpected. He died in his sleep...

Now she has an almost new tractor and a bunch of old used attachments that she can't use. She asked me to take up payments on the tractor and take all the attachments for free.

She hasn't yet told me what is the total payoff. I just know that they financed "about $17000" last year and the monthly payment is $305 per month. I still don't know if that's for 5, 6, or 7 years...

I want to take this financial burden off my mom, and I do want a new tractor, but I want a bigger stronger tractor.

I was already looking at buying a Kubota M5056 (50hp) for around $30,000. But the Kubota is twice as big with a lot more horsepower, etc. I feel like I need a bigger tractor because I own 30 acres and do a lot of bushhogging, tilling, lifting with a front end loader, etc.

Anyway... My mom's tractor and attachments are in Alabama. I have a new Nissan Titan that will pull it back to NC. My real dad (in Alabama) has a super heavy duty trailer that i can borrow (dual axle, dual tire... so 8 tires on two axles). But, it's a goose neck trailer, and i do NOT want to pay money to have a ball installed in my bed for one trip...

But then I'll have to make a trip to get the trailer, tractor, and attachments. And I'll have to make a second trip to return the trailer to my dad. Then I'll have to take up payments of $305 a month for 6 years? on a little tractor that i don't really want.

I've been thinking about this for a week... Today, I called my mom and told her I couldn't buy her tractor because of X,Y, AND Z. The truth is, I want a bigger tractor and I don't want to drive 40 hours to take up payments on a baby tractor when I can easily buy the big tractor that I want...

I told her that i can help her sell it online in Alabama. Then she said, "But so and so died, and he would have wanted you to have it! I thought you were going to buy it! "

Insert F Word here....

I don't want to be manipulated, but she is my mom, and i don't want her to be stuck with a monthly payment for a tractor she can't even drive...

I feel like I've been planning to buy myself a F350 Dually Diesel and all of a sudden I'm being forced to go way out of my way to buy my mom's Ford Ranger...

What should I do?
 
If you can't use it, help her sell it. Unless you already told her you'd buy it, then you might actually have to. Then you can sell it.

Sorry about her husband's death.
 
For poots and grins, do you have the specs for this tractor handy? Dad has been wanting a 40hp for one of the tasks he has, but I'm curious about your mom's.
 
Millie said:
If you can't use it, help her sell it. Unless you already told her you'd buy it, then you might actually have to. Then you can sell it.

Sorry about her husband's death.
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I haven't agreed to anything yet, but today i told her i wanted to help her sell it to someone local in Alabama... That's when she said, "He would have wanted you to buy it. " which is nonsense... He and i barely knew each other...
 
Give her a couple days to think about it. I actually just presented my mom this past winter with the same thing. She wanted me to have dads tractor but I didn’t want the payment. I told her she could use that money for bills more than I could use the tractor. Thankfully she came to her senses. I’m good shape they don’t depreciate very much. Luckily I found a buyer that wanted the attachments also.
 
Alabamacoastie said:
I haven't agreed to anything yet, but today i told her i wanted to help her sell it to someone local in Alabama... That's when she said, "He would have wanted you to buy it. " which is nonsense... He and i barely knew each other...
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Well, there you go. Be calm and explain the situation to her. Help her all you can, without getting something you don't want or need.
 
JimB said:
It was financed, first thing is to figure out what’s left on the note.
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Exactly! She said within the next few days she'll tell me the pay off date, monthly payment, apr, amount financed, pay off amount, etc....

I'm not the kind of person who agrees to things based on whether or not I can make a specific payment... I want to know what's the total and whether or not I can pay it off early...
 
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Alabamacoastie said:
Exactly! She said within the next few days she'll tell me the pay off date, monthly payment, apr, amount financed, pay off amount, etc....

I'm not the kind of person who agrees to things based on whether or not I can make a specific payment... I want to know what's the total and whether or not I can pay it off early...
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More to the point, whether the payoff is less than the current market value, plus your time, gas to AL and back, etc...
 
JimP42 said:
More to the point, whether the payoff is less than the current market value, plus your time, gas to AL and back, etc...
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Yes... But, I totally doubt it.

More than likely, they paid more than MSRP and financed at a higher apr.

Then, I'm stuck with a little tractor and have to pay off more money than it's worth...

And drive back and forth twice...

I don't think it's worth my time and trouble.
 
With the implements (especially the hog and bucket) and low hours $17k is very low. That 30 series size is actually more useable for homestead type setups (more agile and nibble) while the larger Kubota is more agricultural type. 95% of your work will be easily handled by a smaller tractor ... you’re not going to turn over a virgin 30 acres every week or haul a crap load of timber that often. We have a fancy Deere but we use out little 60 some year old Farmall Cub with maybe 15 HP most of the time because it’s so easy to deal with. I’d bring it up and try it ...if you don’t like it or still feel under powered clean it up and sell it. With the implements and being a Deere you come out ahead.
 
My advice is based on my experience with extremely selfish and manipulating parents and family... Sell it local. Yes its your mom, but it’s not something you want. If you s saddle yourself with it, it will always be in the back of your mind. This thing is never what I really wanted.. that kind of thing can fester and blow up later on.

You mother just experienced a loss, and her emotions are still raw. She might want you to take it to continue a connection to the departed.
Just my opinion, help her sell it local, then buy what you want and what is right for your needs.
 
SnowRooster said:
My advice is based on my experience with extremely selfish and manipulating parents and family... Sell it local. Yes its your mom, but it’s not something you want. If you s saddle yourself with it, it will always be in the back of your mind. This thing is never what I really wanted.. that kind of thing can fester and blow up later on.

You mother just experienced a loss, and her emotions are still raw. She might want you to take it to continue a connection to the departed.
Just my opinion, help her sell it local, then buy what you want and what is right for your needs.
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I agree with everything you said. Thank you!
 
I was actually thinking that if it’s under water you might do well to call the bank and tell them that the estate can’t make the payments and that they should come pick it up. Estates can do a pretty good job negotiating with lenders.

I wouldn’t be in a rush, there is lots to do to close an estate.
 
It would depend for me what price ended up being and also what you plan to lift and how high you need lift or dump with front end loader as that would be your biggest draw backs to the smaller tractor. We use a 4300 jd on the farm alot and love the size because its so handy and strong for weight and easy to move on a trailer but I think it is next size up from that john deere with a little higher lift height but still lacking depending what you are dumping into. We have bigger tractors as well. The 4300 size will handle carrying a round bale but not the most stable with the narrow foot print. One thing you could check into instead of going after it is freight for it to be deliveried on the items we have done that with many pieces of equipment and cheaper most times than going after it. Other thing possible check into is you might be able to get a drive over mowing deck and it double as your lawn mower.
 
Who's name is on the note?
If it's just her husband, tell the bank/lender to come get it. Done and Done.
Not anybody's problem but theirs.

If your mom is on it, sell it there. Don't let her manulipate you into it. She may be sore and raw, but she knows how to work you over too.
 
Put it on the local craigslist at payoff price.
30hp will limit you to a 5' bushhog.
The difference between a 6' implement and a 5' implement is huge.
Measured in hours when mowing a field.
 
Good luck on YOUR choice.

It's like choosing a brunette when you really like redheads. You won't be happy.
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Should have picked the blond... :rolleyes:
 
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Tailhunter said:
You pretty much made up your mind before you wrote this right?
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Yes, I made up my mind to NOT buy it and to help her sell it locally in Alabama by setting up a Craigslist ad for her...

Then I called to tell her I "couldn't" buy it, when I should have said I "wouldn't" buy it.

I didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her that i didn't want her newly dead husband's small tractor. Instead, I tried to fudge the truth and give her excuses why i couldn't buy it...

This is my fault for communicating poorly with my mom.
 
I'd take a new JD over a new Kubota any day just for parts availability and pricing.

31hp in a compact is a good level of power, and like it's been said, great for a homestead or small farm. I have 11 acres and could use one like that. I was even look at the 1 series. I wish this tractor was closer honestly but you shouldn't have any
trouble selling a green tractor.
 
You should ask about the financing. John Deere is always doing 0% for 60 or 72 months on their equipment. They may or may not allow you to take over the note. Probably not a good idea to make payments on someone elses note. But if you can assume the note, iy might be a good deal. Eecially since attachments are included.

Even if financed for 72 months at 0% the purchsse price might have been only $21,960. plus any down payment.

You might be suprised how much you will like and use this size tractor. I have a couple this size and they are handy.

Is it hydrostatic?

Having said that, that size John Deere sells well in this market. Might be easier to sell here.

Where in Alabama is it located?
 
Heavy Barrel said:
You should ask about the financing. John Deere is always doing 0% for 60 or 72 months on their equipment. They may or may not allow you to take over the note. Probably not a good idea to make payments on someone elses note. But if you can assume the note, iy might be a good deal. Eecially since attachments are included.

Even if financed for 72 months at 0% the purchsse price might have been only $21,960. plus any down payment.

You might be suprised how much you will like and use this size tractor. I have a couple this size and they are handy.

Is it hydrostatic?

Having said that, that size John Deere sells well in this market. Might be easier to sell here.

Where in Alabama is it located?
Click to expand...

hydrostatic, 4wd and 25hp to the PTO - compare that to the 'big' tractors of yesteryear and you'd be surprised what you can accomplish with good implements
 
Heavy Barrel said:
You should ask about the financing. John Deere is always doing 0% for 60 or 72 months on their equipment. They may or may not allow you to take over the note. Probably not a good idea to make payments on someone elses note. But if you can assume the note, iy might be a good deal. Eecially since attachments are included.

Even if financed for 72 months at 0% the purchsse price might have been only $21,960. plus any down payment.

You might be suprised how much you will like and use this size tractor. I have a couple this size and they are handy.

Is it hydrostatic?

Having said that, that size John Deere sells well in this market. Might be easier to sell here.

Where in Alabama is it located?
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It's 20 miles outside of Troy, AL.
 
I have a 3025 with loader and an older 970 with a model 80 loader. Handy size and easy to use.

My "big" tractors are a 5200 and a 5210. Both are plenty big for my needs. I have a 4005 that just gets used to pull a 6 foot bush hog. My farm is 35 acres, all pasture, and I also look after 15 acres across the road for a neighbor
 
Alabamacoastie said:
I haven't agreed to anything yet, but today i told her i wanted to help her sell it to someone local in Alabama... That's when she said, "He would have wanted you to buy it. " which is nonsense... He and i barely knew each other...
Click to expand...
not to go all coarse on your stepdad's death but...... man, you don't know nothin.' that is how he got her to let him buy it. when she pitched a fit, he just said 'your dear son can have it when i am gone' and so, it became his. ;)

Bet you 50 dollars that is how it went down.... . cause that is what *I* would have done!

again, not to be crass and crude, but it might not actually have gone down the way your mom thinks it did.
 
tanstaafl72555 said:
not to go all coarse on your stepdad's death but...... man, you don't know nothin.' that is how he got her to let him buy it. when she pitched a fit, he just said 'your dear son can have it when i am gone' and so, it became his. ;)

Bet you 50 dollars that is how it went down.... . cause that is what *I* would have done!

again, not to be crass and crude, but it might not actually have gone down the way your mom thinks it did.
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I see where you're coming from. He was a good dude, but I could see him saying something like that to get his way.
 
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