Talked to a neighbor about his 312H he may sell... need help on a value

[JUSS10 250]

So I don't usually do posts like this but my neighbor has a 312H (i think, maybe is a 314) And I noticed he wasn't using it to snow blow his driveway this winter. I asked him what was up and he said the blower was broke and I think he is just not needing the larger tractor any more. I said I would be interested in buying it in the spring if he wants to sell it and he told me he would let me know.

 

So all that said, I'm trying to figure out what would be a fair offer. As stated I think its a 312H (or 314) Can't get a good look because its in his shed out back. Its in decent shape . It has had lots of years of use and was stored outside (under a wheel horse cover) for many years. It comes with a single stage blower that as stated must have an issue or is broken. It has wheel weights and tire chains. It also has a side discharge deck and if I remember right, he has a track vac sort of system for it. Its mounts on the back with a single large round trash bin and connects to the mower deck and has some sort of blower attachment.

 

Once again, sorry this is tough without photos or really fine details but its the best I have at the moment. I'm not looking for a finite answer but with a few $100 ball park would be nice. Location is west michigan. 

 

Thanks!

 

Justin

Edited January 26, 2014 by JUSS10

[Uncle Buck 246]

I am thinking somewhere in the 3-4 hundred neighborhood myself but then I am no expert.

[boovuc 1,090]

Too many variables without pictures but I always have my two-cents ready to spew from my fingertips....here goes:

 

If it was stored outside under a cover, that holds moisture and it may have some rust issues and for sure on the deck. (Again, no pics to confirm). The electrical system may have some corrosion also. (Anyone who has had a BBQ grill outside under a tarp knows what condensation can do).

 

There is a value difference between the 12 and 14 horse Kohler. The 14 Kohler can handle some heavy-duty things the 12 works harder on.

Rear wheel weights are a plus 60 dollar value. Metal wheel weights bump it to a plus 120 bucks. With a trac-Vac, he may have had all four wheels weighted and a bump to a plus 100 to 200 bucks depending on the make and type. The trac-vac if working and in good shape with all parts is another plus 100 to 200 bucks value. If it is in excellent condition and all there, it is worth more than that. Tire chains will add 10 to 20 bucks.

 

So without pictures and if its a 12 or 14HP.........if it is rusty but functional, I say 200 to 400 bucks for the tractor then you have the other add on's. He may only want 200 to 300 for it and if so, that's great but if you want him to have a good price as a neighbor, you have to add those attachments into the equation. If it was a total stranger, low ball it. Hope you get it for a good price!  

[Kelly 1,029]

Justin, I know you some, and your smart, I think you would come up with a fair price, but going by your description I'd say $300 to 500 IF it runs good, the deck is in usable shape with no major rust or issues, the weights are they cast iron or plastic ?? cast weights are $200 alone, ask the question like I do, what are you thinking of for a price ? if they say I don't know, reply, give me a starting point, so I don't insult you, and if still no price, AFTER looking it over make a offer.   

[baerpath 517]

Stupid question Why didn't you offer to see if you could fix the blower for him ?   Gives you a chance to see what it is, makes for good will, and what I would have done for neighbors.

[Uncle Buck 246]

Stupid question Why didn't you offer to see if you could fix the blower for him ?   Gives you a chance to see what it is, makes for good will, and what I would have done for neighbors.

I have a better idea, give me the tractor and accessories, or sell it to me low enough and I will fix it then clear your driveway at the same time I clear mine when the snow flies. Really how can the neighbor lose on that deal?

 

I worked a deal like that with my shovel limited neighbor this year. My shop is too packed for me to store my recently acquired decent shape 875 and plow this fall so I extended an offer to a good neighbor I trust that would benefit us both. Let me keep my 875 in your temp controlled shop then when the snow flies you go right ahead and use my 875 to clear your sidewalk and driveway. I will come get it and use it when I need it as well. This guy is mechanical and takes good care of his stuff, he is retired so like as not he will already be done by the time I need to use the tractor. The neighbor showed me the hideout key for access when he might be gone and I need access. This is a trial for this winter to see how it works. If either of us don't want to do it again fine, no hard feelings.

 

Win win for both of us right? My 875 is decent and unrestored and a worker. I trust this guy and know I could fix whatever I would need to if something got broke or damaged.

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

If it were my neighbor I'd first try to help/advise on how it could be fixed first.  If he still wanted to sell after that I wouldn't low ball the price because I prefer to stay in the good graces of my neighbors.  

[leeave96 487]

If the guy is like most folks I know, once a tractor (or lawn mower for that matter) goes down and it has some age on it, it out to the curb.

Depending on the condition and hours, plus the accessories, I'd say $500 to $1000.

[ericj 1,578]

whenever somebody won't put a price on their machine, i tell them i will start low and shoot them a low ball offer that usually get them to put me in the ball park that they want for it and every now and then they take that low offer.

i have an agreement with a neighbor that she keeps a tractor in her shed and i take care of her snow removal and since we haven't had much snow the last couple of years i did her leaves. now we get hammered with snow this year oh well. good luck

 

 

eric j  

[JUSS10 250]

Little update on this. I took a look at the tractor today. Its a 314-A so I now know that means it has the less desirable eaton 700 trans setup. It is also starting to show its age. How hard would it be to upgrade to an eaton 1100? How does a used unit usually go for? Still 3-400 for the whole setup? Now that the snow is gone, I'll probably go over it with my neighbor here soon and see what he is thinking. 

 

Thanks!

 

Justin

[WH nut 553]

3 to 4 for the whole set up would be a steal. Good luck but don't hold your breath.

[JUSS10 250]

That was kind of my thought as there is a lot. Just everything likely needs work to be in functional shape. regardless we'll see what he wants and goes from there. 

 

Justin