That was a great deal you got there for $4k,I bet you are right about that having someone you know....
and maybe some luck too haha
It is definitely about being in the right place at the right time. Word of mouth goes along way, and you cannot be bashful about asking about a machine that has been sitting unused for a while. Sometimes the seller doesn't even realize it is for sale until you show up with some cash. HTH
As others have said, it is about being in the right place at the right time. If someone has gone to the trouble of advertising something, they've already pushed the price up. You've got to find that guy who has decided that fixing it up is more trouble than it's worth and that it probably isn't worth enough to bother with posting an ad or hauling it somewhere to sell.
Most of my deals are word of mouth. As far as skid steers, my JD 70 was bought from a neighbor $1500, had it for 5 years and sold it for $1500, had a bad drive motor but still worked. my NH L455 was bought from a buddy that was getting married, had a blown tire and needed tlc, bought for $2300, 2 new tires, pins, bushings alternator and battery over the time I had it, sold for $3800. Bought the 743 from a dealer a buddy works at who was going to paint and resell for $3500, he paid $1000. 4 new/used tires, tlc, paint, sold for $6000. Bought my 873 a few months ago for $7500 off craigslist a few months ago, new seat, general repairs to get it up to snuff. I buy and sell to "trade up" to get a newer skid without spending $20000. I do landscaping/excavation on the side and they get used for moving dirt, plowing snow etc. I work at kind of a dead end job that doesnt pay too well but has great benefits, so I have a few sidelines to make up for it. I will buy and sell just about anything if I know I can make a few bucks. If you have any specific questions let me know, I feel like I could write a book on this lol.
Nice history in getting stuff,Mike
Keep your eyes on Craigslist. That's where I found my M700 in a very sad state. I was able to talk the seller down $500 and I've put a more cash into it than I bought it for. But it's a great early machine a very easy to work on. Zero computers and electronic crap. I'm browsing Craigslist now looking for attachments at good prices. I noticed that prices are lower on used Bobcats and attachments in larger metropolitan areas (Atlanta for me). Probably more landscape companies that are struggling and need cash.Nice history in getting stuff,Mike
Craigslist is where I bought my 743. The man I bought mine from has another skidsteer, I think it was a Case that smokes he said. It may come up for sale soon. I've seen a 600 series machine last month for $1500 with "bad hydraluics" and another 1970's skid that was for sale above scrap steel price. I just don't have the time to go look at them, but they are out there.
Thanks for the posts
