The face of farming and agriculture has changed drastically over the past 100 years. At the beginning of the 20th century, over 70% of the population of the United States lived and worked on farms, but by 2008, the figure had dropped to less that 3%. Still, there remain thousands of farms and hundreds of thousands of farm workers in America. Farmers in search of equipment often seek out used tractors, and as a result, there are multiple sources where one can locate accurate estimates of used tractor prices. The most popular and respected of these sources is the Official Tractor Blue Book, published annually by Price Digests.
The Official Tractor Blue Book contains an immense range of information covering not only the suggested used tractor prices, but also the approximate cost of the tractors when they were new. It is much like the better known Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides that contain information and pricing pertaining to used cars and trucks. The book includes loan values, statistics, options, features, and serial numbers of the various implements. It also lists virtually every tractor manufactured between the late 1930s and the present time. The book is available at most online booksellers.
There are many other methods of locating, contrasting, and comparing prices, however. Used tractors are available through online auction sites, and a number of websites are devoted solely to the buying selling of used tractors.
Other methods of determining used tractor prices and acquiring the best deal can be gained by a more personal sort of research. The top ten agricultural producing states are California, Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Indiana. Many of the major newspapers found in these states include online classified sections. It makes sense that the states with the most tractors will have the most used tractors for sale. Following the laws of supply and demand, the more similar items for sale, the lower the prices.
Sometimes, attending farm auctions will allow people to get a sense of price trends. Individuals should always be wary of auctions, however, because while a good equipment price might be available, buyers will be bidding against dealers with vast knowledge and experience. For most people, the best route to uncovering accurate used tractor prices is to engage in extensive research before making a purchase.