Russel 30-60

My brother in law from Huron SD called last night to say he heard of an auction in Sioux Falls SD where a Russel went for $262,000.00. Did he hear correctly? Is this hobby going that crazy? Problem is that it takes two peolpe to get the price that high.

Well accually it was $262,500... LOL But whats $500. Here is a link to our local new page with the story.

Havin a blast preservin the past Randy L Peterson In SUNNY For once South Dakota




http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDet...fm?ID=22,34862

I couldn't make it to the auction but since they couldn't get it running I wouldn't have gone over $250,000.00 anyway.

The "hobby" IS going that way IF it is the right stuff. When I bought my 30-60 S Rumely with the spoked flywheel (a VERY rare combo) last November I paid $30,000 for it which was a record price at the time, but I wanted THAT tractor for THAT reason. A few weeks ago an S w/solid flywheel and extension rims sold for $40,000 and at the Roen sale a similar model in lesser condition brought $41,000. The 20-40 Rumely at the Geyer bringing $25,500 was equally insane but that's where things are headed, it seems. There are a few collectors right now chasing the same stuff and it's GREAT if you are selling. Just don't know what lasting effect it will have on the hobby. Mind you, these guys are NOT wheeler/dealers trying to turn a buck-------they are collectors who can USUALLY afford to get what they want. Better buy my 30-50 Rumely NOW before I raise the price.

I knew the Russell was there for years and made a few inquires if the owner would sell. It was a very nice original tractor with nothing worn out. A single family tractor,the seller was the grandson of the original owner. There were three wealthy bidders in near the end for a rare tractor. But to them $262,500. would be like me spending $25. at a swap meet. The big tractors are getting out of a working mans price range, maybe already are. The worst part is that it will be in a personal collection and may never be run again and seen as living history.

I remember about 15 years ago I was at a farm auction in North Dakota. I paid $305.00 for a JD 1 1/2 E. The people there looked at me like I was nuts. Now they regularly sell for a thousand or so. I can only imagine the people at the Russel auction with their jaws on the ground and a few heart attacks.

The problem with a sale like this is that now anyone who owns a pile of rust resembling a tractor will figure that it is worth a fortune. I guess my dreams of owning a Titan 10-20 are fading away. Oh well, so it goes.

Does anyone know who bought it?

I heard it was someone from North Carolina.

Ken Eder bought it. He is RAPIDLY building a collection of BOTH steam and gas tractors. I had quite a visit with him at the Krause sale in Wisconsin in June. He is VERY nice guy who happens to have money to spend. Watcha gonna do?? As far as 10-20 Titans go--they have been selling right around the $15,000 mark for a while now. AND "anyone who owns a pile of rust resembling a tractor will figure that it is worth a fortune" IS, unfortunately, the way things go. All EVERYONE remembers is what the LAST one sold for without regard for ANY other circumstances. BUT are any of US any different?? Only twice have I bought something JUST to turn a profit....and if something better (liked MORE or wanted more) came along I can't say I've LOST any money either. At least I had good stuff to trade or sell! ;-)

I know where a 40-80 Avery is that is just sitting there rusting away. I havent got the old lady to want to sell it to me yet but, hopefully if I ask her at the right time, I wont have to spend that $250,000 to get it. For being 21 years old and just about to attend a machine technology school I cant really afford that. And NO, I wont tell you where it is.

It's OK, Tanner. You can tell me. I live on the East Coast and couldn't afford the freight to get it here!!!

And I promise, I won't tell a soul!

RIGHT!!! Where have we ALL heard THAT before!!!! ;-)