55 Years And Counting From The Tractor Seat

By bill whitman 

 With the economics of agriculture in the past three years, one stop shopping at our favorite color dealership has become a sightseeing trip rather than a destination for equipment purchases. Here in the Midwest, there are several large auctions and used equipment dealers which have established solid reputations for honesty and integrity. When we need vital equipment for our operations but new is not in the budget, we need to find the best used equipment available.

I’ve mentioned Dean Ford Equipment and Mullins Equipment in previous articles. Dean Ford Equipment handles late or later model equipment at fair prices, in good condition having gone through the equipment as well as possible. Charlie Mullins handles older used equipment for the smaller or part time farmer. In dealing with Charlie for years, he’s always been cheerful, honest, and priced fair. 

Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana farmers are all aware of Ted Everetts Farm Equipment Auction. Held the first Friday of every even numbered month, this auction is large. I’ve seen them start at 9 a.m. in the morning and still be selling in three rings after 6 p.m. I’ve been going to this auction for decades. Truth be told, I’ve never bought what I intended to buy but have always found deals I didn’t think I could pass up. 

Why do people flock to this auction, year after year? Several reasons. The volume of equipment is often staggering. I’ve seen three to four rows of late model combines followed by line after line of tractors, and construction equipment. Another ring will have tillage and miscellaneous equipment and still another ring has lawn mowers, side-by-sides and golf carts. A unique characteristic of this business is that Everett Equipment owns everything sold. There are no reserves. Another reason, and maybe the real reason for people coming back is that the equipment is as advertised or they will fix the equipment or refund every penny. I have personally seen them stand behind this business practice many times. I know my neighbor bought a White 6144 FWA and when we went to pick it up, the hi/lo didn’t work. We walked in the office and the staff asked if we wanted the money back or have it repaired. My neighbor chose to have it repaired and the tractor is a workhorse on his farm today. 

Why are the Dean Fords, Ted Everetts, and Charlie Mullins succeeding in a down market and others struggle and fail? Honesty and Integrity. I know of a used equipment dealer that built a very good business on the back of a manager with integrity, selling good used equipment that the business stood behind. Over the last three to four years when money has tightened up, the owners got rid of the manager, started buying equipment they knew was not up to the standard they built their reputation on and selling it at prices that previously reflected when you were buying good used equipment. Over the last threeyears, the policy of standing behind their equipment has been replaced with a “taillight guarantee” when the equipment failed. The anger I have heard expressed towards the management of this business cannot be repeated in type. 

Like many others, I saw that John Deere settled the “Right to Repair” case for $99 million. That sounds like a great deal of money, but compared with what the company has earned, it is relatively small. Other manufacturers also reached settlements. I have always held John Deere in high regard. Even when I could not afford green equipment, I believed those who could were getting the best machines available and the best service in the industry. Sadly, a company once viewed as the standard for integrity and service appears to have traded that reputation for nothing more than greed.

I still think that eventually, the right attitude and integrity will always see us through. 

Horse Sense: The high price of fuel helps us appreciate the “work” a gallon of fuel does. 

IndianaAg@BlueMarble.net