Grain drill question..

[perchhauler]

I have a Thomas horsedrawn grain drill in excelent working condition that has always been kept in a shed.. My question is, what is it worth, just a ball park? Thanks. Steve

[near horse]

Hi Steve,

Not to be sarcastic but really, it seems that HD equipment is worth what someone’s willing to pay for it. Case in point, redone #9 mower at SFJ last year ~$4000 same mower this year, $1200.

To someone who collects, a Thomas drill might be a rare find while a user might see it as “hard to find parts for”. Then add in the features – double-disc openers most desirable, then singles, then hoes (usually). Wood spoked wheels look cool but require more maintenance compared to steel. And drill width. In the west it seems that smaller (6′ -8′) drills were less common than the 10s and 12s so a small drill might be worth more.

After all that, I’ll mention that I’ve seen junk (a pile of rusty metal with wood completely gone) listed at 2 or $300 and I recently saw a topnotch Hoosier 6′ or 7′ drill in almost museum quality condition for $400. So it’s all over the place.

Sorry can’t be more help.

[Marshall]

I don’t know if this helps any or not but here is my story. A few years ago I bought a McCormick Deering 11-7 wood wheels and no fertilizer box. It was usable but I still made some improvements. I paid $170 at an auction.

[near horse]

Hey Marshall – I think you could say you did alright at $170. As long as you didn’t have to rebuild the wheels. I always get mixed up – is 11-7 “11ft on 7in” or “7ft on 11in”? Just want to try and get it straight again.:confused:

[Marshall]

Geoff, It is 11 row on 7 inch spacing. I did have to get the wheels fixed but and Amish friend of mine fixed both of them for $40. I have to say I was very fortunate. I use it to plant 2 or 3 acres a year. Enough to have fun but not enough to wear it out.

[Author]

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