Buying Advice List to insure used compact is trouble free?

[johnandcaren]

Good day folks,
Going to buy a used "something" for 7 acres in Arkansas. Property is a mix. Trees, open, flat, hilly, moderate incline, rocks, etc. Very "unimproved" but we will build in 2011 and live there. Will use FEL, boxblade and bush hog.

So I'll look at used tractors. Examples: Kubota B2400 thats 10 years old for $9700 w/FEL, and used Kubota B2630 that is 3 years old with FEL and MMM for $13,500. Both low hours, but that doesn't tell the story.

Other than common sense, what would you "pro's" be looking hard at when considering a used unit.
Common sense says:
1. Drive it for ergonomics.
2. Steering tight?
3. PTO turn, any wine or sound from hydraulics?
4. How is a diesel supposed to sound? What is a "bad" sound?
5. Leaks
6. Rust
7. Do you check wheel bearings like on a car?
8. Do hydraulic hoses show age and wear? Any way to check?
9. Hydraulic fluid smell or look? Whats ok vs bad?

etc

Tks

PS - New Hollands are very attractive in ads/videos. Are they better than Kubota?

 

[JoeinTX]

Well, there's no list to follow that guarantees any tractor is without problems. Not all that different from buying a car in many respects.....some problems stand out at you while others can be buried deep inside the unit's machinery.

I will always search for obvious leaks and ask if the tractor is sitting where it is normally parked.....like to look for tell-tale sign of leaks that would be on the ground directly underneath it. Then check all fluids for sign of water, sludge, or indication of not being changed as it should be. Fluids generally just have that "smell" if they've gotten old or burnt. Bad sounds are knocks of any kind be it the engine, tranny, or PTO. In addition to sounds, you should be able to "feel" some problems: vibration in certain gears/speeds, levers or buttons that just don't seem to engage or operate smoothly, slack in the steering, clutch that feels spongy or ineffective, etc. Old hoses will show cracks or splits, obvious leaks.

Overall, just giving the machine a good once-over should give you an idea of how it was used and treated by the previous owner(s.)

As for New Holland vs. Kubota, it's 6 in one hand and half-a-dozen in the other. Both top line rigs just depending upon your own tastes, local dealer support, and the damage it'll do to the bank account.

 

[RoyJackson]

Good day folks,
Going to buy a used "something" for 7 acres in Arkansas. Property is a mix. Trees, open, flat, hilly, moderate incline, rocks, etc. Very "unimproved" but we will build in 2011 and live there. Will use FEL, boxblade and bush hog.

So I'll look at used tractors. Examples: Kubota B2400 thats 10 years old for $9700 w/FEL, and used Kubota B2630 that is 3 years old with FEL and MMM for $13,500. Both low hours, but that doesn't tell the story.

Other than common sense, what would you "pro's" be looking hard at when considering a used unit.
Common sense says:
1. Drive it for ergonomics.
2. Steering tight?
3. PTO turn, any wine or sound from hydraulics?
4. How is a diesel supposed to sound? What is a "bad" sound?
5. Leaks
6. Rust
7. Do you check wheel bearings like on a car?
8. Do hydraulic hoses show age and wear? Any way to check?
9. Hydraulic fluid smell or look? Whats ok vs bad?

etc

Tks

PS - New Hollands are very attractive in ads/videos. Are they better than Kubota?

A tractor should start easily and don't worry if you see a bit of smoke out the exhaust initially (for up to a few minutes). As far as how a "good" engines sounds...well, all diesels are noisy but you don't want any knocking noise down low).
Ergonomics are an individual thing...if you like the way it fits you, it's good ergonomics.
For the hydraulic hoses and other rubber, look for checking. Checking on the tires isn't problematic as long as the checking isn't too deep (you'll probably see some checking on the Kubota tires, BTW).
BTW, hydraulic leaks (pin holes) are dangerous...don't run your hand over the lines. Use cardboard.

Basically, if the tractor looks beat, it probably is. If it looks decent, then it's probably a decent machine. Faded paint doesn't necessarily indicate a beat tractor.

There's a multitude of posts and threads on used tractor buying. Do a Search on TBN (key word "Used Tractor" or similar) and read to your heart's content.

The two machines you wrote about would probably be a good fit for maintaining your 7 acres, but I doubt either is big enough to handle the initial clearing and clean up work.

 

[MarkV]

If you are new to tractors it is not uncommon for there to be some "whine" from a hydrostatic transmission.

MarkV

 

[beenthere]

Your best decision in my opinion is to check out the dealers in your area that you want to work with in your future. In your position, they will be your friend in need.
As to used, buy cheap if you want to but IMO again, there is a reason they are available and cheap (and you can figure that one out ).

I've had the same CUT since '98 and it has performed very well with no trouble yet. Finding them used is rare, and finding them cheap is more rare. They hold their value so even used they are a good investment.

Consider how easy it will be to sell what you buy now, as it may come to that if you don't like it.