Looking at used options...opinions on L4400dt or M5040

[bossgobbler]

I am still weighing my options and trying to get what I need for the best price. Right now I am looking at a used L4400 with loader for $15825.00 delivered from an individual. It has 996 hours. Also in the mix is a 2007 M5040 with loader for $17k without a delivery cost. It has 450 hours. Have not seen either machine in person. One is in northern Illinois and about 525 miles. The other is in Kentucky and 350 miles away. I don't have any experience buying from distance on something like this. Is there any usual procedure on buying without seeing it? ....Can I ask them to deliver it and if its not as advertised I will pay for shipping but not buy? Any opinions on which tractor to go with as we'll as buying without seeing are appreciated. Thanks!

[newbury]

I am still weighing my options and trying to get what I need for the best price. Right now I am looking at a used L4400 with loader for $15825.00 delivered from an individual. It has 996 hours. Also in the mix is a 2007 M5040 with loader for $17k without a delivery cost. It has 450 hours. Have not seen either machine in person. One is in northern Illinois and about 525 miles. The other is in Kentucky and 350 miles away. I don't have any experience buying from distance on something like this. Is there any usual procedure on buying without seeing it? ....Can I ask them to deliver it and if its not as advertised I will pay for shipping but not buy? Any opinions on which tractor to go with as we'll as buying without seeing are appreciated. Thanks!

There are services which will review the tractor, check with Iron Planet, but the general thing is you buy it you own it. If you buy it from Barlows or some other very reputable dealer you should have no problem.

I bought my B7610 package (trailer, tractor, box blade) from 200 miles away based on CL, pics, and some serious talking. I drove down, was satisfied, towed it home. MY cost, besides time, was about $120 for fuel.

I bought my M4700 from about 50 miles away. I had to rent a trailer (~$75) and fuel cost about $40. To get a service to tow it for me was going to be about $200 for the 50 miles.

If you CAN get a promise that you can

ask them to deliver it and if its not as advertised I will pay for shipping but not buy?

expect to pay shipping both ways, which may run $1K or more. But if it's an individual and you only pay for fuel (not labor, wear and tear etc) it would be a lot less.

Do you at least have a lot of pics? If so post some.

[TripleR]

My preference would be the M Series, much more tractor.

[bossgobbler]

If I do purchase without seeing it in person should I expect to pay a down payment? One individual is asking for $3000 down on the $15825. I really worry about paying up front then nothing coming my way.

[tcreeley]

There are scams going- pay 1/2 down, rest on delivery. Of course the tractor never shows up and you are out 1/2 the cost. I would take the time to go see it - see if there really is a tractor there to buy. They do it with horse trailers as well.
I've seen it on Craigs list, and other sales forums. Always a really good deal and some simple explanation for the sale- divorce etc..

[Notforhire]

My preference would be the M Series, much more tractor.

Agree, M series hands down.

Unless I felt I could really trust the dealer, I would go see it myself.
If it's too far a drive, then only look closer to home.

[MtnViewRanch]

Agree, M series hands down.

Unless I felt I could really trust the dealer, I would go see it myself.
If it's too far a drive, then only look closer to home.

Exactly, if you are not comfortable, then don't do it. Best thing is to go and look at it, be ready to bring it home. If you are not comfortable with that much cash on you, then see if a branch of your bank is close by so that you can make the transaction there. I have bought tractors from 3000 and 650 miles away. Zero problems.

Oh, and forget the L series. You will be waaaaaay happier with the M.

Just my

[newbury]

If I do purchase without seeing it in person should I expect to pay a down payment? One individual is asking for $3000 down on the $15825. I really worry about paying up front then nothing coming my way.

Look at that $3000 as a potential education expense.
It reads like a scam. Where does the average person come up with a number like $15825?

Call Barlows.

[TripleR]

Have you considered checking with a TBN member in the areas to at least verify their existence. I referred a member to another member in mid Missouri who checked a tractor out for him which he bought the best I remember; forgot who it was though.

[bossgobbler]

The 15825 came from the tractor at 15300 and 525 to ship. I am leaning toward not going with that tractor. It is listed in the classifieds on the Kubota forum. I think it's called orangetalks. Unless someone here knows the guy. I may talk to him about delivering without me paying anything down. There is bound to be some thing closer. In fact, I am kind of leaning toward the m5040 in ky or going with a reputable dealer. Thanks again for the advice to everyone who has chimed in. Also considering the 0% finance on a new L4600. But, I like the idea of the m5040 power, weight, and loader.