Buying Advice Advice on used CK25 TLB

[KKempen]

I'm looking at the above tractor, and would like to confirm the approximate value. The machine seems clean, with the exception of a welded repair on one of the rear loader mounts. It has the 2375 backhoe, which is known for possible valve issues. The unit has 1100+ hours on it. I suspect since it has the 2375 BH, that it has the original loader with possible fracture problems.

In any event, the unit can be bought for 11K, which seems to be a good value, compared to everything else I've seen. One problem is that I'm relying on dealer pictures and description. (the tractor is 12 hours away)

Is this unit worth the asking price, or should I pass?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[KKempen]

I forgot to mention that the above tractor is an HST model.

 

[Gittyup]

I'd want to know more about the loader. Ask the dealer to remove the service plate and take closeup photos of all four corners. The ask him to take photos that would indicate how level the bucket is from side to side. If that looks OK, and it has the kit or you can get the dealer to put it on, then the price is pretty good. Hard to find TLB's for that price.

 

[wallace]

$11,000 for a 1,100 hour TLB the price looked good until you said there was welds.
I would be inspecting the loader mounting holes. Remember that the loader mounts to the housing and engine block, make sure there is no damage such as stripped out bolts or possibly even a cracked block or bell housing.
For that kind of money and hours I would suggest that you look at it in person or maybe see if a TBN member would go look at it for you.

 

[KiotiDave]

Hi K...
Can you post the pictures of this rig? It would help in our assessment.
A weld could be harmless or serious depending on why it needed the weld in the first place. A picture could be worth thousands of dollars.
Dave G.
KiotiDave

 

[KKempen]

Here are the 3 pics that I have. You can see the weld in the first photo, just below where the end of the loader lift cylinder meets the rear mounting bracket.

I asked the dealer to check all the loader mounting bolts to be sure there weren't any stripped, missing or that had cracked the castings. All bolts are present, and no sign of cracks. (He said they had inspected it carefully before they took it in.)

 

[Gittyup]

Where's the roll bar? I'd want that to be on there.

Don't know what to think of the weld. I have to wonder why it did that.

Tires look like they are hardly worn. Overall it's in real nice shape.

I'd still ask for photos under the access plate on the loader cross member.

 

[VictorW]

I too would want the top half of the roll bar. The weld looks like it's at the top part of the right receiver for the loader. I wonder how hard they hit something with the right side of the bucket to crack the reasonably stout steel. I imagine you could have a full load in the bucket, raise it high, and then drive on a slope to shift the weight to one side which may cause it to crack but then something else with the mounting of fel arms should have bent. I'd make sure as mentioned that the bucket is level and the fel arms are sitting parallel with the tractor. I'd get a warranty in case the right side fel mounting holes are cracked or stripped out as Wallace mentioned. Otherwise, it looks pretty good. Being it's an hst, I'd also pull the rear dipstick and take a look at the hydro oil. Don't forget to take it for a test drive and find a pile of dirt to give the fel and bh a test. I have a CK30hst with that fel and bh. No cracks on my fel yet as others have experienced and no problems with the bh valves after a minor fix when the bh was new.

 

[dfkrug]

Here are the 3 pics that I have. You can see the weld in the first photo, just below where the end of the loader lift cylinder meets the rear mounting bracket.

What jumps put at me (other than the missing ROPS) is:
> what a strange place for the FEL to need a weld
> what happened to the labels on the FEL boom? Repainted, maybe?
> where is the FEL joystick boot?
> is that an aftermarket seat? It sure does not look like mine.

Check the hoe subframe and how it connects to the hoe. Any cracks
or other issues?

 

[TBDonnelly]

The FEL folding/dropdown storage leg is missing on the same side as the weld.

Don