is 2500 hours a lot...

aczlan · Apr 5, 2011

I would get good pictures, study them and make a checklist of things to look at. Then when I went to look at the machine would be with your friend, his truck, his trailer and a pocketful of cash.

Aaron Z

bigbull338 · Apr 5, 2011

check that tractor over as good as you can $8000 sounds way to high to me.i do know id make him an offer if you really like it.

Soundguy · Apr 5, 2011

JDdude said:
5-600 hrs is my limit when buying used..That is just me.. But then it cost you more money and if you are not a mechanic it gets tougher...

500-600 isn't even broke in good yet.

I'd consider any thing under 1000 hrs still breaking in..even a compact..e tc.

nowabout 3000-4000 on a mid size diesel I consider well used.. say up to 45 hp and 2x that for 50-70hp.. and up to 3x that for stuff up from 80-150 etc.

soundguy

JDdude · Apr 5, 2011

Soundguy said:
500-600 isn't even broke in good yet.

That is the best way to buy one IMO..Let the depreciation hit be taken and have a very good unit. Spending more can save you more sometimes.

scott_vt · Apr 5, 2011

Good Evenin VTsteader,
Andews post was excellent, he covered the bulk of the important stuff !

Like he stated, dont be overly concerned with what that hour meter is reading, check all the essentials, on appearance and wear and engine performance...

The price sounded a bit high to me but you are getting a backhoe, real handy thing to have... maybe some dickering is in order !

I bought my diesel in 2004 with 1300 hours on it, Im only at 1600 or so now, so I guess Im not using it much more than 50 hrs a year...

So far no big issues, good luck with your decision, lots of tractors out there, so dont get overly fixated on one machine !!!

VTsteader · Apr 5, 2011

Well, I checked it out and everything seemed to run fine but the sheet metal was kind of busted up, grease fittings were caked up with old grease, it was low on oil and there was a small leak on one of the backhoe cylinders. All in all it was o.k. but not worth my $7500. That's as low as he'd go. Too much of a risk all things considered, on to the next rig... The experience of looking it over was worth the trip, tractors are sweet machines, can't wait to get on my own! Thanks again for all the tips, hopefully someday I'll be able to pass on some wisdom.

Scott, know of anything for sale around you? I'm just down the road in Sandgate!