Purchasing a 3320, questions & concerns

[Martian]

Martian Tractorman,

Thanks for the reply. I really don't know how many hours I will be putting onthe tractor. I guess I will be putting on a 100 hrs/year on the tractor. Its hard to guess. This year I have a mile or two of fencing I need to put up for beefs cows hopefully using a hydraulic post driver.

I think the 0% is for either 48 or 60 mos but I will question it right now. I would love the cab that way I can store outside for this year and not have to worry about getting on a ice cube in the winter but it is for the most part way out of budget for us right now but hopefully will be in the budget for a future 4000 or 5000 series purchase.

I completely understand that - I've made that reasoning multiple times now - but the next will definitely be cabed.

I didn't realize you were going with the 72 months - 2.9% sounds reasonable then.

New is nice and that way you can get exactly what you want but the used will suit you fine. I'd be leaning new because of the warranty and knowing who else ha used it and how it's taken care of (no one in this case vs an unsure service record.)

 

[hamdog]

Martian TractorMany,

I agree with you 100%, the hard part is talking the wife into spending an extra $8k-$9k on a new one...hahaha. I'm very particularly in maintaining everything I own. That is why the salesman made me really think about it over the wknd. He know I would be questioning the used purchase.

Sunnyside 360, you are correct, thank you!


Is there really any tests or visual inspection you can do to make sure the machine was maintained like it should? I could have the dealer contact the gentlemen who previously owned the tractor to see if he can give an accurate maintenance schedule of the tractor. But then again its word of mouth.

 

[Martian]

Martian TractorMany,

I agree with you 100%, the hard part is talking the wife into spending an extra $8k-$9k on a new one...hahaha. I'm very particularly in maintaining everything I own. That is why the salesman made me really think about it over the wknd. He know I would be questioning the used purchase.

Sunnyside 360, you are correct, thank you!

Is there really any tests or visual inspection you can do to make sure the machine was maintained like it should? I could have the dealer contact the gentlemen who previously owned the tractor to see if he can give an accurate maintenance schedule of the tractor. But then again its word of mouth.

I bought a 3120 3 years ago, went through the same thing. I bought new then. Right now I'm upgrading to a 110 tlb for a little more power but am looking used because I'd be saving a lot more. But I am like you I have to keep my stuff clean and well maintained.

I'd for sure ask to talk to the original owner. You can just size up if he's the type to take care or not. It is just word of mouth but it makes me more comforted to know who owned it. Even a large company vs a homeowner.

Be sure to check the hoses, tires, look at the engine. They can do an oil check for you as well to see if it is good and has been replaced recently. Be sure to drive it too. Test everything. Ask for a 60 day warrantee as well.

 

[Johndeere3720]

If he kept it up like they said he did then it should be a tight machine. My Dad and I (well mostly me) put 1200 hours on his 3720 since 2005 and used it daily to feed horses. That tractor never had a problem, always ran great, operated smoothly. I love to maintain equipment, so I always kept up on the grease and always made sure it had the right amount of fluids. He recently sold it and is planning to upgrade in the near future. I would check all the fluid levels, make sure there are no loose pins, inspect the underside for any damage, test drive it, and then you shall be able to decide whether it is the tractor for you or not.

 

[hamdog]

I test drove it, crawled all over it. It is clean, no scratches. The original owner is a 72 year old farmer who has 40 head dairy farm. He used this tractor everyday for sawdust and feed. It was always kept under cover and supposedly the dealer knows him well and he maintains all his equipment, now how regularly he maintained it is unknown. The only reason he traded it in was becuse the dealer had a 2007 3320 with a cab with 350hrs on it. He wanted a cab, so he took the loader off his put it on the cabbed tractor. I should have jumped on the cab tractor but was to late.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

As someone who originally purchased a new 2008 O/S 3320 and then decided Cab was the way to go - if I lived in Vermont - seriously consider how to go with Cab in the first place. A/C in the summer is sooo nice and since we still have green grass, haven't had a chance to check the heater operation.

Based on prior experience freezing my butt off with the O/S I'm almost looking forward to some snow.

FYI - for comparison, the 2007 I purchased came with 253 hours, eHydro, Cab, 300CX FEL, Rear Snow Blower, Backhoe for $27,500 this spring.

 

[Martian]

I do agree with Cinder though, you may be able to find a good used with a cab for a decent price. But then we are back in the same situation so I'd still be leaning towards new and when your ready to start farming get a 5085m with a cab.

 

[hamdog]

I do agree with Cinder though, you may be able to find a good used with a cab for a decent price. But then we are back in the same situation so I'd still be leaning towards new and when your ready to start farming get a 5085m with a cab.

The decision does not get any easier.......ahahaha. Its such a tough decisiong. It took me almost 6mos to figure out the size tractor I needed for my first purchase. I wonder how long it will take me to figure out if I want to purchase new or used and whether or not I need a cab.....lol.

I agree a cab is nice, really nice. But I don't have a problem dealing with the cold or heat. I think being 26 years old and an avid outdoorsman helps me deal with the weather hahah. The only issue I will have this winter with an open station is the fact I do not have a shed or lean-to to put the tractor under,but will be building one this spring. I might be able to deal without one for one winter...haha.


Thanks everyone for all the information. You all have been more than helpful. Thank you!

 

[sunnyside360]

Is there really any tests or visual inspection you can do to make sure the machine was maintained like it should? I could have the dealer contact the gentlemen who previously owned the tractor to see if he can give an accurate maintenance schedule of the tractor. But then again its word of mouth.

I always felt that if equipment is in very good condition on the outside it's a good indication that the previous owner maintained it properly. I'm sure there are exceptions but........
I'd ask the dealer for the owners name. I have done this and I've had others call me about my trade-ins.

 

[Martian]

As sunnyside said MOST of the time that it's cosmetically good it will be well taken care of. 750 hours definitely isn't near it's end of life of a well taken care of - it has thousands of hours to go. I wouldn't be afraid to buy the used if its in good shape but I'd feel more comfortable new - but saving a lot of $$$ is a good thing in my book. Go try out the used one and see how it goes.