TC40 purchase doubts

Barthbill · Apr 11, 2012

I am considering buying a TC 40 that I saw for sale in a yard. The guy said he is selling it for a friend who took it in on a trade. I was pressed for time, and didn't inspect it more than a quicky. Since then, I have had a couple of conversations with him and have misgivings over a couple of things.

1. It has 3100 hours on the meter. Is that a concern with this tractor? This will be my first diesel, and I have no idea what the hours mean. He says it is an 04 model, so that is around 400 hrs per year. I will use it for occasional landscaping, once I get our new place shaped up, so it will not get a lot of use after the first year.

2. He looked for the ID plate under the left operator's platform (behind the step on the transmission), but could not find it. Said the rivets were rusty and the plate was gone. I can't imagine what would explain that, but there seems to be no way of telling what model or year it is.

The hood is marked TC 40, with no D or DA. It is a 4WD and does not have Supersteer, which goes along with the 16 LA front loader. It has the hydrostatic transmission.

Are there other locations where the information as to SN and Unit number? Are there pictures that could help me ID the year?

The price is a little under 10K. Is this a decent price?

the6shooter · Apr 11, 2012

Without an I.D. plate I would steer clear of that one. Too much hot equipment out there. but thats just me.
david

WM75Guy · Apr 12, 2012

I too would pass. The "I'm selling it for a friend" is code for plausible deniability when it turns out stolen, has a major mechanical problem, there is a lien or the friend is hiding and selling assets during a divorce.

jinman · Apr 12, 2012

The tractor is NOT a 2004. It is a TC40D model even though it does not have the label on the hood. Perhaps the hood was replaced with a TC40 hood or part of the decals was rubbed off. If the tractor has an HST transmission, it is a TC40D. The TC40DA models began production in October 2003 and were sold in 2004. The DA models all have pointy slanting headlights and the hood has no vent on top (easiest features to spot).

I agree with everyone here that this tractor has too many unknowns, even if it ran and looked perfect. My 2000 model tractor still has its plate right where it should be. I don't see how somebody could damage that plate and I sure don't see how the rivets would rust. The plate was removed for a reason. You could probably find an ID plate on the 16LA loader to use, but why? I'd bet this yard-salesman would tell you that there is no paperwork or sales contract available either. He won't even tell you where his "buddy" bought the tractor. This deal is screamin' at you to run as fast and far away as you can. Don't make yourself somebody's sucker. Find yourself another tractor is the best advice I can give.

nickel plate · Apr 12, 2012

This post made me go out and look at the riveted placard on my TC-40. It's been held on for the past ten years with four shiney rivets that possibly are plated-I too can't imagine all four failing at once.
Although mine is a standard model with the 12x12 transmission, I noticed that the transmission serial number (same as on the placard) is stamped nice and visible into the casing just about an inch aft of the placard. Don't know if the HSTs do the same thing. Would there be any traceability value using the stamped transmission serial number?

Dr_Zinj · Apr 12, 2012

Engine should have a serial number stamped on it; and the frame should also have a stamp on it. If the seller won't let you look for them, that's a red flag the tractor is hot; and I'd make a call to the cops about a suspected sale of stolen goods.