Used GC1715 -- what to look for?

[cglaser104]

Sorry no pics other than the dealer listing. That seemed like a good price to start at, if they will take it, have not heard yet. The asking price seemed too high after seeing the tractor in person and noting the service required to start using it.

One more question: does the Cat I 3-pt hitch have any limitations I need to be aware of?

My rear mower and blade both have side pins that are 32" apart. No issue there I would hope with spreading the side arms.

What I'm wondering about is my 4' aerator. Sitting on its stands, the side pins are 18" off the ground. Does the 3715 hitch have enough lift height to get it off the ground? I checked the height of the hitch against the length of my arm, just did the same with the aerator, I'd estimate there was maybe 1-2" difference.

Just want to be totally sure about this before it's too late...

Sub compacts have limited cat 1 systems. The limit is the up and down travel height. I sometime shorten the toplink to help lift an implement for travel and clearance purposes.

As for the front tires... They aren't like a car. Cars use double a arm which keeps wheel travel perpendicular to the ground where as a tractor has an axle with a center pivot. As it articulates the edges of the tires get warn. Also, steering pitches slightly when you turn on these machines and rounds the outer edges of the tires...again, perfectly normal stuff.

If you want I can grab pictures of my machine which has 300+ hours for comparison

 

[DMW]

That is a lot of paint worn off the operators platform for a 5 year old tractor.
Is there an issue with the left rear fender beside the ROPS mount?
Is the tire wear the same on both front tires, or only on one side?
Is it just the light causing the deformation?

 

[jima1]

That is a lot of paint worn off the operators platform for a 5 year old tractor.
Is there an issue with the left rear fender beside the ROPS mount?
Is the tire wear the same on both front tires, or only on one side?
Is it just the light causing the deformation?
View attachment 645538

Don't know what to say about the paint other than it has been sitting outside at the dealer (in the rain as you can see in the pics) for a while.

Both front tires were clearly worn on the outside edge, must be the lighting if it looks like only one in the pics. The sales mgr mentioned that might be caused by more work on pavement (e.g. plowing).

I would imagine the owner had used it more heavily at first when it was new, but not much the last year or two (was said be selling due to health preventing its use). Other than that I have no information about its history. The radiator cap was missing, there was electrical tape kluged over the hole -- that bothered me more than anything else, even though it's simple to repair. How do you lose a radiator cap? Do they break that easily?

Thanks for your reply, these are good things to consider pre-purchase.

 

[jima1]

If you want I can grab pictures of my machine which has 300+ hours for comparison

That would be great if they are convenient. Thanks.

 

[polarred21]

Sorry no pics other than the dealer listing.

I had seen this one on FB and wondered if it was the same one, it appears to be:

Loretta Hall - Great condition, low hours 25 HP 2�15... | Facebook

 

[cglaser104]

That would be great if they are convenient. Thanks.

I have 347hrs on this machine, tires are original and always kept to ideal inflation. Looking at the pictures on the listing you shared my guess is they saw a lot of time on pavement/hard surfaces which tear these tires up pretty quickly. I spend my time in lawn and dirt/mud(obviously as my machine needs a bath)

Also, the center of the rear pin fully raised is 23" with a standard cat 1 quick hitch attached would would have the same spacing for you and your cat 1 implements when attached.

1 item of note:. That GC1715 has a DL100 loader. Things like a SSQA and alternative front attachments are harder to come by for that loader. 2015 saw MF switch from DL100 to DL95, the DL95 has a yield of about 30% more lifting capacity than it predicesor the DL100. The DL100 would still be in line with kubota's usual lifting capacity for this size machine.

 

[jima1]

I had seen this one on FB and wondered if it was the same one, it appears to be:

Loretta Hall - Great condition, low hours 25 HP 2�15... | Facebook

Yes that does appear to be the same one, note the (now repainted) toolbox attached to the ROPS.

 

[jima1]

I have 347hrs on this machine, tires are original and always kept to ideal inflation. Looking at the pictures on the listing you shared my guess is they saw a lot of time on pavement/hard surfaces which tear these tires up pretty quickly. I spend my time in lawn and dirt/mud(obviously as my machine needs a bath)

Also, the center of the rear pin fully raised is 23" with a standard cat 1 quick hitch attached would would have the same spacing for you and your cat 1 implements when attached.

1 item of note:. That GC1715 has a DL100 loader. Things like a SSQA and alternative front attachments are harder to come by for that loader. 2015 saw MF switch from DL100 to DL95, the DL95 has a yield of about 30% more lifting capacity than it predicesor the DL100. The DL100 would still be in line with kubota's usual lifting capacity for this size machine.View attachment 645611View attachment 645612View attachment 645613View attachment 645614

Thanks for posting the pics, sounds like my aerator will be ok then. I'm with you, all grass, mud and gravel, no pavement here!

Your comment about loaders is helpful -- it was not obvious (to me) that going to the higher number model (DL100) is actually a step backwards. I don't have much loader work, though, so not concerned about the capacity. For me, it's probably more important to be able to take it off for mowing, and put it back on easily when needed -- any thoughts on that?

Everyone's input much appreciated.

 

[cglaser104]

It comes on and off in 5 minutes or less as you get proficient. The hardest thing for me to take on and off is the mid mount mower which wouldn't necessarily affect you with a rear mount unit. The process is the same on the DL100 and DL95... Put the leg stands out, use hydraulics to roll it out of the tractor mount and disconnect the hydraulic lines which are connected via quick connects for ease on/off operation.

 

[polarred21]

Well obviously it's a used machine that you are seeing a few issues with, probably normal wear. Does not look like a great effort to clean it up for sale, it is a tractor I guess.

Something to think about, with the current volatile market we are in, you may wait a little bit and find a real deal on a new one for just a little more money.