M8540

[Gomer pyle]

I have someone wanted to do some trading. He has a 8540 open station, 3 rear remotes, 4x4, with loader. It is sync-shuttle(I think). It has 3550 hours. I am interested in a tractor of this size, also, I will not put many hours on in a year(maybe 100). He dropped it off at the house today for me to look at. The loader is new, tractor was used without one until 6 months ago. The fluids all looked good, the filters had been changed earlier this year, and there was grease on the zerks. It looks like he kept up the maintance. The only thing that seemed off was the front/reverse lever, it was very stiff. Also, front tires are new and the rear are at least 75%
At this many hours, what are common things I need to look for? What is the longevity of the motor, hydro pumps, etc? Approximate value of tractor?

 

[big bubba]

so is it shuttle shift (requiring clutch) or hyd shuttle? big difference. 8 or 12 speed? as far as stiff reverser, it's probably the reverser cable that is sticking. my hyd shuttle became same way, had to have cable replaced, fairly big job. you might call a K service dealer & inquire if it can be lubed as is, doubt it. if it continues, it will affect fwd/reverse action. having a mechanic friend to look at the tractor would also be useful. if it is a sticking reverser cable, it's about a 1k job, might figure that in the price, or even take it to a dealer to look at for a fee.

does owner have a service log record? look at all the fluids, air filter, look for leaks. and test cond. of clutch, you don't want to replace that. 3500 hrs is getting up there, really depends on service. 1 previous owner, or more? & maybe do a search on the forum of what to look for purchasing used machine in general

if it checks out, you'll love the machine, big enough for about any job. with the exception of replacing the hyd shuttle cable, mine has been flawless. and pre Tier 4, that's big, a big demand for those. & maybe some pics,
having owned L & MX series previously, this is a heavy duty utility tractor in a class by itself...good luck

 

[Gomer pyle]

I believe it to be sync. Model number is M8540D(stamped on the frame). It is different than the 7060 hyd shuttle that I had. He is the second owner and does not have any service records. I did check the clutch and it seems good. I'll try to post some pics

 

[5030]

My preference is and always will be a hydraulic shuttle because it eliminates a weak point (and expensive to replace) dry clutch. The hydraulic shuttle uses an enclosed wet pack for travelling direction and they rarely wear out whereas a dry clutch will eventually need replacement and that entails a split.

Pretty hard to wear out the VTE Kubota engine, basically bulletproof even if abused.

Have well in the excess of 6000 hours on one of mine and it runs like a top.

The 'C' prefix in the serial number denotes a hydraulic shuttle. No C means it's a synchro shuttle and dry clutch.

 

[5030]

if it is a sticking reverser cable, it's about a 1k job, might figure that in the price

Actually, if it's an open station, the cable is pretty easy to access, Not so with a cab model unless you have hands the size of a mouse.

 

[Gomer pyle]

A few pics

 

[Gomer pyle]

The cable seems easy enough to access, probably have to drop the tank. I may try to lube it first.
4x4 works correctly, hi/low seems correct. PTO had a slight chatter noise when I engaged it at idle but went away, not sure if it is anything or the canopy(canopy made similar noises at other times). I did notice that the wait to start symbol and 4x4 light do not come on, have not checked fuses yet.

 

[dusty3030]

Solid looking tractor, doesn't look beat up. Those are well built utility tractors that you can still actually work on. Three remotes on the back plus the loader it's "loaded out" on hydraulics which is a bonus.
That was the last you could get before all the Tier 4 crap had to be added to them. Even if you have a few repairs here and there that is a desirable tractor.

 

[big bubba]

Actually, if it's an open station, the cable is pretty easy to access, Not so with a cab model unless you have hands the size of a mouse.

what i thought too on my open station. but you have to drop tank, etc, guess i could have done but i get good support from dealership so i had it done. everything's tight & tucked away

 

[5030]

If I pull the left hand tire and wheel and the fender, it is very accessable. You don't have to remove the saddle tank at all.