2006 4720 - Is 2,000 hours too much?

[Yamezz]

I'm looking at a 2006 model 4720 with about 2,000 hours. What's the life expectancy of one of these tractors? Is 2,000 hours at the end of its life? Half way through? Thanks.

 

[paulharvey]

The county that at I used to work for had an in house fleet shop. They figured 175,000 miles for gas, 300,000 for diesel, 10,000 hours for diesel over 100 hp; 6000 hours for a diesel below 100 hp. Somewhere around those points they figured a machine started costing too much to repair.

Do, basically your looking at a 33% used up machine. Sure, some might die at 4500 hours, others might go 12,000 hours, but for a light diesel, that probably wouldn't be worth a rebuild, 6000.

 

[LoudonNH]

It depends on how well the tractor has been maintained.

If it's been used commercially, it might have a Power-Reverser transmission. As a homeowner's tractor, it might be more apt to have the eHydro transmission, which in my opinion has a much longer lifespan when the hydraulic oil and filters are changed periodically, at least every 500 hours.

2,000 hours is a lot on a tractor that hasn't been well-maintained. On the other hand, it's just broken-in if it's been cared for.

Depending on what the tractor's been used for, you may find signs of excessive wear or abuse. I would look for cracks or missing pieces of cast iron at the rear of the machine and leaks at the front axle and underside of the tractor. The motor should be clean. I would expect the seller to have documentation of engine oil and filter replacements and other repairs to provide with a well-maintained tractor.

If the tractor has a loader you should cycle it through its functions several times. It should respond very quickly no matter how many hours, especially an eHydro model. The loader's pins are apt to be a little loose, depending on how much loader work the tractor has been used for.

If you really want to get serious, you can send fluid samples for analysis through your John Deere dealer or any truck stop like T/A for example.

Good luck! The 4720 is a great machine and packs a lot of power for its size.

 

[RoyJackson]

The 2006 4720 series tractors used a Deere manufactured engine (2014 4x20 series machines use a Yanmar engine).
Both Deere and Yanmar build outstanding engines and one can expect well in excess of 5000 hours on either brand...if maintained (regular oil/filter changes and valve adjustments).
If the tractor is in good shape, I expect you'll get you'll get many years service out of it. But, like any used equipment (or vehicle), give it a good look over before putting your money down.

 

[Yamezz]

Thanks guys. I'll go have a look at it in person.

 

[deanwerden]

When I bought my tractor I talked to yanmar the guy told me they will go 5000 hours at rated. I've got 230 now so don't think I have to worry for a while

 

[Yamezz]

Just to wind up this thread: I looked at the tractor, and decided it wasn't worth the risk. Turns out it was actually a 2005 model, The filter still has 1,267 hours written on it (machine had done 2,030) and it had seen hard use. The 4x4 was stuck in engaged mode and the diff was running super hot. Both the tractor and the implements it came with had never seen a day under cover. Still, I'm happy I went to look at it - more knowledge for the future.

 

[wmonroe]

Probably a good choice, sounds like they weren't big on maintenance.

 

[Nativewolf]

The county that at I used to work for had an in house fleet shop. They figured 175,000 miles for gas, 300,000 for diesel, 10,000 hours for diesel over 100 hp; 6000 hours for a diesel below 100 hp. Somewhere around those points they figured a machine started costing too much to repair.

Do, basically your looking at a 33% used up machine. Sure, some might die at 4500 hours, others might go 12,000 hours, but for a light diesel, that probably wouldn't be worth a rebuild, 6000.

Very nice rule of thumb Mr PH. Thanks for that. I'm looking at a 6410 with 104HP and 1600 hours, seems light on the hours to me (2000 model) but I'll take a look on Friday morning. Wish I had a better idea of what else to look for. Just reading the forums (which are fantastic) I see lots of small but irritating electrical issues so I guess I'm going to have to test each function carefully and let the relays/wiring/fuses/ solenoids heat up.

 

[RollingsFarms]

You don't have to be done highly skilled mechanic or know-it-all to spot a piece of junk. The looks of a machine and your gut will tell you all you need to know.