Advice on buying used

[Ken P]

Folks - I'm working on my first tractor purchase, and like many before me, I'm looking at used. However, I'm a little nervous about handing over thousands to someone I don't know and just driving away, especially if it's at a distance from where I live.

So, I'm hoping for some tips about buying used, how to make sure I get a good machine and so forth. What should I be looking for on the machine itself (aside from the obvious like does it run smoothly). And, do folks usually do this with a simple personal check, or any other arrangements to protect both buyer and seller?

If it matters any, I'm looking for something in the 25+hp range to use for general landscaping on my 6 acres and to snowblow my 300' driveway.

At the moment I'm looking at at a CL ad: Kubota B7500 4x4 Loader/Backhoe + Snow Blower & Box Blade! Any comments on this deal?

Thanks for all advice to a newbie -

Ken Platt
Granby, CT

 

[/pine]

If you can afford the time I would keep shopping...$15,500 IMO is $3k-$4k too much...even if the machine is worthy and honestly advertised...

I would visit all the nearby dealers and have them take your name and number for traded in machines when they become available...

I shopped for 3 years and was glad I passed on several machines I originally thought were right for my needs...

 

[buck12]

I bought used from an individual. I have friend that is a deere mechanic (i bought a Mahindra) go look at tractors that I was serious about. I had never owned a diesel before and afriad I might not catch something. I would think you could offer a good tractor mechanic $50 to $100 to look over a tractor for you. I know my buddy saved me from one possible headache. It was a deere tractor. When I called him and gave the model number and number of hours he said that model had transmission problems but that the price was good and that we would go look at it. The first thing he did was crawl under the tractor and pointed out the orange sealant meaning the transmission had been split. I passed on that "deal" and found a good deal on Mahindra a couple of months later. The Mahindra passed the deere mechanic's inspection. Do your homework to determine a fair price for your area.

 

[aczlan]

If you are looking for a 25+HP machine, the 21 engine and 17 PTO HP B7500 will be a little lacking.


Aaron Z

 

[Redgoatea]

Shop shop shop around and then shop some more. I spent about seven months looking for a new tractor. At one point I swore if I saw another tractor for sale I'd smash something. Then I got past that point and kept shopping. Found exactly what I needed in great shape very low hours and a good price.

The more you shop the more you learn and that will save you countless time and money later. 7

 

[flusher]

Folks - I'm working on my first tractor purchase, and like many before me, I'm looking at used. However, I'm a little nervous about handing over thousands to someone I don't know and just driving away, especially if it's at a distance from where I live.

So, I'm hoping for some tips about buying used, how to make sure I get a good machine and so forth. What should I be looking for on the machine itself (aside from the obvious like does it run smoothly). And, do folks usually do this with a simple personal check, or any other arrangements to protect both buyer and seller?

If it matters any, I'm looking for something in the 25+hp range to use for general landscaping on my 6 acres and to snowblow my 300' driveway.

At the moment I'm looking at at a CL ad: Kubota B7500 4x4 Loader/Backhoe + Snow Blower & Box Blade! Any comments on this deal?

Thanks for all advice to a newbie -

Ken Platt
Granby, CT

Got any real need for that backhoe? If not, you'll save yourself several thousand bucks.

That B7500 is the same size as my first tractor, a Kubota B7510HST, 21 hp engine, 17 hp pto--a little undersize for your stated hp requirement.

A well maintained tractor should have service records--see if the owner can provide these. Look at the maintenance schedule in the operator manual to see if there are any notations regarding date of servicing.

You need a bill of sale. Here's what I use when I buy pre-owned tractors and implements.



My purchases are generally less than $3K so the deal is usually cash in full.
You probably will need one or several cashiers checks and maybe a personal check to cover the balance--assuming that you plan to negotiate the price after you inspect and test drive the tractor. If you really want that backhoe, be sure to test it thoroughly including a little digging before purchase.

 

[brucew44guns]

A very wise man wrote once "Don't be afraid to walk away from any deal". He was referring to "car" deals, but those words of advise could apply to most anything. There's lots of deals everywhere, but I find that when I shop around awhile, exercise some patience, talk to experienced people who can inform me, then I often am blessed with a better item than I thought I was going to get, and enjoy an excellent price as well. For 15K it is important to be very glad in your heart that you did it. Patience is a virtue, that will reward you, so look and shop, you will probably know the right move to make when it pops up.

 

[hawkeye08]

We bought used from the Kubota dealer, paid with a personal check. Good advice above about taking a mechanic. I suggest establishing your budget, then start making the list of must have, need to have, nice to have, don't want and would never have. Once you start to narrow your search, your budget will guide you as you run down your requirements.

In this age of internet and CL, you have to have done your homework ahead and then if you see the deal you like, you can act quickly and confidently.

For example,
We wanted Kubota, FEL, hydro, "L" size. We did not want the B or BX size (great tractors, just not what we wanted/needed). We would have liked to have a backhoe and cab, but when looking at Ls, we quickly found those things pushed it out of our budget.

If buying used, remember to account for taxes (we paid sales tax at dealer) as appropriate. Many times, buying private avoids those taxes (I am not giving tax advice).

If you are mechanically inclined, you might be able to get one with more hours and feel comfortable, otherwise, budget one with lower hours (and there are no guarantees that it will not break).

 

[TripleR]

Very good advice provided and about all I can offer is to concur. I have been around tractors all my life and still don't feel comfortable buying something without having it checked by my brother who is a mechanic. I bought one from my local dealer after viewing the service history and driving it, but I trust my dealer.

You can weed some of the "possibles" by checking oil leaks/weeping, checking fluids and machine/component operation and anything noticed while driving.

If you have no experience, go drive a new one or one of known good condition to see/feel how they are supposed to sound/function.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Some very good advice in this thread.

When buying ANY machinery or vehicle used, once the size and type have been determined, always remember the top three criteria for selection:

1. condition
2. Condition
3. CONDITION

Check all fluids, try to determine if it is using oil or has any leaks and operate EVERY control or accessory on the machine to make sure everything is in good working order. Listen for noises and feel for vibrations or other tell tale signs.

If you're not a mechanic hire one, preferably one with lots of experience with that particular breed.

You can do quite well with used equipment if you select it carefully and start out with it in good "condition."