Duty life of a sub compact

gunner76 · Apr 4, 2017

I'm looking at getting a sub compact for mowing and snow removal but dont' know if I want to spend the money on a new machine. I've been looking at used and I've found some really clean older models that have anywhere from 400-1000hrs on them. If taken care of what is the expected life cycle of the engine/drivetrain on the smaller Deere tractors with the 3cyl Yanmar engines? I've been looking at older 2210 and newer 1 series tractors.

kevin37b · Apr 4, 2017

At least 5000 hrs, depending on maintenance .

jenkinsph · Apr 4, 2017

Maintenance is the key, when buying used you have to hope/decide whether the tractor has been taken care of. How hard has the tractor been used? Some people try to make a 20 hp tractor do the work of a much larger tractor and that can greatly affect the life expectancy. When I have bought used tractors I look for something that appears to have been well taken care of. I would not be concerned about 400 to 1000 hrs but would expect to reduce the cost for those hours by x amount of money. I don't see engine repairs being more costly than other repairs on a tractor.

RNeumann · Apr 4, 2017

A fire engine is about the worst thing an engine can see- cold starts, hard running, short trips etc. They have both hour meters and odometers. 10,000hrs is about 100,000 miles. Over that and they start to see "issues" like transfer cases, pumps and head gaskets.

I agree with the post above with regards to 5000 hrs. I'm betting the typical machine would have good life left in the motor, drivetrain and hydraulic system.

The other thing you want to check is play in the FEL pivot points. Those could all be repaired/replaced but the cost should be factored.

DennisH · Apr 4, 2017

I have a 1998 JD 870 I bought used in 2010 with 742 Hrs on the hour meter that didn't work. I have used this tractor since than and it has never failed to start, doesn't smoke and keeps on ticking.

jenkinsph · Apr 4, 2017

DennisH said:
I have a 1998 JD 870 I bought used in 2010 with 742 Hrs on the hour meter that didn't work. I have used this tractor since than and it has never failed to start, doesn't smoke and keeps on ticking.

And still only has 742 hours.

4570Man · Apr 4, 2017

My b7200 has minimum 1300 hours and is still going strong. I think the previous owner did maintenance pretty well, but it's still had a hard life

BrokeFarmerJohn · Apr 4, 2017

My 4320 had 835 hours on it when I bought it, I feel it's just now broke in lol. Everything works perfectly and is smooth.

My dads 445 JD with the liquid cooled Kawasaki had just over 1000 hours on it and has only been in the shop once for a deff lock rod seal going into the rear, $10 seal but a SOB to get to lol. It's a 2-3k engine in the 445.

So I would agree with the 5k hour rule, on my family farm they have many machines with over 15k hours on them but when your putting 200h a season on them it adds up fast.

I'm currently averaging 35h a year on my 4320, at that rate I have 155 years before I'm at 6k hours lol. Unless your a farmer you really should only go threw 1 maybe 2 machines in your lifetime. I'm 26 and don't think I will wear out my 4320 in my lifetime, it's a tractor I will have to pass on. That is as long as I can still get parts for it.

DennisX495 · Apr 4, 2017

jenkinsph said:
And still only has 742 hours.

Yep, I bought a new instrument panel 2 years ago and haven't been able to get the steering wheel off to change it out. I'm declaring war on that steering wheel this weekend.

PILOON · Apr 4, 2017

Friends B7100 has probably some 7000 hrs on it, looks rather battered but is like the old Timex, just keeps on ticking along.
A bonus on older ones is that none have computers or tier 3/4 needs to feed.
I do suggest if you purchase a 'pre owned' unit that you dump ALL fluids and change ALL filters so as to start off on a known basis for your maintenance.
And remember grease is your best friend, like every 10 hrs of usage!