Hours vs Miles

[boggen]

a tractor is a multi purpose unit. it greatly depends on what it has been used for. if it has a FEL (front end loader) with say bail spike or general duty bucket on the front. vs no FEL with just a finishing mower on it, vs no FEL with plow, disc, plants being pulled behind it, vs... etc... etc... etc...

an hour meter, gives an idea how long the engine has been on and running. and if talking to a single owner tractor. can get a better idea of what the tractor was used for. in attempt to figure out what might be more worn down.

hour meter is only part of the overall notation. hour meter to me = when i need to do oil changes, air filter checks, etc.. granted buying a used tractor. and not knowing the last owner/owners schedule and maintenance intervals is a different story.

 

[bdeboer]

Another thing to consider is that some hour meters increment based on engine RPM. Therefore a tractor turning 1500 RPM running a loader all day will not increment the hour meter as fast as a tractor turning a mower at 2500 RPM all day.

Something I would consider if knowing how the tractor was used.

 

[oldnslo]

Is this a lawn mower / CUT or a farm tractor?

I used to figure that 500 hrs per year on my farm tractors was what I needed to justify owning them. This was in the 70's and early 80's. Not sure with todays prices what the hours per year should be for ownership.

My tractors didn't always look pretty but they where always maintained so looks can also be some what deceiving. Had neighbors that would wash there equipment before storing it but oil was something you only washed off and didn't change.

You may to dig a little deeper than the hour meter.
Does it look like drain plugs have been removed?

Are the oil filters still original.

Is there still paint on the grease fittings?

etc..

Roy