How do you test a used machine?

[helvit]

I noticed a BX1500 with FEL and 3 pt. hitch, 234 hours on the meter, on a lot with a dozen pieces of used landscaping machines and larger tractors. Closed today.

It's something I could use around my property of five acres, 75% woods. I have a good mower. The loader is the important part here.

Primary uses would be 1)cleaning up parts of the wooded area, scraping out some briar and other underbrush, piling downed branches, etc. 2) moving logs, soil, rocks, mulch, gravel 3) snow removal 4) having one to mess with after thinking about it for 33 years.

Is the tractor and FEL a good snow removal setup, for snows between 6 inches and the occasional 2 feet?? Drive area is gravel, pretty level, only about 75 feet long, opening up to a parking/turn around area about 35 X 35 feet. I've always done it with my trusty walk behind snowblower.


The "dealer" is new in that location. It was a JD dealership, now doesn't have any manufacturer affiliation. I don't see anything new for sale. So I have no great trust in or references for them.

If the price is good ($6000?), how do I go about sounding the machine out?

 

[helvit]

He's asking for 7500. Seems high, right?

 

[dex3361]

He's asking for 7500. Seems high, right?

May not be to far off the going price. I would go to BARLOW TRACTOR and see what they have in the used realm I bought a used BX1500 from him a little over a year ago. I gave $5500 for mine with a 54" MMM and a grill guard and it had 100 hours on it. Keep in mind I bought it at the saame time as a new larger tractor.

 

[TripleR]

As to your first question, it depends on the machine. If it is a pretty good sized tractor, I have my brother who is a mechanic check it out and if he wasn't available I would pay to have someone go over it and check for leaks, "patches" etc. On a BX1500, if you are already are an owner, you should be able to tell by looking at it, ie fluid levels/color, worn areas and all the functions, hoses, belts and such. If not, get a friend who is familiar with them to go with you. I have owned two BX models and think I could spot any problem areas as there really isn't a whole lot to them.

The BX1500 should do all the the tasks you mentioned quite well.

 

[thetooth]

i did a search at Tractor House and the pricing was not that out of line . it all depends on your area prices can vary by quite a bit . also you can try checking closed ebay auctions to try and gauge pricing .

if you Goggle Tractor Appraisal i found a link to Iron Search for a free appraisal that is catered toward your specific area .

good luck

 

[helvit]

Good to hear the price isn't out of line, because it looks exellent. But I never had one, so I'm stuck so far with common sense. All hoses and fittings look clean, grease attended to. I found two dipsticks-- one near the rear "oil" filler ( transmission) and one on the right side of the front axle. Fluids marking those sticks were midway bewteen the lines and so clear that I needed my glasses and a touch test to make sure it was there at all. So they were just recently changed and not run, I guess. I'll run it for 20 minutes or so and look again. And try and locate an online operator manual to read.

Didn't open the hood... the place was closed and I can get back. Felt a little like "tampering" with the man's goods. Bar-type tires look good, I can't judge the amount of wear. 234 hrs. No leaking fluid anywhere and it has sat right there in the lot for maybe a month. No ballast box. Just scratches on the bucket.

Other threds here mentioned the exposed transmission filter. Definitely needs a heavy skid plate there. Pretty complicated shape to get it properly bolted in place. 1 bend, at least two welded flanges, four holes drilled... or something else maybe. But a surprisingly rugged looking little thing, my wife is for it, and I ought to spring for it. So I guess the idea is to test operate it, listen, watch, move everything, put the bucket down and lift the front end ( I take it that pressure tests the hydraulics). I know some guys with tractors but their not great tractor mechanics either.

Bucket good enough for snow? Why bother with a snowblowing attachment?

Hey-- thanks.

 

[thetooth]

if you are buying from a dealer try and get some type of warranty even for 7 days . if the dealer is confident in their used product it should not be a problem . you may also try and get a "free" service out of them .

 

[thetooth]

Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar.

free appraisal

Official Farm Equipment Guide

here are the links . if this is not appropriate ( to link other sites ) i apologize and please delete .

 

[BXpanded]

I found two dipsticks-- one near the rear "oil" filler ( transmission) and one on the right side of the front axle. Fluids marking those sticks were midway bewteen the lines and so clear that I needed my glasses and a touch test to make sure it was there at all. So they were just recently changed and not run, I guess.

It's pretty normal for the hydraulic oil and front axle oil to be clear after many hours.

 

[dex3361]

If you start the BX1500 do not be alarmed if it shakes a lot at idle. these have a 2 cylinder diesel and all you have to do is bump up the throttle a bit. I would drive it around a little and see if the HST is smooth. Try out the PTO in the rear and also try out the MMM, it runs off of the mid PTO. Note how easy or hard it starts. I usually turn the key to the glow plug direction for a few seconds on cold start even if the temp is 70 degrees or better. Check the fluids before you start it up the rear diff dip stick is behind the seat. I would check the front axle oil as well.