How many hours is "heavily used"?

[2manyhorses]

Is 2500 hrs. the point where one would expect to start having problems?

 

[scott_vt]

Is 2500 hrs. the point where one would expect to start having problems?

Hi 2manyhorses,
Thats kind of a difficult question to answer without knowing how old the tractor is. Most CUT owners only use there tractor 50-100 hrs per year, so if your looking at a 5 yr old CUT then I would say that is quite a bit of use.

As far as having problems at a certain point, that would depend on the particular machine and how it was cared for and or maintained !

My Cut MF-1040 is a 1986, presently has 1450 hrs on it. Thats about 72 hrs per year. Thats about what I average on it since I owned it. Its a geared machine so it has a clutch, and that could be due for replacing at 2500, I really dont know for sure.

If you could offer a bit more info it would help to answer your question.

 

[2manyhorses]

It's a MF 1180, 4WD and we bought it used with 1900 hrs. in 2000. Not sure what year it is, but the serial #is 9084. Seems like we've had nothing but downtime on it the last 2 years and the front paddocks are neck high in some places! Considering a trade-in for a MF1552 with cab, but the local dealer wants $32k (less trade-in, whatever that ends up being)...ouch.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Is 2500 hrs. the point where one would expect to start having problems?

Depends on the type of tractor. Big AG tractor, lawn tractor?
Depends on the quality of the tractor.
Depends on the Maintance of the tractor.
Was it stored indoors?
Was it ridden hard and put up wet? Did the driver know what he/she was doing, or was the clutch smoking the engine lugging most of the time?

Way too many variables to answer your question, I fear.

Cliff

 

[scott_vt]

It's a MF 1180, 4WD and we bought it used with 1900 hrs. in 2000. Not sure what year it is, but the serial #is 9084. Seems like we've had nothing but downtime on it the last 2 years and the front paddocks are neck high in some places! Considering a trade-in for a MF1552 with cab, but the local dealer wants $32k (less trade-in, whatever that ends up being)...ouch.

Here is some info on your machine. What type of problems are you having and just curious do you have any pics ?

TractorData.com - Massey Ferguson 1180

 

[2manyhorses]

The MF 1180 is a 52hp, diesel. Ours has 4 WD. It was relatively well maintained since we got it in 2000 w/ 1900 hrs. We have had to replace a clutch, which I'll attribute to teaching the kids, and it is "housed" in a carport-like machinery shed. It did once have a mouse in the fuel line which we are still scratching our heads over.
Joan

 

[2manyhorses]

Hey Scotty,
Thanks, found the same page, but still haven't figured out how to determine the date by the serial # online. Will attempt to attach pic.
Joan

 

[2manyhorses]

one more attempt

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Is 2500 hrs. the point where one would expect to start having problems?

Depends....

On the tractor,

On the operator(s)

On what was done in those hours,

On what you call "problems",


I've seen tractors with 10,000 hours and still no more than maint. items, a battery every now and then, and set or 2 of tires.

I've seen tractors that are ruined in 100 hours.

I've got one with 3000 hours, one with 3800 hours, and another with 5400 hours that have had relatively few problems. (36 yr old, 27 yr old, and 29 yr old respectively) Had one that had 1800 hours when I sold it. Would have gave it away at one point.

Hard work doesn't always sound the death knell. In fact, a hard workout every now and then is actually GOOD for an engine. But 2 or 3000 hours on a batwing, mowing hi-way right of ways is tough on one.

Tilling the garden isn't hard on one. Plowing 1000 acres with a small tractor is.

Then you get to the operator. Tractors don't like to be a substitute for your old hot rod. They like gentle, loving care.

Some brands, more specifically, models with-in a brand, hold up better than others. Conversly, some don't last very long. I won't "name names" on that one.

Finally, what do you consider "problems"? Is a battery going bad a problem? Is a radiator hose leaking a problem? Or does it take something more critical, such as a clutch failing, or a head gasket to qualify as a problem?


I've nursed one tractor for 35 years this October. Another has been with me 27 years this past June. I've replaced belts, hoses, batteries, an alternator, a voltage regulator, a primary fuel "lift pump", a few light bulbs, wore out the paint on both, tires, lots of oil and filters, and a fuel gauge sending unit. Both check to with-in a hair of original compression, start like new ones, and are as dependable as the IRS wanting my money every year.

Depends.................

 

[scott_vt]

Well your machine doesnt look to be in bad condition. As FWJ has given you some very valid points on what can happen to a tractor if uncared for And likewise how many hours you can get out of a machine that is maintained. Looks like youve got the same loader on your machine as mine. I think its the MF-232 if I recall.