Buying Advice Is there a checklist for buying a used tractor?

[KiwiBro]

Have been looking at new and used, approximately 50HP tractors. There is quite a difference in pricing and occasionally there is a used, reasonably low hours tractor going for what seems like a great deal compared to new, but warranty coverage means heaps to me so it would have to be a great discount on new to justify buying used.

Some of these used tractors may be local and some are hundreds of miles away, which complicates matters somewhat.

Is there a generic checklist of things to inspect on every tractor, and are there some more brand/model specific things to check? If I can't get there in person to check, has anyone hired a local (to the tractor) tech to inspect on your behalf?

I've narrowed down the search to new or used:

Kubota MX5100 HST or shuttle (my needs are so varied that either a shuttle or hst transmission would be fine)
Kioti DK55


Is there a generic checklist please and what on each of these tractors would your good selves consider should get extra attention during an inspection?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I hope this will be the last tractor purchase I have to make for many years to come.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Have been looking at new and used, approximately 50HP tractors. There is quite a difference in pricing and occasionally there is a used, reasonably low hours tractor going for what seems like a great deal compared to new, but warranty coverage means heaps to me so it would have to be a great discount on new to justify buying used.

Some of these used tractors may be local and some are hundreds of miles away, which complicates matters somewhat.

Is there a generic checklist of things to inspect on every tractor, and are there some more brand/model specific things to check? If I can't get there in person to check, has anyone hired a local (to the tractor) tech to inspect on your behalf?

I've narrowed down the search to new or used:

Kubota MX5100 HST or shuttle (my needs are so varied that either a shuttle or hst transmission would be fine)
Kioti DK55


Is there a generic checklist please and what on each of these tractors would your good selves consider should get extra attention during an inspection?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I hope this will be the last tractor purchase I have to make for many years to come.

View attachment 377800

I went with the MX 5100 shuttle shift, 4wd, fel, and loaded tires. This tractor is a beast, and performs like a much bigger tractor. Lots of 3 pt hitch lift, fel lifting, and pulls like a mule. It is very hilly here in SW Virginia, and with loaded wheels the tractor is very stable. The gear driven also gives you the power of a traditional farm tractor with the ease of the shuttle. I guarantee you will be impressed with the MX .

 

[RoMad]

Just a few from me.
With front end loader look at the bucket. If they beat the bucket hard they probably beat the rest of the tractor.
Has it been repainted. I would rather see tractor in as is condition than covered up.
Grease. Does it look like it has been greased a lot or hardly ever.
Ask them how often they change the oil. Then ask what kind of oil they use. They should know.
What did they use the tractor for. Light use or really worked it hard.
Drive it and see how it operates. (I know you said some are a long way off, I wouldn't spend that much money on a used tractor without testing it out unless it was at a reputable dealer.
How long did present owner own it and have they had any issues. (some will fib to you but it doesn't hurt to ask.
What comes with it.