kIdentifying tractor hours IF the tach is busted

[msjanket]

I've been part of this dance where you want to take the word of the tractor seller but you know he's trying to baffle you by falsifying actual tractor hours.
Are there other ways to size up tractor hours and cumulative usage patterns that don't involve the tach? What would be a fair and decent way to determine if various components that are accessible have had usage beyond the hours on the tach? You don't want to insult the owner, but you don't want to go home with a Sunkist lemon, either.

 

[MIKE R]

Look at the clutch, brake, throttle petals and see how much wear they have on them. If it is a older tractor they will be made from most likely checker plate. See if there is spots on them warn more then other spots. Also look at the grips on the platform and paint on the 3 point hitch lever. It takes a fair bit of use to were the paint off with your bare hands.

 

[MBTRAC]

When buying S/H low hours is fine, but hour meters can be stopped/bypassed/replaced, so more importantly judge hours relative to the overall tractor condition - &, even if you know, ask the owner to show you where to check all the filters, fluids/lubricant points (including all the grease zerk, they should signs of regular greasing), it's a sure thing if he doesn't know the tractor has had scant maintenance..... similarly a fresh paint job can hide a multitude of sins.......& excessive panel damage is usually a sign the tractor has been abused.

Tractors if properly maintained/serviced (look for records/receipts of servicing/purchasing of maintenance components ) & used within their size capabilities should be ok for 4000-5000hrs easily (& many more hours) without major rebuilds - I've had sub25hp's acheive 6500+ & still going strong, I've also bought s/h "good" 150hp+ tractors with over 7500hrs, conversely I've seen one owner "new" tractors trashed by "weekend" amateurs at less than 1500hrs...

Apart from the normal mechanical checks, without knowing the specifc model or size range of the tractors you're considering, generally:
- the "weak" structural points which may highlight heavy abuse is around the gearbox/bell housing & linkage/PTO- look for signs of repair, weeping, metal fatigue/cracks/replaced bolts, front axles - impact damage? & steering components - again impact damage/fatigue/repairs ? & the 3PL lower arm pivot rod (close the tractor & where the lower 3PL arms connect) - quite often they're bent. The lower 3PL arms should not look abused/neglected, including the ball ends.
- check the fuel filter/bowl is clean (otherwise it's a sure sign of neglect), the air cleaner is free of dust (again of sign of signifcant neglect/potentail dusting & catastrophic failure), & signs of correct coolant in the radiator
- operate the tractor at working temperatures under load & check for overheating & smooth operation of all functions particularly PTO & smooth hydraulic functions: if possible lug the engine down under load to determine power, recovery & any strange engine/gearbox noises.
- check for signs if it's been used with a backhoe attachment, if so walk away (99 times out of 100, a 3PL backhoe in unskilled/semi-skilled hands will have done structural/metal fatigue damage to the tractor)
- the clutch, brakes & throttles should work smoothly & without hesitation, excessive exhaust smoke not under load can indicate potential injector/pump concerns.
- look for indications of recent dismantling/major work/components replacement: like new/replaced/missing bolts, areas where the tractor/component looks "mismatched" by being too clean & witness mark of fluid leakage on the machine or where it's regularly parked
- as new oil/fluid/coolant may also indicate the machine has something to hide....
Whilst tractor operating can be fun, it can also turn into a tedious chore if you buy a "dog" that requires costly ongoing repairs & remember it is a tool of trade not a toy so don't buy on emotions........ there'll always be another one if you're patient.

 

[Soundguy]

mike beat me to it.. but yeah.. look at the wear areas like pedals and floor boards.

you don't get a 'used only 1 weekend a month' tractor that has a smoothed off clutch pedal and brakes and a hole wore in the pad ont he floorboard, and all the paint gone on the step up handles and on the fender where the arm rested.

look at overall condition and maintenance evidence moreso than hours.

you can have a 3000 hour WELL maintained machien in awesome condition..

or

a 100 hour NEW machine ruined by a new operator.

seen plenty of both...

 

[sweettractors]

Rear tires on farm tractors usually last around 2000 hours. Try to drag out of the owner if the tractor is on its original tires or 2nd or 3 rd set. Ken Sweet

 

[mfreund]

Rear tires on farm tractors usually last around 2000 hours. Try to drag out of the owner if the tractor is on its original tires or 2nd or 3 rd set. Ken Sweet

Nice information!!

 

[sixdogs]

Let me add to all of the above, if something doesn't look or sound right it's usually not right. And evaluate the seller. If it's a guy flipping the tractor I'm extra cautious and if it's a long term owner who's a model citizen, I feel a little better.

Best judge are your own internal alarms and those hidden voices that tell you when to be afraid. (No, not those voices ).
It's easy to walk away since there are a bazilllion tractors around and they keep makin' more every day at the same time the pool of potential buyers is shrinking.

Good advice on tires from Ken Sweet.