Kubota L3400DT

[arrow]

good point. wonder if a K dealership service dept would allow an individual like the OP to hire a mechanic for inspection w/o conflict of interest. regards
obviously outside of hrs, etc

A dealership might provide a checklist of some sort.
A mechanic moonlighting to inspect another brand is up to that mechanic.
Now if a customer is trying to avoid going to the dealership to say do a 50 hr service but asks a tech of that dealership on the private to come to his house to do it, that would be a conflict.

 

[rScotty]

good point. wonder if a K dealership service dept would allow an individual like the OP to hire a mechanic for inspection w/o conflict of interest. regards
obviously outside of hrs, etc

All you can do is ask. I don't see why not. In the past I always used independent mechanics - but good independent garage mechanics are rare today.

To my surprise I found out there are now independent mechanics who do inspections instead of repairs.
I found out about mechanical inspectors back in 2020 when buying an extended warranty on a used RV.

The extended warranty company required an inspection and sent me a list of mechanics that did inspections in my area. I was surprised to see how many there were. I called one at random, agreed to pay a couple hundred bucks, and the guy - an older retirement age mechanic - showed up the next day. He went over everything. Later in the day he emailed me a lengthy report including about 10 pages of a standard checklist and dozens of photos. All very professional. Surprisingly complete. He included things I wouldn't have thought of.

 

[big bubba]

that's the rational way to go on a 16k tractor purchase regardless of minimal hrs

 

[dinoedwards]

Front dash looked changed from dealer so I passed, private owner and no XTRA Power under L3400 so they were lied too by dealer, it's like "06-07

 

[old and tired]

No serial number?

2009 should be around 84,000

Sorry about having to pass on it, hope you can find one...

 

[big bubba]

you'll find the right machine & wise decision on this one. patience brings rewards

 

[saxtonhill]

I had a new L3400 DT for about 2 years that I used heavily. It was a great tractor but was underpowered for my needs. I traded it in with about 300 hrs for a new L4700 DT. I now have 1400 hrs on that one and love it.

I like having the shifter and find no issues using the loader due to the shuttle. Also the clutch has held up well, no issues whatever at this point.

 

[nacl9163]

Currently own this model w/ manual & FEL. Terrific machine; powerful for its size, never an ounce of trouble. And with those hours and only $16k, I'd jump on it if it checks out.

 

[old and tired]

Front dash looked changed from dealer so I passed, private owner and no XTRA Power under L3400 so they were lied too by dealer, it's like "06-07

So I know I have been negative about this... on the flip side, I would point out what has been pointed out (dash, hours, paint, sun exposure, hoses might need to be replaced - BIG $$$...etc.) and see about negotiating a lower price. Maybe 12k-13k, saying that the clutch has unknown hours and that is $3k at the dealer to replace.

They may say no but leave your contact information in case they change their mind.

My tractor is the lower HP version of this one. It's bullet proof... I wouldn't list it for under $22k (lots of hydraulic upgrades) but the fact is these tractors are designed to live outdoors. (just make sure there is not water mixed in with the hydraulic fluid).

You can see in the Sight Glass which is about where your left heal would sit on the floor board. If it's low, you might have to tilt the tractor by driving on a hillside (or rocks) to have it seen in the glass window.

Did you actually get a chance to drive it? or Look at it closely? It's possible that your best action is to walk away from this one but it gives you the chance to look over and assess a tractor (more knowledge is better).

Good luck...

PS,, I would find that dealer and drill him about the hour meter, to see if they would come clean about the actual hours...My GUT feeling is that this was a rental unit, and they sold it to unsuspecting buyers!!!

 

[YLee Kioti]

I've got 1200 hours on my 2017 Kioti.
So for its age it would be rather low hours.
If you can find out about its maintenance history I'd give it a hard look.
Course I do annual oil changes and hydro fluid every 400 hours or so.
Plus coolant flushes and well winter time, I'm all over it.
But that's just me, others maybe not so much.
Which dealer is closer to your home and how well is your rapport with the dealers?
To me that would be a large factor as well for making a decision.
Enjoy your new toy! cough er ah tool....heh...