Looking at getting a used x740 - what to look for??

MetalChicken · Sep 22, 2014

Hi
I've been away and long time but am back as I just know that you guys have the answers I need.

My local JD dealer has a used X740 that has got me thinking as my old mower has pretty much served its time and I'd like to move into JD ownership

The machine in question is big hours (2200) but, other than a few scratches on the sides, looks pretty good.
They took two in against two new machines and this one has been sitting unloved in the corner of their yard for quite a long time. It has not been touched since they took it in.
My intended use will just be domestic residential cutting on our garden and maybe a couple of acres of paddocks that we have. I'll probably also put a trailer on it so the wife can use it as for garden rubbish.

A couple of observations I had today are:
Once the battery had been charged and a tyre inflated it started first time and seemed to run well. There was a quick puff of black smoke on initial startup (literally just a puff) and then it seemed clean for the rest of the time it was running with no hesitation or roughness (little lumpy at idle but smooth at higher revs). Does this sound about right for a Yanmar diesel or should there be no smoke at all?

The power steering felt pretty good although there was a little (less than 1") of movement on the steering wheel before resistance was felt - is this OK or potential problem?

They're going to bring it round to my house to trial for a few days - given the hours on this machine, is there anything I should go looking at while I've got it?

beenthere · Sep 22, 2014

I have the 455 diesel yanmar, and get a puff of black smoke on startup... always have IIRC.

See how it performs for you on the trial and let us know if anything else shows up. The loose steering response wouldn't cause an alarm. I get the same.

Ask for tranny oil/filter change and engine oil/filter change, as well as clean air filter. At least you have a known place to start.

Mad_River · Sep 24, 2014

With those kind of hours it has been used for commercial mowing. Deck wear and tranny wear are your major concerns. Make sure the valve clearance has been checked. Ensure the transmission is working smoothly and no hesitation on engaging pedal or PTO/deck. Make sure there is no slop in the blades indicating the bearings are shot. Also the deck shouldn't rumble or severely vibrate. I also recommend taking the deck off to see if the blade tips line up parallel to ensure the spindles aren't bent.

MetalChicken · Sep 25, 2014

Thanks guys. From a 5 minute whizz around the dealers yard the transmission seems fine but the deck wasn't attached so when it they bring it up here for trial I'll check remove and check the check for those points.

DrBill · Sep 29, 2014

The posters above gave you good information, and what mkwilla said is for sure important. I replied because I think you should use these high hours to bargain on getting a good price.

You want a really good price because somewhere soon something will need to be at the least overhauled and you want to be at a price point where you can do so.

Whatever price they ask tell them NO. Too high. Remember, the dealer probably doesn't have any real money in this tractor. Whatever they hit you for is cash in bank.. Make them work for it..