Low hour used tractors

[Hunter8282]

Are used low hour tractors something to be concerned about?

For example, local dealer as a 2021 MF 1835m with 72.4 hours. That's like 18 hours per YEAR that the tractor actually ran!

I once bought a low mileage F150 that had sat a lot and it was nothing but problems with leaky seals, gaskets, etc.

 

[bearthebruce]

If you have interest in price, I would go see it.

But then I am biased as I operate a MF 1533 which is a cousin to the 1835.

Love that tractor and have put over 400 hours in the seat. Was bought in 2009 with about 80 hours on the clock. Operated on the property for 3 years, then sat for 7 years until I got on it and stated using it. Over the 3 years of use, the guy put 100 hours on it.

2016 we started using it heavily and now do more than 75 hours a year average. Great machine and we have had no issues... Yeah, we blew a steering Hydraulic hose - that was my fault because I was working brush and must have jammed a stick up into it and pierced the hose wall. It was bugger to replace but we got it!

Else, great machine.

So, would I look at a low hour machine? You bet...

We also just bought a low hour Kubota SVL65-2 tracked skid steer. It had 50 hours on the clock. We're hoping for good luck with that one too.

 

[big bubba]

my dealer comments that a utility M series tractor below 1k hrs is still low. hope that's the case as i will sell mine within a year with currently 850 hrs

a single owner tractor with a detailed maintenance log is a plus. i always recommend having an impartial tractor mechanic look at any 2nd hand tractor for sale regardless of hrs.

 

[Locoweed]

Buying used is almost always a gamble. That being said I would certainly check it out.

 

[RayIN]

My definition of low hours is less than 100hrs/yr.; and that does not consider how hard the tractor was used. Tractor hours are not how long the engine has been running.
A tractormeter is different than an hour-meter for a generator which records actual run-time.
Tractor hrs. are calculated by the meter. It runs the numbers then records what would be the equivalent of 1 hr. of use at rated PTO RPMs.
So that tractor might have been used for more hrs. but below PTO RPMs.

 

[big bubba]

the 2nd most important item i look for in addition to hour meter is....
maintenance/ service log & how many previous owners.. & yes, if the hour meter is mechanical tied to engine rpm, there could be many more operational hrs on an engine (esp rentals) with long idling, etc.
regardless, were i to purchase 2nd hand....i'd always consider hiring impartial tractor mechanic to go over despite "low hrs"

 

[dodge man]

Just my experience with smaller cuts and scuts, the hour meter records the time the tractor is running. In other words it doesn’t matter how hard it’s being worked. This may vary by brand. I sure wouldn’t be afraid of a low hour 4 year old tractor.

 

[EarPlug]

It may be a 2021 model but when was it put into service? It may have set unsold at the Dealer for a year or more.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

What year was the f150?

I bought a Softail Springer that was 15 years old with only 4500 miles on it. Didn’t leak one bit. The only thing it needed was new tires and new fluids. Not one bad seal or line.

Point is modern gaskets are way better than older stuff that would leak. I would check it out for sure.

 

[Tractorable]

Plenty of folks buy too small then trade up. Or financial priorities change and they don’t want a payment anymore.

I’m so cheap I’d gladly save thousands by buying a low hour used tractor.