Buying Advice May have missed 50hr servicing... concerns? buy?

[PatasColo]

So I'm looking at a tractor that has 125 hours, with backhoe (2010 Bobcat CT235). On consignment at local dealer.

I've spoken with the actual owner, and seems unsure about whether the 50 and 100 hour fluid/filter changes were done. They have been greasing it, but I'm just not sure they know about 50 hr fluids/filters or don't want to say or what... giving the benefit of the doubt for now (owner may not actually know, since servicing would have been more than a year back, and sounds like ranch workers might have been responsible for this kind of thing). There is debate about whether the Bobcat hydro fluid was s'posed to be changed at 50 hrs (there are conflicting manuals)... Let's not re-open that debate, as I've read all those threads already. :thumbsup:

So,
1) Should I be overly concerned, or just buy and change the fluids/filters right away?
2) Is there an easy way for me to check the state of the fluids right there at the dealer (without it going into the shop)?
If so, can you please be as specific as possible about locations of fittings, and what to look for in the fluid (color/consistency, etc.)?
3) The tractor does have some significant warranty time left on it (6 months full; 1.5 years drivetrain). Do I have to worry from a warranty standpoint if I have no proof that the servicing was done according to the manual prior to my owning it?

Thanks for any and all suggestions and advice... hoping to settle this within the next couple days.
-Mitch

 

[toxicjeeper]

125h isnt that much. If you buy it just change filters and/or fluids for peace of mind.. Just my opinion

 

[Martian]

I would tell the dealer to go through it top to bottom negotiated in the price. When I buy used I always have a dealer look through it and change everything, although it is a simple task, a lot of times the dealer will catch stuff we don't.

 

[murphy1244]

I would tell the dealer to go through it top to bottom negotiated in the price. When I buy used I always have a dealer look through it and change everything, although it is a simple task, a lot of times the dealer will catch stuff we don't.

Good call Martian, I would go on the thought nothing was done and price it accordingly,

 

[krazsk]

With my experience, I wouldn't be very afraid of it. I would change the filters and fluids and not think about it. There was almost nothing on the drain plug magnet on my 225 when I did the 50 hour service, and I cut open the filters on the 200 hour hydraulic and hydrostatic filter change and the filters looked like new. Assuming the hydraulic oil is clear and clean, I wouldn't let it bother me. My free opinion is worth every penny you paid for.

 

[TripleR]

I would tell the dealer to go through it top to bottom negotiated in the price. When I buy used I always have a dealer look through it and change everything, although it is a simple task, a lot of times the dealer will catch stuff we don't.

X3; what I did.:thumbsup:

I wouldn't be too worried about the hours.

 

[Mark Page]

Unless the fluids smell burned I would't sweat it. My "no maintenace" neighbor changes his oil every few years, has never changed the hydraulic fluid and only greases it when something starts making noise. He got it 14 years ago and the little Yanmar keeps running.

 

[SSdoxie]

Best to just figure fluid has not been changed and do it. Agree with the others @ 125 hrs. should be OK to go if done now.
The original engine oil and the hydraulic filter under the platform would have had white stickers on them saying "change at 50 hrs." If not on there at least the filters were changed, no way to tell about the oil.

 

[enterprisebbc]

if your concerned about the motor there is a place I use for my 671 Detroits that do oil analysis on for my boat. Its pretty extensive and about $100. They mail back the results to you and track it for you. You just put the oil in a small container and send it prepaid to em. All and all its probaly just fine. You can get these kits from a marine store and maybe a tractor store.

 

[TRR]

The primary reason for the 50 hour fluid change is to flush out any last remaining "stuff" from the manufacturing. The filters should catch all that, so I'm with everyone else. 125 hours isn't that big of a deal, just change the filters and fluids when you get it.