Mitsubishi D1500 Engine Knocks (121.1 Hours)

[Ilikeurtractor]

... it will last thousands of hours and suffer no failures, but many people break things, ...

I agree. If these tractors are operated within their design parameters (i.e. they are not a D9 Cat dozer so don't expect them to do the work of one) they should at least last well into the lower thousands of hours. Most of the major problems I've ever seen were clearly caused by neglect, abuse, and unrealistic expectations of operators.

 

[Clyby]

Since everyone was so helpful in this forum, I thought I should post my decision on this... I checked the oil as CalG suggested -- no glitter. As I mentioned earlier, this tractor sounds very much like the video llikeutractor posted so my main question seemed to be answered -- this knocking is not abnormal; and as he suggested, I tested the acceleration in high gear -- it was quite good with good power. As far as the time on the engine -- who knows? Both owners stuck to their story that the 121.1 is real. The one thing I would add is that the meter is 5 digit so it is actually 0121.5.

The tractor seems to be well taken care of but there is "weathering" associated with a machine of this age. It is faded and aged, but I think it is solid. Based on this and all the other excellent comments and suggestions, I am now the hopefully happy owner of a Mitsubishi d1500! So thanks again to all and I am hoping for the best!!!

 

[284 International]

Congratulations on your purchase! I hope you like, and are able to share photographs of your new machine.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

Sounds like a good tractor. I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Best of luck to you :thumbsup:

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I agree it sounds like a good tractor. If it is gray market there is a possibility the importer changed out the hour meter before selling it. The odds are the last two owners are straight shooters. Our 1976 MF 265 is showing 1300 hours and it was new when FIL purchased it. The 1983 JD 310B backhoe counter stopped at 34xx hours but based on wear of pins I would say it has 2-3x more hours than that. Both will start before you can get off of the starter button, runs well and do not burn oil.

An old tractor that will start, run and do the tasks you require of it I think just needs to be used and let the chips fall where they may. Even with old junk tractors most will still be able to do what they do today 20 years from now if we will change the fluids every few years.

 

[Clyby]

I agree. If these tractors are operated within their design parameters (i.e. they are not a D9 Cat dozer so don't expect them to do the work of one) they should at least last well into the lower thousands of hours. Most of the major problems I've ever seen were clearly caused by neglect, abuse, and unrealistic expectations of operators.

OK some more of the story. I got the tractor home and finally got my tractor expert friend to look at it. UNFORTUNATELY he was not available earlier.... He has convinced me that many of the skeptics were correct - the tractor has more than 121 hrs. The good news is he supports what a lot of others on this forum have said. The machine is solid and can last a good long time and I think mine is in this category. So thanks again. But, it looks like I am going to be in for a significant amount of "catch up" type maintenance. For example I need brake shoes and manuals. I am posting new threads on this and if I get somewhere near the same response as I have on this one, I think I am going to eventually have an outstanding tractor.

 

[lens12]

I have manuals & used shoes or can reline your shoes. It may be an older Vietnam "rebuild"

 

[oliver28472]

Have you looked at the shoes yet? They may just need to be de-glazed or roughed up with some coarse sandpaper. Are they squealing? My S-470 was bought new by my father and I don't think the shoes have ever been replaced. I have taken the brakes apart and cleaned everything in there and put a small amount of anti-seize on the part that moves the shoes.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

I've taken off countless times with the brake lock engaged. When operating in the lower gears sometimes you don't even notice the brakes are on. I'm close to installing a light switch showing the brakes are activated so I don't keep doing this. You can put a lot of "hours" on brakes (not to mention other parts) inadvertently doing this

 

[Clyby]

I have manuals & used shoes or can reline your shoes. It may be an older Vietnam "rebuild"

I am interested in getting the Owners manual and Parts book. Do you have those for the D1500? Also, the problem with my brakes is there is no more adjustment on the right side. The left side still has plenty... So I don't know about using used brakes. I probably should try new brakes or look into relining.