Buying Advice Narrowed it down to 2 tractors: Help me decide

[hammick]

Picking up my tractor on Friday. I am very happy to report that I spoke with the original owner. He had very few problems with the tractor except for the front tie rods. Once he received and installed the beefed up parts no further problems. Power steering tank has been upgraded and the hours are accurate. The shut off solenoid was shot so my dealer installed a cable controlled shutoff. Look like a choke lever right below the key switch. Tractor will keep running if the key is switched off.

Other good news is that the original owner did not have the backhoe. So any backhoe abuse will be from me. Tires are original with the safe fluid the selling dealer installed.

The backhoe is an Aarps 270 which is 80s vintage.

I think it will be a very solid tractor for me.

PS: anyone know if powder coated paint can be buffed like non-clear coat car paint? There is sun fading, especially on the loader arms. The grill was cracked and just replaced so I know what color it was new. I have a feeling an orbital and some cleaner wax will have this thing looking almost new. I'll probably paint the bucket black with a can of Rustoleum.

 

[cat fever]

Just read the whole thread, sounds like you are getting a good package deal. Enjoy your new toys er I mean tools.

 

[Snowback]

Picking up my tractor on Friday. I am very happy to report that I spoke with the original owner. He had very few problems with the tractor except for the front tie rods. Once he received and installed the beefed up parts no further problems. Power steering tank has been upgraded and the hours are accurate. The shut off solenoid was shot so my dealer installed a cable controlled shutoff. Look like a choke lever right below the key switch. Tractor will keep running if the key is switched off.

Other good news is that the original owner did not have the backhoe. So any backhoe abuse will be from me. Tires are original with the safe fluid the selling dealer installed.

The backhoe is an Aarps 270 which is 80s vintage.

I think it will be a very solid tractor for me.

PS: anyone know if powder coated paint can be buffed like non-clear coat car paint? There is sun fading, especially on the loader arms. The grill was cracked and just replaced so I know what color it was new. I have a feeling an orbital and some cleaner wax will have this thing looking almost new. I'll probably paint the bucket black with a can of Rustoleum.

All great news! As to the paint restoration, I believe there are a few threads on here addressing this, but I think you are right about the orbital and perhaps some cut/clearner polish. Then a nice hard wax to protect. As long as it is not too abrasive I don't think it could hurt right?

I look forward to the "after" shot. I find that all of our cars, trucks, tractors, and toys run better when they are clean and tidy! (Until they become caked with mud and dust after 10 minutes of use.)

To me the R&M and cleaning is a good part of the fun of owning hobby equipment. I guess I'm weird like that...

 

[joeyd]

I also just read the thread, congrats on the purchase, it is the option I would have gone with too! Some before and after pics along with some of the tractor in action would make everyone's day. Enjoy your new to you equipment.