Powereng
Member
Thought I share my experience buying a used tractor, virtually sight un-seen via Craigslist.
So, after doing a month's worth of research, checking out all the local tractor dealerships, and weighing new vs used tractors, I finally stumbled across this tractor on Craigslist. A 2007 Kubota L2800 HST with 72.6 original hours, LA463 FEL, Land Pride RTA1558 tiller and set of bucket forks. Talking to the owner over the phone he told me he mainly used the tractor in the spring and summer to plant food plots around his hunting cabin. The rest of the year the tractor sat in his pole barn while he vacationed in Florida. The Purchase price was $14,500 for everything. Since the tractor was 240 miles away, I negotiate to have him deliver it for an extra $250. He also threw in a 2.5 gallon jug of 15W-40, a 5 gallon diesel can and a filling funnel.
When the tractor arrived I found the outside of the tractor to be very clean except for one small dent in the hood and a puncture in lower plastic grill. Under the hood was a different story. The engine compartment was very dirty, the removable radiator screen was completely clogged with dirt and grass, and coolant the reservoir was empty.
I pulled the tractor into my pole barn and immediately got to work cleaning the engine compartment and replacing the air filter (also clogged with dirt). The next day I flushed the coolant system multiple times and re-filled it with 50/50 anti-freeze. The date on the oil filter was 7/8/13 at 57 hours. Since the oil was at a minimum two years old, I decided to change and replace the filter and oil with the supplied 15W-40. Yes, I know the manual calls for 10W-30, but all our diesels at work run 15W-40.
Over the weekend I removed the tiller and got to work moving about 25 cubic yards of top soil for my neighbor. The FEL worked great, although I should have left the tiller on for the additional weight. The FWD and differential lock also worked and came in handy while working on a slope.
Although I haven't put a ton of hours on the tractor so far I am very pleased the tractor, especially with the FEL and ease of performing basic maintenance. Unfortunately, since purchasing the tractor I've read all the horror stories regarding the bouncy 3 point hitch and the PTO cam failures. The 3 point does exhibit some bounce but nothing I can't live with. I have my fingers crossed on the PTO issue.
Since I don稚 have a lot of use for the tiller, I have re-listed it on Craigslist. However, right now I'm in the market for a quick hitch, back blade, and either a ballast box or counter weight system. Tonight I will be installing a set of bucket hooks I got from Kens BOH.
My plan is to use the tractor for plowing snow this winter. However for now I'll just keep doing basic yard chores. I'll keep you posted if anything should happen to come upp this winter.
Take care, Powereng
So, after doing a month's worth of research, checking out all the local tractor dealerships, and weighing new vs used tractors, I finally stumbled across this tractor on Craigslist. A 2007 Kubota L2800 HST with 72.6 original hours, LA463 FEL, Land Pride RTA1558 tiller and set of bucket forks. Talking to the owner over the phone he told me he mainly used the tractor in the spring and summer to plant food plots around his hunting cabin. The rest of the year the tractor sat in his pole barn while he vacationed in Florida. The Purchase price was $14,500 for everything. Since the tractor was 240 miles away, I negotiate to have him deliver it for an extra $250. He also threw in a 2.5 gallon jug of 15W-40, a 5 gallon diesel can and a filling funnel.
When the tractor arrived I found the outside of the tractor to be very clean except for one small dent in the hood and a puncture in lower plastic grill. Under the hood was a different story. The engine compartment was very dirty, the removable radiator screen was completely clogged with dirt and grass, and coolant the reservoir was empty.
I pulled the tractor into my pole barn and immediately got to work cleaning the engine compartment and replacing the air filter (also clogged with dirt). The next day I flushed the coolant system multiple times and re-filled it with 50/50 anti-freeze. The date on the oil filter was 7/8/13 at 57 hours. Since the oil was at a minimum two years old, I decided to change and replace the filter and oil with the supplied 15W-40. Yes, I know the manual calls for 10W-30, but all our diesels at work run 15W-40.
Over the weekend I removed the tiller and got to work moving about 25 cubic yards of top soil for my neighbor. The FEL worked great, although I should have left the tiller on for the additional weight. The FWD and differential lock also worked and came in handy while working on a slope.
Although I haven't put a ton of hours on the tractor so far I am very pleased the tractor, especially with the FEL and ease of performing basic maintenance. Unfortunately, since purchasing the tractor I've read all the horror stories regarding the bouncy 3 point hitch and the PTO cam failures. The 3 point does exhibit some bounce but nothing I can't live with. I have my fingers crossed on the PTO issue.
Since I don稚 have a lot of use for the tiller, I have re-listed it on Craigslist. However, right now I'm in the market for a quick hitch, back blade, and either a ballast box or counter weight system. Tonight I will be installing a set of bucket hooks I got from Kens BOH.
My plan is to use the tractor for plowing snow this winter. However for now I'll just keep doing basic yard chores. I'll keep you posted if anything should happen to come upp this winter.
Take care, Powereng
