Pitfalls of buying a used tractor

[PILOON]

Hire a local mechanic to come with you, preferably of that brand.
\No matter what his hourly rate he will save you $$$s

I did that buying a 'dozer and came out WAY ahead.

Also did that often when I worked as an aircraft mechanic for clients. Many an aircraft were but a pretty paint job but often had FAA directives that were very costly.
As the middle man I usually could negotiate favorable solutions.

Practicing what I preached I hired a dozer mechanic to check out my purchase of a HD 16 dozer. Well all I can say that his expertise saved me about $2000 of repairs. I was able to operate for 3-4 years with minimal costs and re sold for more than my cost.
Had I simply bought on my opinion I would have lost my 'shirt'.

The crazy thing is that many folks are willing to spend thousands of $$'s on something that they know squat about.
For a measly $100. so they won't pay an expert to evaluate their proposed costly investment. Go figure,

 

[4570Man]

I always prefer used equipment rather it is tractors, lawn mowers, or shop equipment. I can usually pick up used top of the line equipment for the same price as bottom of the barrel stuff. Also old is better. The old stuff is made in the USA from real steel.

 

[MF283]

You can check with Dies over on Hwy 25 there, i've bought from him in the past, he's an upfront guy. C&T Tractors in Lebanon, retired certified mechanic is another i've bought from(he's a diehard MF man, can work on anything though) or you can check with David Oliver @Trigreen in MtJuliet, he's done right by me on several purchases.

Ronnie

 

[D7E]

What is generally meant buy "a lot of hours"?

Probably different for everyone , we farm 1600 acres and run 13 tractors between 4500 and 13000 hrs . our cat d7 dozer has done 18000hrs . If i'm buying a tractor depending on condition and price about 7000hrs is what I call the limit , even if it is a good one it will be hard to re sell later in life .

 

[Duwop]

With no knowledge of tractors other than having over paid for a 55 farm all cub that had to be totally taken down cleaned and rebuilt for a 1/4 acre garden I found myself in need of a tractor for hogging and plowing the garden I determined my budget was 10k. I set out on the net at places like Tractor Data and Craigslist shopping and most of what I found looked be wore out headaches. I live in a small rural farming community and began to ask neighbors about the where and who of things and eventually found myself dealing with a local dealership. They asked all the necessary questions about what uses I had for a tractor and steered me to a tractor that would fill the needs. It has been a good tractor but even better is the relationship that I now have with the salesman who helped find what was needed and has even come by my place to help with some issues I've had after the purchase for free. I felt then and still feel that I overpaid for the tractor 8900 for tractor 88 Massey 253 and 1700 for new bush hog but the cost of relationship is priceless. So all in all I feel now I got a real good deal. Perhaps beginning a new relationship will help the most with your decisions.

 

[aharmon52FL]

Talked with the owner, he says that there is a problem with the hydraulics. (he is ready to sell cheaper, because of the problem) There is a leakage in hydraulic cylinder.

The mechanic I know told that it can be everything... Also, it is better to replace the control valve and some hydraulic parts.

I browsed the control valves. Found this one https://www.mrosupply.com/hydraulic...l-valve/2538931_940815_mro-approved-supplier/

The price for John Deere hydraulic kits starts from 400$. For a new one

So the repair parts+repair works may cost a lot..
the only free cheese is in the mousetrap

 

[davesl708]

Talked with the owner, he says that there is a problem with the hydraulics. (he is ready to sell cheaper, because of the problem) There is a leakage in hydraulic cylinder.

The mechanic I know told that it can be everything... Also, it is better to replace the control valve and some hydraulic parts.

I browsed the control valves. Found this one https://www.mrosupply.com/hydraulic...l-valve/2538931_940815_mro-approved-supplier/

The price for John Deere hydraulic kits starts from 400$. For a new one

So the repair parts+repair works may cost a lot..
the only free cheese is in the mousetrap

How many hours on this machine. Replacing the control valve seems overkill. Takes a lot of work to wear out a control valve. Rebuild would be more inline and cheaper. Cylinders can be rebuild by yourself for much less than replacing.

 

[aharmon52FL]

He says it is over 5,000 hours. The tractor was mainly used for home use.
Actually, I’m thinking of hiring a competent mechanic to review it.

 

[jeff9366]

He says it is over 5,000 hours.

The tractor was mainly used for home use.

According to surveys on T-B-N the average 'homeowner' tractor is used around 80 hours per year.

I would have this tractor thoroughly evaluated by your competent mechanic.

 

[davesl708]

He says it is over 5,000 hours. The tractor was mainly used for home use.
Actually, I’m thinking of hiring a competent mechanic to review it.

Good idea.