Purchasing a ranch that includes a John Deere 4240 - Never owned a tractor before

[Zebrafive]

FIRST determine what you want/need to do with this tractor. If it does not fit your needs trade it or sell it. It seems to big to me for an odd job, food plat tractor.

If it fits your needs, x3 buy the operator's manual. Since this is a BIG tractor and not easy to transport, I'd look for a tractor mechanic (maybe moonlight from local JD dealer) to check it over.
If you can't determine when the fluids/filters were last changed. I would get them changed. I think the coolant can be tested to determine if it needs to be changed.

 

[NativeSon]

Gary- The most important thing with a tractor is SAFETY. There is lots of info here on TBN and also on the internet and in any manuals that you can get your hands on.

Be Safe.

Charlie

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with getting the operator manuals and reading them cover to cover. You might also have the current owner park it in the open and give you a few pointers on operation. Make sure you know how to stop it. I would not be in a hurry to sell it because of its size, the current property owner likely had his reasons for choosing it.

 

[corey9212]

Here's a youtube video of a guy starting and going through the shifting of a 4240, it can at least get you started
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQsFTAHGCOY

 

[cartod]

If you have experience with skid steers and other heavy stuff it should be easy for you. What a nice big ranch toy, how bout a photo for us enthusiasts. A wood chipper on a 4240 should be enough to grind up a small forrest......:laughing: Oh, and welcome!

 

[murphy1244]

That thing is a Beast!

 

[Longhorngary]

Thanks for the support guys, I think I'd like to try and make it work as all the attachments are sized for it. We close on the property in the two weeks. I'll post some pics after we close.

 

[treetrimmer01]

Garry
Pay no attention to the people that say our tractor is tooo big.
This is a nice sised tractor will do a lot of work.
Have the owner give you a run down on how to operate all the gears and hyd. you will be fine in short order.
Check into a Wallenstein 6'' chipper hyd feed your tractor will handle it fine and you will be happy.
Treetrimmer01

 

[DavidBR]

I am reasonably confident as was already stated that the previous owner of this property had reason to select the tractor size as big as it is for good reason. A large tractor is stable and can get work done in a timely manner. I would do a complete service on your tractor and find an experienced tractor operator to give you some pointers on it and start using it.

 

[Longhorngary]

Thanks again, I'm sourcing an experienced operator, mechanic and reading the operator's manual.