Should I be concerned?

ka41 · Jul 22, 2012

There is a dealer that is several hundred miles from me that has a tractor that I'm interested in. From the pictures it looks very clean, almost too clean. It has around 250 hours and its listed as a 2010 model but its a HST-1 according to the serial number. One thing that has me puzzled is on one side of the tractor I see the "HST" decal on the fender but it is missing from the other side. I asked if the tractor has been painted and they tell me no. I will talk to them some more tomorrow and try and get more background info.

Bluegill2 · Jul 22, 2012

What is there to be concerned about?

I've seen a number of late model tractors that looked brand new. Most dealers know how to clean em up real good.

TripleR · Jul 22, 2012

Our 2003 L5030 with 735 hours looked almost new when we bought it in 2010 and didn't look any different when we traded it in last month with about 1300 hours on it. It was in excellent condition, kept in the barn and well maintained. It's already been sold.

ka41 · Jul 22, 2012

What I'm concerned about is the fact that it's missing a hst decal. Maybe
just paranoid.

s219 · Jul 22, 2012

My (new) Kubota has an HST decal on one side and a 4WD decal on the other side. Does not have two HST decals.

Are you sure that tractor is supposed to have two HST decals?

TripleR · Jul 22, 2012

My L5740 HSTC has HST on both rear fenders.

Before the guy bought my used L5030 HSTC, he got my number from the dealer and spoke with me about to check on any problems. You might try that.

ka41 · Jul 22, 2012

My current L3240 has HST on both sides and every other one that I have looked at that was hydro has them on both fenders as well. Hopefully I can get it cleared up tomorrow.

PHILIP8N · Jul 23, 2012

What tractor are you looking at? My L3940 has HST on both rear fenders. It is a 2009 -1 series. Is the dealer calling it a -3? Philip.

riptides · Jul 23, 2012

Just check it out. Eyeball the paint at an angle, accordingly. My Kubota, cleans up like new except for the FEL.

azbinder · Jul 23, 2012

They come with HST decals on both fenders. I have seem decals come off. We just sold a B26TLB and having to replace half a dozen decals due to them crazin or starting to peel off. This is a new tractor.

Martian · Jul 23, 2012

Why not look at a parts diagram? Should have the sticker listed. If you can't find it online, your dealer should be able to look up the parts diagram and see if there is indeed one or two stickers. Don't forget as well, stickers peel off! Had a buddy take a bunch of stickers off his tractor right before selling it with a powerwasher trying to get it to clean and blowing them off.

My opinion: you are paranoid. The signs of a repaint are very visible. They don't look nearly as pretty and will show no wear, will have paint where it shouldn't and will be show signs of 'covered abuse'. It's also a MY2010, so unless it has very high hours, there is little need for a very expensive repaint already. A professional repaint will be THOUSANDS of dollars, it's not done on new tractors. Look at things like the cutting edge of the bucket and fading of paint. If you could post pictures or a link, one of us will be able to tell you if it's repainted.

The signs are very easily distinguishable between a repainted and original tractor:
http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8417895&
http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8544043&

Mounted Madness · Jul 24, 2012

Frankly, if you want to have some fun AND add some bling to your machine, go to the auto section in Wally Mart and pick up some chrome plated goodies.

Just for the fun of it, I bought a chrome "SPORT" and "4 x 4" for my B3030. :thumbsup:

No one has asked if my Sport B3030 has any special options, but the chrome does make me chuckle which makes it all worth while... :laughing:

rbargeron · Jul 24, 2012

Whether or not it has the right decals means nothing. A tractor with 250 hours is essentially still new and can look it. To get more confidence about a machine far away have the dealer take pictures of it for you. The present market is slow enough they should be willing to help be your "local eyes". Get shots from all angles, close ups are best, showing all the places it could have leaks but doesn't, all the oil & hydraulic filters that have recent replacement dates written on the outside, any damage to the tires, the wear on the painted surfaces like floorboards and fenders, and pictures of the dipsticks, removed to show the color and cleanliness of the oil. Maybe they could get a video of it running and moving. If you are uncomfortable with any of that, you should perhaps avoid buying at long distance. It is extremely rare for a tractor that passes purposeful inspection to have some serious hidden problem. A good dealer will cooperate to put you at ease. If not, you're better off to pass anyway. My 2 cents

ka41 · Jul 24, 2012

Thanks for the replies. Apparently the tractor was bought at a Kubota dealer only auction. It was brought in and cleaned and serviced. While they were pressure washing the tractor they blew off one of the decals. They do have pictures and I noticed the hood was a little faded, not bad, and they told me that they could buff and polish it to make it look like new. Can faded paint be brought back to new on the tractor or does it have to be repainted?