Should I be leary of buying a tractor that has not been used/very low hours?

[jodebg]

I am considering the purchase of a 2006 Kubota tractor with 20 hours on it.

It is in immaculate/showroom condition-always garaged.

Can the lack of regular use cause any potential problems-fluids sitting for so long,
seals, brakes, tranny, tires, engine, etc.?

Another question is how much of a premium can I expect to pay for an 8 year old tractor
with extremely low hours? This B-series tractor is selling for approximately $13K with normal
use and hours. The owner is asking $15K.

 

[sparc]

What options or attachments come with the '06 tractor have to justify the added $2k ? It's not wine that gets better with age.
After 8 years I doubt there is any warranty to take advantage of.

You're probably better off with the new machine with warranty and keep that extra $2k in your pocket.

 

[jodebg]

No attachments, just better condition and low hours.

 

[RoyJackson]

There are a lot of low hour tractors with a few years on them....my previous tractor, a Deere 790, was 3 years old with 24 hours on it.
Some folks buy 'em for specific tasks and limited use...others determine the tractor didn't meet their needs (apparently the previous owner of the 790 determined the tractor didn't have enough power for his tasks/chores).

I wouldn't be too concerned about the lower hours and age. With only 20 hours, it hasn't even been broken in...and do contact a dealer to find out if the break-in oil should be changed or left in for the remainder of the break-in hours (my dealer said to leave the 790's oil in until 50-60 hours).

Price? Offer the $13K and see what kind of response you get.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For an 8 year old tractor with 20 hours, I would be deducting from the sale price due to setting for long periods without lubrication to cylinder walls and seals. I would much rather have a tractor that was ran at least once a month for an hour than one that sat for 8 years without use which is obviously what happened to that one.
You don't say what model it is, but the owner looks to be trying to recoup his entire purchase price for that tractor.

 

[Jim Nelson]

The biggest advantage I can see to the older model is the lack of emission garbage on it.With the modern oils and metal alloys in today's equipment low hours isn't as big a problem as it used to be.If it is what you want in a tractor I'd try to beat him up a little on the price and buy it.

 

[schiker]

I would not pay more for it. Better to have new with warranty so price of used should reflect that at least. The hours are so low I am not sure he might still have some little thing wrong with it he never discovered that would have been fixed for free but you will have to pay for now. Some stuff still ages like rubber and some plastics so age does matter some.

You have also lost 8 years from production on parts that may be slower to get in the future?

Not that I would be scared to buy the tractor at a deal but would not pay more than new.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Sounds like the owner is thinking that it is like new with only 20 hours and it's been in the garage for 8 years. Well, it isn't like new, it has no warranty, parts may become non-existent 8 years sooner than a new tractor. Few if any tractors today will have parts available 70 years later like the 8N Ford since most are built by sub-contractor who may only make them for a few years (Kubota being an exception) and then not obligated to furnish parts later. Even Kubota may not continue to have parts available for more than 20 years or so.

 

[Sysop]

Have him show you the original invoice from where he bought it, deduct 5% per year, make that your offer.

 

[brin]

If no one has mentioned it.....If the tractor has been sitting for 8 yrs. I would think the gaskets, o rings etc would all be dry and brittle...I would expect leaks with use and maybe having to split the tractor to replace many gaskets, seals etc....I'm not sure I'd want the tractor ...I would talk to a dealers service manager about it....for sure...Good Luck.