soon to be first time tractor owner

[BBel]

I would like to extend a thank you in advance to anyone that helps me through this process of buying my first tractor.
I am a home owner in Lincoln, Maine with 57 acres and a 1/4 mile of hilly dirt road that requires me to purchase tractor to maintain, plow and improve the road. I also plan on using the tractor for firework work and to maintain the grounds.

I am looking into purchasing a 2012 Kubota L3940 with a LA724 loader. This machine is used (if you can call 30 hours used) and still has warranty on it until June 2014. It is a private sale and I am going to look at it tomorrow.
I am in-experienced in tractors and my attempts to have someone with experience come with me have not worked out so it looks like I will be going by myself. The tractor looks to be in great condition but I am wondering if there are things that I should be looking for that would be a red flag. I believe that I am getting a great deal on this tractor as I have quote for a new L3940 from a dealer and this tractor is substantially lower and if this used tractor is in as good condition as it appears to be I should be alright. I have attached pictures of the tractor.
I appreciate any advice or suggestions to insure that I am making the correct decision on this tractor and I again thank you for your help.

 

[Buppies]

Has oil and hydro fluid and filters been changed? If not look at fluid from hydro to see if you see any shiny particules very fine ones. Check all fluids when cold then again when hot, run until nice and hot check all operations of tractor. Look over to see if any body damage like you would a car. Good luck and hopefully happy tractoring

 

[DieselnHooters]

With 30 hrs on it there is nothing I can think of which could hurt that tractor anymore than a 10 % discount in addition to the 15% off MSRP from the dealer.

 

[murphy1244]

Why is he selling a 30 hour machine?

 

[BBel]

The story I got was he is selling for health reasons, he is 85 and his health is going and he wants to downsize the tractor.
Here are bigger pictures

 

[Bluegill2]

Looks like a Very Nice machine!!!

 

[PapaPerk]

Nice rig! You have excellent taste. Go for it!

 

[Sysop]

Seems like the kind of deal anyone would love to find. Even if the machine is in some way too small for all you need to do, getting the right kind of deal on it, you could use it for a little while and sell it with little to no monetary loss and having gained more perspective on exactly what it is you do want or need for your land and tasks.

 

[Bluegill2]

Based on what the OP stated above, I don't believe that tractor will be too small at all!

 

[Sysop]

I'd not think it would be, but 57 acres in Maine could be some rugged ground. I've also heard it said all tractors are smaller once we get them home

 

[TripleR]

I really can't improve on the information/advice given by others. As Buppies noted, just do a close inspection on fluid levels, clarity of hydro fluid, proper levels, operation/functions etc., you shouldn't be able to hurt that tractor in 30 hours unless you submerged it or ran it into things and all this would be obvious.

The GL can be a bit notchy when changing between ranges, so don't worry about that, just slightly press on the HST pedal and it will shift, same goes with MFWD engagement, sometimes smooth as butter and sometimes a bit reluctant, turn front wheels left to right, roll a bit or lift front wheels with FEL and it will release the binding as the front wheels have a bit of lead.

It will smoke a bit on start-up and rattle then settle down, just the interim Tier IV, my L5030 didn't smoke as much.

I was initially unimpressed with the HST+ and had to get use to it to fully appreciate it, best feature for me was the dual range.
Kubota HST-Plus Transmission - YouTube

Yes, at least in my experience, tractors shrink during use on your own property. My wife, you read right, my wife told me to get a L5030HSTC when I was looking at 32-35HP models; says me, "Oh that's too big"; "Oh, you'll like it once you use it" says her and no I have not heard the last of it.:laughing:

As to size, maybe, maybe not, but as mentioned you can use it practically free if it is too small. I doubt I can do much if anything beyond turning a little bigger cutter or tiller with my 5740 than you can with a 3940, it just may take a little longer.

Tasks are sometimes more important than acreage, so it's hard to really set guidelines.

If after reading this you have mental picture of us standing around chewing on a grass stem, scratching our heads and kicking the dirt, you might be spot on, this definitely ain't an exact science.:laughing:

 

[k0ua]

The hydro and hydraulic filters would not be ready to change yet for another 20 hours. The tractor is essentially new. As long as there is not something wrong with it, just check it out thoroughly and decide. You can tell if the filters are original if they are gray painted the same as the lower chassis. If they are white then they have been changed. But I would see no reason why they should have been changed at 30 hours. If you like the tractor, and you can save a wad of money, I can't see why you would not want to buy it.

James K0UA

 

[BBel]

I pulled the trigger on the L3940 after going down to check it out. It is every bit as good as the pictures indicated, it was only used to bail hay, the bucket is not even scratched as he only used it to lift hay bales. The machine ran perfectly, everything checked out and it looks like I essentially bought a new tractor for about $7000 less than my best new L3940 quote from a dealer. It still has warranty until June of next year. I am happy with my decision to buy.
I thank everyone for their input, suggestions and sharing their experience with me.
Now onto the attachments!!

 

[k0ua]

Congratulations on your new tractor, maybe post some more pictures when you feel like it. I think you will really enjoy it.

James K0UA

 

[J F]

I pulled the trigger on the L3940 after going down to check it out. It is every bit as good as the pictures indicated, it was only used to bail hay, the bucket is not even scratched as he only used it to lift hay bales. The machine ran perfectly, everything checked out and it looks like I essentially bought a new tractor for about $7000 less than my best new L3940 quote from a dealer. It still has warranty until June of next year. I am happy with my decision to buy.
I thank everyone for their input, suggestions and sharing their experience with me.
Now onto the attachments!!

Congrats!

 

[murphy1244]

What happened to Kubota resale? A 1 year old 30 hour machine loses 7,000$?

 

[J F]

Trouble maker. :laughing:

 

[murphy1244]

Trouble maker. :laughing:

Can't have it both ways. Always heard Resale was the Best.

 

[J F]

Better than jd??!! :shocked:

 

[murphy1244]

Got me.