Taking In Used Tractor -- What To Care For First?

[eventer79]

This tractor has supposedly been "taken care of" by another party, but it looks like the most they did is start up and drive it now and again and smear some grease around once in a while. Oil is black as midnight and PTO is (was) dry and dirty, engine doesn't look like anyone has opened the hood in a while. Implements (bush-hog, framed harrow, 2 augurs, 4n1 bucket FEL) are the same -- it all runs well, but needs fluid/filter maintenance, rust removal, and just general "purtification." We are not going to talk about the tires (ag), although the back tires are fine and pressure in all is fine. It has about 690 hours on it, but has been in "storage" for about 10 years with occasional loaning out. It was well-cared for when in use on a farm for which it was bought new in 1994.

My question is -- I live in a state of general permanent poverty (I have horses and work for the state, it's inevitable) and even more so that I'm mid-farm building and house selling. So I'm trying to put together a prioritized list of what needs to be addressed when. I do have the manual and its nice little chart but it has...many things.

Obviously, it will get an oil/filter change, new air filter, and I will go at all the grease fittings. Checked gear oil on bushhog and it is at least present. Power steering fluid is at correct level, it's a clear reddish-tan fluid, is that the right colour? Still need to check HST fluid.

Then...how to prioritize? What order would you do things in if you fostered a tractor?

 

[ultrarunner]

Always good to know status of fluids, filters and grease with the good thing being these are not expensive and mostly do it yourself.

Other than that... look around and check for damage or missing parts...

 

[murphy1244]

What kind of tractor is it?

 

[eventer79]

Murphy, it is the one listed beneath my profile picture, the 94 Ford-Holland 1620.

 

[newbury]

Check battery, radiator, prepare to replace any and all hydraulic hoses.

By prepare I mean nail down the place your going to get replacements, have the tools you need and be ready.. I was planning on doing it online but found a local (in Northern Virginia) that did it at about the same price. Most people seem to treat hoses as "go till they blow" and stocking a complete replacement set can be costly. So far I've done two on my M4700. Each time it's been a 5 minute "pull" a 5 minute drive, a 5 minute build and reverse.

 

[California]

I found my Yanmars in similar condition except 15 years older than your NH, ie neglected and little used, but not damaged, for 10~20 years following a first decade of reasonable use. Just look at the chart and do the broadest periodic maintenance recommended such as replace all fluids, flush radiator etc. Maybe a seat and muffler if needed. Don't overlook the fuel filter. Discard/replace fuel if there is a lot of junk in it.

With low hours like that I think you will discover a decent if not pretty tractor under the grime when you get it cleaned up.

And as Newbury said, ask around and find a local hydraulic shop for seals, hoses, bearings you will need sooner or later. My experience with hoses has been a little better, about 1/4 of the 30 year old loader hoses replaced due to age and another quarter replaced over the last 10 years due to my user error, ie snagging the hoses pushing around downed trees etc.

 

[imgone52]

After you complete a good Lube/Oil/Filter servicing of the tractor, I would suggest a good pressure wash. Then give all the grease fittings another shot or two to expel any water that infiltrated. Then run the unit and exercise all the steering, 3pt. hitch, PTO, etc - looking for any leaks as the tractor warms up and the systems are used. There is little expense involved for this procedure. The ability to identify any leaks or malfunctions under controlled surroundings, could save big bucks down the line. Good luck with the project and have fun with it.:thumbsup:

 

[Zebrafive]

In addition to above posts. Check loader mounting bolts, wheel lug nuts or bolts for tightness.

 

[eventer79]

Thanks!! Very helpful reminders! I am lucky to have a great local place within 10 minutes, so I'm set there. It runs great and I am in love with it (owner - who was not the neglecter - is NEVER getting it back!). Good idea lining up your hoses before you need them!

 

[California]

In addition to above posts. Check loader mounting bolts, wheel lug nuts or bolts for tightness.

Oh heck yeah. The YM240 squeaked as it rolled along. The lug bolts were loose.

The loader's frame rattled too. More loose bolts. I used blue thread-lock on these.


Check everything.