Buying Advice Thoughts on a b1750 with 2300 hours?

[eosinophil]

I've been trying to decide on the right tractor for me. Live on 20 acres, mainly mowing, some loader work (horses), worried about stability as i have some sloping areas down towards the pond. I was leaning towards new and debating about sizes - 20 to 30 hp, considering B or L. They all seem comparable as to how I fit in them or how comfortable they seem they would be to use.
But i just saw a used tractor on my local craigslist - B1750 with a 60 inch mowing deck, loader, 4X4, hydro, 4 foot loader, all for 7K. BUt it's got 2300 hours. No pictures. What do you all think? 2300 hours too much or reasonable. How about the price? I've never had a tractor; i really like the idea of dropping 7K, seeing how much i really like / use it, then if I either a) don't use it of b) need bigger getting my $ back on trade or resale. i also am swayed by the idea of an older tractor, since those are the ones that kubota built their reputation on. How about the price - does 7K seem reasonable?
Or should i just suck it up and buy new?
Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Carl_NH]

2300 hours is a lot but they do go 4-5000 hours or more - properly maintained. I would check it out - if its a clean tractor with records maybe its worth $6K if its beat up 2300 hours maybe $4K.

If it were me, and it was decent not beat up - no major leaks, ran fine, and everything worked I would offer $5 to 5.5K. You cant get a new B or L series with a loader and mower under $17-20 range. This would get you in a tractor and if you have to put $1-2K into it for maintenance and repair it won't hurt so much - just make sure the hydro, deck, and loader all work smoothly.

Carl

 

[eosinophil]

Thanks Carl! Stupid question - what makes a leak major- that is, are there leaks in certain places that are bad even if they aren't leaking a lot? Which sorts of leaks -if any- are okay to overlook?
Appreciate your input!

 

[art]

We have seen them go well over 5,000 hours when maintained. It might be a good starting point or jumping point for not a lot of investment to find you should be up to the B-3200-3030 chassis as a better fit for you . It very welll take care of the property although it might take a little longer then with a larger tractor. Price wise I don't think he is far off but you never know until you ask if they will take less.

 

[kuboman]

2300hrs is a lot. Could be mostly worn out if poorly looked after but then again it can be in real good shape. You are correct to look for a used machine for your first tractor. Find out what you like and need and then work up to it. One thing is you will not lose much if any by buying used because it is already depreciated out. Just be very careful though as used is USED.!

 

[Carl_NH]

Thanks Carl! Stupid question - what makes a leak major- that is, are there leaks in certain places that are bad even if they aren't leaking a lot? Which sorts of leaks -if any- are okay to overlook?
Appreciate your input!

There shouldnt be any steady drip or drops of fluid when in operation as a general rule, some seepage on the FEL lift and bucket cylinders would be normal.

OK Since it has a loader and MMM I will start with the "OK or expected" for this age and hours. First - ask to see the unit "cold" not started or warmed up, in its normal storage place. If its on concrete, you can see stains where leaks have been in the past, on dirt or gravel more difficult.

Motor - no leaks - coolant, oil, or diesel , but expect to see some "seepage" meaning dust/dirt around areas like the top of the valve cover, or around the hydro pump, or fuel filter. Also underneath the engine look up in between the engine/clutch housing and hydro pump - there is a seal and plug - the plug sometimes leak hydro fluid.

Then on the left side of the engine and frame where the oil filter you will probably see oil traces from oil changes. Also on the filters - are the dates and hours when changed on the filters?

Then hydro area, should be free of leaks but again some dust and dirt and seapage is normal around the fittings and filters and linkages but no "drips".

On the loader - the loader arms underneath the cylinders some seapage is normal but not drops coming out. Cycle the loader up and down just above idle speed say 12-1300 rpm - should raise and lower easily no jerking movements and same for the dump cycle.

With the bucket lift the tractor off the ground and check the front end for play and the axles gear housings for any leaks - maay be some oil on them but shouldnt be leaking.

Mower deck - spindles should be tight -if you can, loosen the tension on the belt and check spindles. Should run smooth and minimal vibration.

Last - service records, owner history if they can provide this and all the above check out OK then buy it.