Tractor Purchase Preparation

[volunteer]

OK guys, made the trip and purchased 1993 Ford 3930 4x4 tractor. Approximately 1700 hours. Seat was in good to great condition. No FEL but primaily will be used for mowing. Has canopy/ROPS. Drove from TN to Mississippi and having dropped off at NH dealer for checkup. Currently has turf tires, will switch to Ag tires due to large/steep hill on property. Paid $9K.

Current thoughts on dealer checkup - any thoughts:

1. radiator/radiator cap/cooling system
condition of radiator

2. dynamometer test varying loads / full load for 1 hour, compare to nebraska specs

3. brakes

4. clutch/transmission

5. electrical system/ all gauges work
fuse panel cover missing fuses

6. replace all filters/fluids

7. steering/linkage

8. tires

Or is all of this overkill?

 

[Soundguy]

When i buy a tractor, I like to do a visual inspection first.. then an operating inspection, if the owner will let me.. Like.. running a pto load.. like a mower.. or scooping dirt with a loader.

You should be able to get a feeel if the tractor is 'strong' that way.

Look for leaks, and signs of damage and repair. A prev repair.. if a good one.. doesn't bother me at all. itd rather see repairs and know the prev owner was taking care of the machine.. etc.

Make sure all features and functions work.. or if they don't.. keep the repair cost in mind twhen making an offer.

I check fluids for contamination.. etc. When i buy her.. a full service.. all fluids and filters.. etc. And then start looking for parts that need replacing to suit my needs.

Soundguy

 

[redlevel]

I would have that sucker delivered to the farm. I'd check all the fluids, put some fuel in it, and put it through its paces. If I had a mower, I'd hook it up and find something to cut to put a little load on it. Put it in the highest road gear, lock both brakes, and let out on the clutch to detect any slippage. I would engage the 4wd and make sure it is working properly. Use the diff. lock for the same reason. I know it is probably wet and cold up there, but I would find some way to put a load on it at the farm. Then, I would get it to the dealer if there is something that needs to be addressed. You can service the tractor yourself. If it came from Mississippi, it might not have enough antifreeze for Tenn winters. I'd check that first thing.

By the way, I think you made an excellent choice in a tractor, and that sounds like a very good price.

 

[volunteer]

Well I certainly appreciate everyone's advice and suggestions. Now I can go out and locate some tires, bush hog/finish mower. Thanks guys and I''ll post my "new" tractor pics as soon as I get back from the delivery.

 

[BTDT]

Nice looking place you have there. Sounds like you found a good fit for the jobs you have planned. Keep us posted on the progress on purchases of equipment, work you had done on tractor, and eventually your home.

 

[volunteer]

Ford 3930 is at dealer now. Might have to go visit my new baby and get some pics. Now all I need is a barn/workshop, trailer, and a few implements. Without this group I don't know how I could have purchased a tractor. The advice really made it much more focused. Thanks to all!