Raybona_Lewini
New member
Just purchased a new 4330 with a BH 90 backhoe for use on the construction site. I'm working on my fee schedule and would appreciate any input on how long (in hours) I could expect the tractor and hoe to last. Thanks
Usable Life of 4330
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grandad
Platinum Member
Congratulations on a great purchase! You will enjoy it, I'm sure. As for the life of these little tractors, it's a bit of a guess, and it depends on what kind of a life they lead serving you. Since you plan put it into commercial service where it's likely to see heavier use, you should expect to see it wear sooner than if you were a part-time weekend warrior like me.
The engines in these Kubotas are some of the most dependable small power sources in the world, and are used in all kinds of industrial and construction applications, not just small tractors. With careful operation and basic maintenance, they have been known to run for many thousands of hours trouble free.
Kubotas seem to hold their value pretty well. If you have checked out used equipment, you know they get down to a certain point and don't lose much more resale value beyond that if they are in any kind of working condition.
Your accountant should be able to tell you the useful life of your equipment for depreciation purposes. That might give you some idea how much has to be factored into your charge structure.
The engines in these Kubotas are some of the most dependable small power sources in the world, and are used in all kinds of industrial and construction applications, not just small tractors. With careful operation and basic maintenance, they have been known to run for many thousands of hours trouble free.
Kubotas seem to hold their value pretty well. If you have checked out used equipment, you know they get down to a certain point and don't lose much more resale value beyond that if they are in any kind of working condition.
Your accountant should be able to tell you the useful life of your equipment for depreciation purposes. That might give you some idea how much has to be factored into your charge structure.
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
VERY,VERY hard question to answer. 1000 hrs on one machine can be totally different than 1000 hrs on another machine. depends on the type of work AND the guy operating the tractor. if u are the owner/operator you will probably be a little more careful, but if you have an employee that don't care , he can really do some dammage.hope u understand what i am trying to convey.
SageBrush
Gold Member
Depends on how you run it and maintain it. I've had rental John Deere 310 SE's not make it past 2 thousand hours with out blowing a head gasket. Then I've had 4 thousand hour rubber tire tractors with no real problems. Just hoses, oil, filters, etc. Depends on the operator. The tractors I run tend to last forever, I had one of the oldest back hoes in my company when every one else goes through one every 3 to 4 years. I made sure it was maintained and not abused.
I would say with good maintenance I would expect 4500 + hours in commercial use before needing $$$$'s or three to four years of constant use. Maybe two or more clutches in a utility type. A little less than an Industrial tractor. After four years you usually need seals and trans work from constant hard and heavy work. The companies I work for usually get rid of small tractors over 2.5K, because they can't afford down time caused by all the commercial construction use. I hate it when I see people slamming the shuttle in reverse and then back to forward while moving fast. Yes, popping wheelies is fun, but it destroys the trans.
I have an old Belarus with tons of hours, the meter stopped working at 6K and that was many years ago. It hasn't recieved the best care either. An engine should last at least 15K when maintained, but I, nor my family have ever kept one that long yet.
Anyone have one of those 15 thousand hour tractors? I saw an add for a ford / NH industrial tractor with 14K + on it. I wonder if a hydro trans will last that long on a smaller wheel tractor.
I would say with good maintenance I would expect 4500 + hours in commercial use before needing $$$$'s or three to four years of constant use. Maybe two or more clutches in a utility type. A little less than an Industrial tractor. After four years you usually need seals and trans work from constant hard and heavy work. The companies I work for usually get rid of small tractors over 2.5K, because they can't afford down time caused by all the commercial construction use. I hate it when I see people slamming the shuttle in reverse and then back to forward while moving fast. Yes, popping wheelies is fun, but it destroys the trans.
I have an old Belarus with tons of hours, the meter stopped working at 6K and that was many years ago. It hasn't recieved the best care either. An engine should last at least 15K when maintained, but I, nor my family have ever kept one that long yet.
Anyone have one of those 15 thousand hour tractors? I saw an add for a ford / NH industrial tractor with 14K + on it. I wonder if a hydro trans will last that long on a smaller wheel tractor.
