Used Kubota

[bostonwewarrior]

I am looking a used Kubota BX 23/24 or 7800, former rental from a local shop. I am new to tractors and do not have a sense of how many hours of operation is a lot, a little, and how that should affect price. Can someone please give me a little guidance. The machines I am looking at have between 100-300 hours of rental time on them.

Thank you,

Boston Weekend Warrior

 

[flusher]

Need more info: how old are these tractors; do these have FELs and/or backhoes? Hydrostatic transmissions?

 

[KiotiJohn]

Without knowing anything more, those hours are not many.
Generally, a compact tractor's engine will get at least 5,000 hours before needing major surgery. Of course, that is a generalization.

Break in is usually around 50 hours, and 300 is nothing. Valve lash would need to be checked, probably around 400 hours or so, but the owner manual should tell what you would need in maintenance.

You have no way of knowing how the tractor was maintained, and rental equipment can be used by a huge variety of experienced and non-experienced persons. You need to check for bushing wear in attachments, for evidence that grease has been used generously and that important elements are not bent or broken. Does everything work as it should? Are there any leaks when operating the 3pt. hitch or other hydraulic equipment? Does the machine LOOK like it fits the number of hours? A worn looking machine with only a few hundred hours may not reflect the true hours. On the other hand, a repainted tractor would be misleading as well.

I would say that generally, a tractor with the hours your state would be a good buy if it is reasonably priced compared to a new one with the same equipment. Often, a new tractor, with full factory warranty and 0% or low % financing may be the better option. If you can't save a few thousand, at least, over a new one, then I would go new.
John

 

[DanR67]

BWW -

If you could fill out your profile (ex. how large your property / anticipated needs) - that would be a big help for the rest of us.

If you have a "smaller" property (< 2-3 acres) - and just need some minor landscaping tasks - then the BX23/BX24 is probably a better fit. If you have a larger property - and you need to mow 5 acres, for example - or plan to do "more extensive" backhoe work - then I'd think you should be leaning towards the B7800 (or even bigger?)

My B7610 is just over two years old - and I have @ 180 hours. It's a mower - first and foremost - but I use it for a variety of yard chores - as well as hauling wood pellets and snowblowing. I generally run it less through the winters.
I hope that helps "interpret" engine hours some.

100 - 300 hours are very little for these little Kubota diesels - especially if one of these is a 2004 machine...you might get a nice price break off of "new" machine pricing - and as long as the dealer is willing to stand behind the equipment (ex. balance or warranty period) - then the hours should not be too worrisome.

Don't be too surprised, however - if the price is not "radically" lower than new machines. Look at what the finance rates are - you might be able to get a new unit (with low / promotional financing) for the same payment as the used units (with typically higher loan rates) - unless you are doing an outright, cash purchase.

Let us know what your plans / needs are - and we can give you better advice.

Cheers,

Dan