Used L2850 2WD questions

[project_X]

Hi all,
I'm new around here, I've asked a few questions and have received a lot of great feedback. I finally decide to get a dedicated lawnmower (Kubota ZG23) for my lawn and have been looking for an older Kubota to work around my property. I have found a used L2850 which appears to be in good shape, but is lacking an hour meter. What is the best way to verify the tractor is in reasonable shape; a compression test, what else,...?
What would be a reasonable price for a machine (no attachments) that seems to look good, but is lacking an hour meter?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[rbargeron]

The hour meter runs from a flexible drive cable originating at the front of the diesel pump. They bend fairly sharply there and usually break at something between 800 and 1200 hours.

The evidence of use and maintenance is subtle but is everywhere on a tractor.

Look at the tires - are they square cornered or rounded down? If they are all the same major brand (Goodyear or Bridgestone) they may be original - the hours are likely less than 1400 or 1500.

Look at the very bottom of the gear cases - are they still shiny and clean? The top and side paint gets faded with sunlight but the bottom stays bright for 1000-1400 hours of use unless it's been working in a rock pile - or in the woods a lot. If the paint on the wheels has been redone, that's a sign of more use.

Take the air filter apart and inspect the inner element. If it is in good condition that's a good sign - if the inner filter is damaged or missing - very bad sign.

Compression is hard to use as an indicator unless you are (or have access to ) an experienced diesel mechanic. If the engine starts easily it's a good sign - if it smokes excessively (white-ish) after cold start, or starts hard, that can mean worn rings or other parts - such that the engine is not making full compression and igniting the fuel.

Kubotas have a good reputation for very few oil leaks - look closely at the engine for evidence of long-term leaking. Inspect the dipsticks for any evidence of oil contamination. The oil on them should be clean - maybe dark colored, but still translucent and clean looking.

The seat upholstery does not tell a reliable story - kubota seats give it up after only a few hundred hours outside, the edging falls off after the second rain you leave the tractor out in. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If the tractor looks decent, it probably is. But if you find yourself thinking it looks pretty beat but it may be just because tractors look worse sooner than cars or trucks, you may be ignoring the facts. If it looks rough on the outside, somebody let it get that way and it could be rough inside too.

As always, prompt cheerful refund if info is bogus. Good luck, Dick B.