Used Machine buyers CHECKLIST

[tractorlogger]

Could someone please steer me to a comprehensive buyers CHECKLIST that I could copy and take with me when looking for USED tractors.

I would like to look at the list and then investigate the item as I do an inspection.

I searched TBN but did not find anything.

I usually get talking and forget things that I should look at.

Thanks

 

[RoyJackson]

I don't have a "check list". I use the same criteria as when buying a vehicle: does it start easily? pull strong? all the accessories work?
And mostly some common sense.

If you aren't familar with tractors or diesel engines, take a friend who is. If you don't have a friend that is familar wiith tractors, maybe a local TBNer could help you.

Don't make a tractor purchase more complicated then it has to be. Heck, you've been a TBNer for almost 5 years...you should have picked up a few helpful hints by now. And, unless you've bought some bad tractors, just do what you've done before...

 

[tractorlogger]

Well this will be Number 11, but my mind is getting pretty bad and I really need a good list to check things off as i go over the machine, I cant believe there is not a good list out there.
I checked google, on here etc...just small lists of a few general items... a few people trying to sell books ...
Something like:

Engine: Smoke colours, seals leaking, rad cap checks, head gasket edges, starter noise,
ring gear noise, belts, alternator output under load.. lots of fun things to look at...

Where are all the mechanical people on here????

 

[defed]

a few things i noticed on my tractor, after i already had it home a few days, that showed me it had a little more abuse than i originally thought:

bracket where bucket pivots on loader frame bent, front grill bent, ears that hold the lower 3pt lift arm to the rear end had some wear from side to side banging....

now, these things don't make it bad, but just show that someone used it for things they maybe shouldn't have, which could mean some other things that you can't see have seen some abuse too.

i try to check for engine leaks, seal leaks anywhere that hold fluid (front end, rear end), wear on moving parts (tho i missed a few on the last one!), front end/wheels aren't out of whack from overloading a loader, etc.

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, I don't go through a "checklist".
I look for overall condition (taking in account it is a used tractor). I make sure it starts easily and all controls work properly...including the loader (if it has one) and 3PH. Easy check on these are with an implement attached to the 3PH. I lift the front end with the loader and run it to the limits of travel...as long as there is no squealing, and both loader and 3PH lift OK, there's probably no problems.
The tractor should pull strongly in a lower gear or range. Shifting (gear guy here) should be smooth with no grinding or slippage.
The tires and paint should match the hours showing on the meter unless it's been repainted and the tires have been replaced.
All instruments should operate and so should the lights.
I also look at the seat and floor. If the seat is torn up and the floor shows wear beyond the hours on the meter...well, that could be a concern.

Most importantly, know the dealer's reputation. Check their rating by the Better Business Bureau. I've bought three tractor in the last 10 or 11 years. Two were from the same dealer who has a good reputation, but is a bit on the expensive side. The other was the most risky being an internet and out of state purchase. As far as the out of state purchase, I figured I could refuse delivery if it did not meet my expectations. this was the 790 which I kept 6 years.

Definitely read about the tractor before going to the dealer. You'll pick up good info as far as potential weaknesses to focus on.

I doubt most dealers will allow you to run a compression or leak down test. Those items you listed in your post (Smoke colours, seals leaking, rad cap checks, head gasket edges, starter noise,ring gear noise, belts, alternator output under load) are visual or aural (except for the alternator output)...so look and listen.

Buying used always entails certain risks. Just pay more attention to the tractor then the salesman.
BTW, when I looked at the 4400 I just bought, the salesman showed me the controls and started the tractor. After that, I was on my own and no pressure (he was with another customer..just observed me enough to ensure I did nothing stupid).

Hope this helps...

 

[defed]

BTW, when I looked at the 4400 I just bought, the salesman showed me the controls and started the tractor. After that, I was on my own and no pressure (he was with another customer..just observed me enough to ensure I did nothing stupid).

HAHA! when i looked at the 4300, they just gave me the keys and away i went. i was cruising around the yard and no one ever checked to see what i was doing. i did have to stop and ask them about a few things that i wasn't sure how to operate. heck, w/ the mid pto, i could have broken it by engaging it improperly, but they apparently weren't too concerned about it.

 

[JoeinTX]

Roy's all over it but a couple of things I always look for:

-I want to know if the tractor is sitting where it normally does (if I don't already know that) so that I can check the ground for obvious leaks that might be cleaned up/painted and not noticeable on the tractor itself.

-I'm a "gear guy" too so I'm all about the clutch, how the tranny sounds, fluid condition

-fresh paint sure does make one look better but not run better...I pretty much prefer one in it's original paint just so I can really tell how it's been used/stored and maintained

-might ask for a demo if possible if anything throws up a flag.....

 

[buck12]

I bought a used tractor last year and a used lawn mower several years ago. I looked at a few tractors before buying and each time I knew immediately upon seeing the machine whether or not it was for me. The overall condition tells you the most. Most used machines have something wrong - torn seat, broke plastic, etc - but you have to look at the tractor as a whole. Also, I prefer to buy from the owner not a dealer.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought a used tractor last year and a used lawn mower several years ago. I looked at a few tractors before buying and each time I knew immediately upon seeing the machine whether or not it was for me. The overall condition tells you the most. Most used machines have something wrong - torn seat, broke plastic, etc - but you have to look at the tractor as a whole. Also, I prefer to buy from the owner not a dealer.

The appearance of the tractor is 90% of the battle for me also. You can pretty well tell if a tractor has been taken care of by someone who cares. Low hours means nothing to me if the tractor has been beat to death. I look for broken or rounded bolts. Wires that have been cut and spliced. Sheet metal damage. The tractor doesn't need to be in show room condition. But there is a pretty big gap between used and abused.

 

[om21braz]

I have one item in particular to look at on a diesel machine - the air filter/hoses/air box. Good clean air is very important to diesel engines. It's typically a simple item to maintain, although an easy one to neglect.