Value of YM1700/Good Deal/Rebuild Cost?

[BatesBunch]

I have the opportunity to purchase a YM1700 with several implements for under $3,000.

The current owner purchased the tractor and implements from a neighbor. He also purchased a new finish mower for his property, but found that it does not suit his needs due to the limited maneuverability. He only mowed with the mower 3 or 4 times. The tractor and all of the implements have been sitting for approximately one year.

I went an looked at the tractor several evenings ago, but got there just at dark. I did get to run the tractor around for a few minutes, though.

The owner was very honest about everything that he had done to the tractor, what was wrong with it, and what he did or didn't know about it.

A new clutch and steering box were installed before the tractor was laid up.

The tractor runs, but smokes (oil) and will need a rebuild. The Hi/Lo Gear Selector is broken with the tractor currently set in the Lo Range (this appears to be an internal problem). The clutch felt pretty good. The rear tires are in good shape, but the front tires will need to be renewed. Most of the electrical system worked (even the horn!). The paint, well, it looked like an old tractor that was well faded.

It comes with the following implements (all in 4' size):

Big Bee Finish Mower (in like new condition)
Disc
Box Blade
Rotary Cutter

Buying this deal would be like buying all of the used implements and getting the tractor for well under $1,000.

I already own a YM1500D (Green) and have been very happy with the little tractor. I currently only have a 4' Scraper Blade that I use with it. I have been looking for a good used Rotary Cutter and Finish Mower to use with my tractor.

The owner of the YM1700 will sell the implements separately, but would prefer to sell everything at one time. He has already discounted the price that was run in his ad for me.

I believe that this is a good deal, but I am curious to the approximate cost of the rebuild. I sent a private message to Sailor Bob the other day to get a 'ballpark' figure on his overhaul. Does anyone have any ideas about the rebuild cost (I know this can very depending on how deep you go.)?

I am interested in this. I think that it would be a good opportunity for my son and I and give him a good experience (he is 10 years old). I do have to watch the pocket book, though, because we are in the process of adopting our second son!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure when I'll get to view any posts as we just had the first feeder band of Hurricane Gustav come across South Mississippi a few minutes ago.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[lens12]

You can do a pretty thorough overhaul for $700 in parts. I wouldn't worry about overhauling it unless it has a loss of power or hard starting.

 

[rhett]

agreed, smokey could be the result of many minor issues. something as simple as a leaky valve cover gasket will wrench the diagnosis process. the key is, are you mechanically willing to tackle the issues? if not, talk to a local service center for their cost of and reliability of service.

me, i'm happy as a tick with my buy... from your description i would not mind having seconds if the local transaction was a posability. Good Luck!

Rhett

EDITED: yup, don't read much about the storm bands here, or there. "Picayune" smokes are getting harder and harder to find. Old School

 

[SailorBob]

I was away from my computer for a couple days. I was getting ready for Gustav. We missed out on that one unlike Katrina. We have lots of rain and wind but, no real damage just some tree limbs so far.

I sent you a PM.

 

[BatesBunch]

Thanks for the responses so far. Thanks also to SailorBob for the PM and all of the information.

I appreciate the forum as I have been watching on and off for a while. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience from the dealers/parts distibutors and the owners who frequent the forum.

We too got through Gustav with no major problems. We were without power for about a day-and-a-half and had a little yard debris (where the pine trees were lightly 'pruned'). There are also a few pines that went down and two 'leaners' that I'll probably have to take down. But then again, that's an opportunity to use the 1500D to pull them to the burn pile!

I am really interested in this package deal, but will continue with my research before I make my final decision.

I suppose that I could run it 'as is' for a while, but now-a-days, the oil costs nearly as much as the diesel!