What is a Tractors Lifespan?

[rScotty]

Just how many hour/years can we expect a tractor to last? Figure maintenance by the book or close to it, OEM parts, use a block heater in the winter, and work it hard but no abuse.

I've heard lots of guesses, but I don't think I've ever seen any data or studies to back up the guesses. Maybe a guess is as good as we've got so far.

Is brand new better than 100 hrs? How much life is left at 2000 hrs? 5000 hrs? What's first to go?
How many hours & years on your tractors? How long do you expect them to last? Plan to sell?
Here's some favorites I have or had....

Kubota M59 TLB - bought new demo (< 50 hrs), now at 1000 hrs, control cable & 1 hyd cylinder repair. Works like new & nothing needed.

JD310SG Heavy commercial TLB - bought used (5800 hrs) now 6000 hrs - tires, batts, fanbelt, pwr steering pump, BH cylinder rebuild $$, cab seals. Everything major works OK, but lots of wear on all controls.

JD530 2 cylinder gas old Ag tractor - bought used (10,000+ hrs) now 1000 hrs more. Rubber parts, starter, gen. a lot of minor things like hour meter wore out, seat wore out, countless batteries, added loader in 1990, brake job, clutch adjust......but no engine, tranny, axle, or hydraulic work ever needed. Still works & pulls strong but everything shows age.

2 Yanmars - small 4wd loader&chore tractors bought used (about 500 hrs) & sold at 1200 hrs approx. New batteries, no repairs required. Surprisingly durable CUTS.

Good Luck out there, rScotty

 

[TheMan419]

I have about 160 HRS on my Boomer 24 (bought new). I have had one of the quick connects for the loader leak. Replaced under warranty. Joy stick that controls the bucket went out. Known problem for the NH Boomer series. Unfortunately outside warranty and NH refused to replace at their cost.

So not sure on this machine. A diesel engine should be good for many thousands of hours if properly loved. All my maintenance will be by the book for that very reason. It is cheaper to change fluids/filters as specified than to pay for an engine rebuild!

 

[bspeedy]

Too many variables. A diesel engine in a controlled environment that is operated 22 hrs per day every day with frequent maintenance should last for 10's of thousands of hours.

A tractor sees too many variables in operator, weather conditions, and maintenance to give a true lifespan.

From my experience with CUT's, I'd say 2000 hours is about half worn out. With 4000 hours, you may have a machine that is usable for another thousand hours or you may have a piece of junk. I own a 1000 hour tractor that looks better than most 100 hour tractors and runs just as well, too. I also own a 40-yr-old 2000 hour tractor that starts, runs and operates just fine. Both have been stored inside and have had good maintenance regimes and careful operation. I'm expecting both to last 4000 hours or more.

I've seen 500 hour tractors that looked like they were stored at the bottom of the ocean and with the original filters and (probably) the original oil in the crankcase. Not good.

 

[4570Man]

I think the diesel will outlive the rest of the piece of equipment.

 

[oosik]

How long a tractor will last has most to do with how it is used and how it is maintained. Too many variables to give a generalized answer.

 

[AWSubie]

Forever, if you can buy or make parts. My Ford 2N will most likely out last me and several more owners!!! The life span of any machine is based upon OEM and/or aftermarket support. Of course some would argue that at some point in the life cycle the machine is no longer the "original" machine.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Just how many of these threads are you going to start ?

 

[4570Man]

The answer ranges from longer than you’ll live to care to a couple of hours depending on the care it’s given and how good you are at fixing things.

 

[japody]

I've got 2 50 year old Fords. Ask me again in another 50 years.

 

[ovrszd]

I've got two 34 year old Fords, expecting same results.