What to look for when inspecting used tc33d?

[Williecoyote]

Need your help. I will be inspecting a used tc33d and being a novice to this tractor thing, not sure what to be looking for. Could you give me some things I should watch for, or areas of concern. Any tips will help. How do I test the tractor and its implements? (i.e fel and mmm). Thank you in advance to any replies. Its a big investment and I don't want to look at it without some background from the people that have owned one already. <font color="blue"> </font>

 

[thcri]

Hours on machine?
Who owned it before and what was it mostly used for?
Is there records of all maintenance done on the machine?
Yes try out all implements? Do they run smooth, is there any rattling or vibration?
Is the tractor clean? or just cleaned for resale? This is a tough one sometimes.
Was it one owner or multiple?
Is it by dealer or private owner?
Check the fluids, are they up there and clean to the best of your knowledge?
What shape are the tires in?
What about the grease zirks, does it look like they have been used or not?
Check the battery, has it been replaces or is it still the original. If original you may want to figure on replaceing? Also the original batteries leaked and you may find some corrosion going on in the front? That's not good. You will end up replacing the radiator and fluid cooler if corrosion is going on?

I guess there is more that I can't think of right now, but you may want to post hours and as much information as you can when you see the tractor along with the pricing. People in your area can help you with pricing to make sure your not being taken advantage of.

murph

 

[Slippy]

In addition: Check for leaks in hoses, connections, cylinders. Put the tractor under load and see if transmission is solid, check all switches, lights, levers, steering, seat, features, brakes, worn places in linkage or brakes, parking brake, and other pedals, bent rims inside and out, vibration at top speed, smoking other than at start up. If has loader, put loader up against solid object and see if it will spin the tires in 4wd. Should tell you if clutch is bad, or if HST it is bad. Look for worn places in seat, paint, indicating a lot of on off by other owners. Really spend some time looking it over carefully from top to bottom. Look for signs of repare where paint is cracked around bolts, wear marks, etc. You can't look at the machine too long or too closely. It may be worth hiring a mechanic to go see the tractor with you. For a small price, you could get expert advice and review. Consider a full service after you get it, all filters, fluids, etc. Good luck.

 

[LarryD]

Slippy has a good point, try to get it to a dealer for a qualified inspection.

Most times you can look at equipment and see how rough a life it's had but that doesn't tell you if there is mechanical problems pending. Gonna have to talk to a dealer sooner or later, if only for routine maintenance parts.

 

[Soundguy]

You will want to hear it start cold, drive it in all ranges / speeds .. test the 3pt with sobstantial weight.. look for leakdown or shuddering when lifting. Look for evidence of leaks onthe ground where it is parked.. or old evidence in the paint on the engine..e tc.

Do the filters all look like they match the rest of the maintenance. For example.. new clean oil.. but a faded filter menas that the oil is.. well.. new.. and the filter was not changed... not a good maintenance sign...

Look for wear.. if it had a clutch pedal you could look for wear on it where it might have been 'ridden'

How's rubber? Any obvious repairs? ( what cause dthe need for those repairs? )

Look for 'bad' or 'quick and dirty auction style' repairs.. like RTV used as gasket material squeezed out between mating surfaces.

Idle ok? all indicator lamps and dials/gauges run in correct ranges during working speeds... smoke? a diesel in good order may puff some black smoke during a load down.. or during a quick pres of the accelerator..e tc.. looks for excessive puffing from any crankcase breathers..e tc..

Soundguy