clemsonfor
Super Member
I don't think a good shape 1500D with good implements would be too over priced even if listed at just over $4000. I forgot that it was a D. And yes if it has a loader go get it at that price now!
Other thing to consider is was this a VN recon machine. They are valued somewhat less by folks as the quality of them can be questionable. If it has been in service for years and has several hundred hours on it, its probably fine. Mine and Neats are both recons. I have not really had any issues with mine. Knowing what I know now, I should of spent the extra few hundred dollars on a fredericks machine but that is a moot point at this point. Things to look for would be, If it has a laoder it will be a bulldog or VN brand on a recon. It wont have a PTO safety shield on it. My paint is off color, its closer to Kubota orange and actually may be Kubota orange, than yanmar red, But all are not this way, there is a chance that my sheet metal was just mixedup over there and the painter was painting kubotas and they got mine as well. I have one fender cap that is red, you can see the difference. Hoses and belts might say LCI on them. The decals and paint tape job do not look as professional as the fredericks ones.
But like I said if it has been in service and he is using it that's a true test of its performance. It should crank easy, letting you know it as decent compression, have little or no blow by from the tube when its warm. Exhaust should be on the clear side to slightly grey when idling and when at operating speed. (you may know how to tell a decent diesel, not sure?) You can have the lift in the air with an implement and then shut off the tractor to see if it holds the implement in the air or how fast it lowers, this will tell you the condition of the 3pt system internals.
Like California said these are simple machines designed to be maintained by a farmer or farm mechanic on the farm with most of the tools he would have.
