Used John Deere purchase - hours question.

[Septemberwheat]

Hi Guys,
So I'm in the market for a used John Deere 4000 series tractor and I've found one that fits my needs, the price is really good, BUT it has 1,700 hours on it. I'm a little concerned about the number of hours on the machine. The seller is the second owner. First owner put on 600 hours, the current owner (seller) put on 1,100. It's a 2005/06, he says that the bulk of the hours are in shredding work. Small loader hours and maybe 2 hours a year in backhoe work. He also says he's maintained it (didn't ask for proof, should I?), and it looks pretty good. The work he's done has been on his 70 acre hunting ranch, he now has a new purchase of 40 acres that he needs a bat wing for so he needs a bigger tractor, which is why he's selling.
So I really like the 4000 series tractor, it fits my needs. The tractor looks good (no major rust, starts up, sounds great, etc..), my only concern is the hours. Is this something of an issue? I see guys using tractors into the 10,000 hour range, and they keep on truckin'.
My use would probably be 200 - 300 hours per year, give or take.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Best,
Matt
Also, When I'm test driving the tractor, what should I look focus on? I know the clutch can be expensive to replace, how do i tell if it'll need to be replaced soon? What else do I look for?
Thx.

 

[AKfish]

Welcome to TBN, Septemberwheat. If it's an '05-'06 model it's got the PowerReverser or eHydro transmission. The PR tranny has a hydraulic clutch - wet clutch. Very long lasting and durable to hard use. The eHydro transmission is a hydraulic system similar to a construction loader or dozer. Very durable transmission and it does not have a clutch.

1,700 hours is not something I'd be concerned about. The JD engine and transmission and running gear should be relatively trouble-free for a number of thousands of hours. Like their bigger iron brothers - I wouldn't be too worried until there's 5,000 on the meter.

Standard protocol for buying used equipment. Leaks, smoke, welds, bends, grinds, wobble-play, and correct functioning. Look for anything that's outside of normal, expected wear. Anything that's excessive or questionable will likely cost you extra time and money to replace or repair.

AKfish

 

[murphy1244]

I would ask for receipts foe maintenance work.

 

[murphy1244]

Matt, Welcome to TBN

 

[BigMike50]

I would ask for receipts foe maintenance work.

:laughing:

 

[Septemberwheat]

Guys, thanks for the warm welcome. Thanks for the great information so far.
Yes, it's the PowerReverser transmission.
So I have another question, would it be silly of me to approach the seller and say we have a deal if I can get it checked out by a john deere mechanic. I haven't called anyone yet, but does this happen often? Pay a tractor mechanic some money ($150??) to look it over and get some feedback? What would put me at ease is if someone with a better eye than me for tractors (btw. I have no eye) would say. Yes, 1,700 hours isn't anything to worry about, tractor looks solid, no major issues, just standard wear and tear, keep an eye on x,y, and z, and you'll be good for 3,000 more hours. AK, too bad your so far away, I'd just bring you along! All the best guys and thanks again for the help.
If I buy it, I'll post pictures.
Best,
Matt

 

[holeycow]

That would be normal around here for a major purchase.......hiring a mechanic, that is.

 

[Johndeere3720]

:welcome: to TBN! Having a mechanic come along would be great as they would be able to diagnose any problem that may arise, plus their expertise will make sure you are getting a good solid machine. The engine in that tractor is known to be solid, they also use it in Deere skid steers and compact track loaders. :thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

I think having a good mechanic check out the tractor is a good idea. Nothing wrong with that approach and is something most of us recommend whether you are an experienced buyer or not. I have done this a few times and it has saved me money on one occasion years ago when considering a backhoe.

 

[murphy1244]

:laughing:

What is so funny about that short throw? You jd owners pride yourself on going to the overpriced dealers for work, they don't give receipts?

 

[Septemberwheat]

UURRR! The short version is I lost the tractor to another buyer.

Is this messed up? I call a John Deere dealership, about 5 minutes away from the seller, I live about 2 hours away from the seller. I talk to the owner of the dealership, tell him my situation and he says that's a great deal, but don't worry, I'm not in the market for that kind of tractor. He also agrees he'd help me out (meet me out at the sellers ranch to inspect) for a small fee. I call the seller and fill him in and we set up a time for the next day. The seller calls me back two hours later and tells me a guy came in and picked it up on the spot for his asking price...

Granted, it could have happened but I can't help and think this dealer is involved...

On to the next one!

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[Zebrafive]

The good thing is there are more out there.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

What is so funny about that short throw? You jd owners pride yourself on going to the overpriced dealers for work, they don't give receipts?

Who in their right mind is going to pay 80-100 an hour for routine maintenance work? Now if you have a major problem or need something technical sure. Otherwise Im in the do my own maintenance work and save the hourly rate group. No-one records when they grease the bushings/wear points either. just my $.02

 

[murphy1244]

Who in their right mind is going to pay 80-100 an hour for routine maintenance work? Now if you have a major problem or need something technical sure. Otherwise Im in the do my own maintenance work and save the hourly rate group. No-one records when they grease the bushings/wear points either. just my $.02

I keep track of all maintenance and record it. Each machine gets a book.

 

[rmorey]

I keep track of all maintenance and record it. Each machine gets a book.

:thumbsup: I'm with you Murph. Easier to remember things when all maintenance items are written down in the book.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suspect there are lots of people who take care of their equipment but don't have a book filled in with all the details. Plus the fact that anyone could make a fake book for a good or problematic machine to make it look as it had excellent maintenance. I feel better buying based on overall condition that I can see.

 

[DKCDKC]

I put a lot of faith in my meeting with the last owner. I bought a JD 2030 from a guy 30 miles away in 2001 - it was then 28 years old with 2,100 hours. But the guy really knew his tractors and, in conversation, it turned out he had been a JD mechanic for years. The tractor was rust-free and worn where you would expect, and not worn in any unusual ways. Getting a JD mechanic to check things out is awfully expensive and takes scheduling. I have found a local farmer who has multiple JDs and years of experience is actually a better bet, and enjoys the experience... Although I usually buy him a meal.

BTW, I kept the2030 for 10 years - with only one mechanical issue and that fixed quickly - and sold it for just under what I paid for it. Got a JD CUT that is easier for my old legs to get me up on.

 

[Notforhire]

I suspect there are lots of people who take care of their equipment but don't have a book filled in with all the details. Plus the fact that anyone could make a fake book for a good or problematic machine to make it look as it had excellent maintenance. I feel better buying based on overall condition that I can see.

That reminds me of a friend that looked at a dog that had papers. A day or so later he called the owner , and asked him if he still had the dog. Yes, he still had the dog, but he had sold the papers.:shhh:
A book would be nice, but the condition would need to match.

Bill

 

[Beltman60]

if you get another deal like that I would grab it
you were worried about how many hours it had on it but you were going to put more than that on it
300 hrs/yr x 8 2400 hrs.
hrs shows you it has been use not sitting in a barn
look over for leaks, drive it around and see if it works like it should, see if all the fluids look good not burned or discolored
then make your decision

 

[jenkinsph]

UURRR! The short version is I lost the tractor to another buyer.

Is this messed up? I call a John Deere dealership, about 5 minutes away from the seller, I live about 2 hours away from the seller. I talk to the owner of the dealership, tell him my situation and he says that's a great deal, but don't worry, I'm not in the market for that kind of tractor. He also agrees he'd help me out (meet me out at the sellers ranch to inspect) for a small fee. I call the seller and fill him in and we set up a time for the next day. The seller calls me back two hours later and tells me a guy came in and picked it up on the spot for his asking price...

Granted, it could have happened but I can't help and think this dealer is involved...

On to the next one!

Thanks for all your help guys!

If it was a good deal someone else might have recognized it and bought it quickly. Lots of guys here have had this happen, when you find the right tractor for the right price you need to act.