How many hours do you have on your tractor

[1930]

Recently I was in the market for a used tractor, I was looking at 1 tractor after another that had a few thousand hrs. on it and major engine work done.

That was an exclusive selling point for these sellers, the fact that major engine work had recently been done.

I assumed that a tractor's engine could only go 2 to 4000 hours maybe without major engine work.

Is that not the case?

 

[3Lfarms]

It really depends on the size of the machine, along with how it was used.
2000 hours on a subcompact tractor is very different than 2000 hours on a 65 hp utility tractor and that is way different than a 250 hp farm tractor.

A sub compact is usually a home owner type user. Most chores take less than an hour to complete. Figure 1-200 hours per year average. At 2000-3000 hours, the rest of the machine is usually pretty rough.

Utility sized tractors can be expected to run to at least 5000 hours. Those sized machines usually take on larger tasks like mowing for hours end. Figure 2-500 hours per year.

The large farm machines can be expected to run from 10000 to 20000 hours. Most machines this size are running 1000+ hours per year.

 

[Thomas]

Also consider abuse factor.

 

[Turbys_1700]

As 3Lfarms stated.

Use, type, and maintenance are the most important factors.

I consider 2K to 3K hours on a used utility tractor to be in the well used category but not worn out category.

Anything between 1K and 2K hours lightly used.

I equate 1K hours to 25K miles on a car.

Small compacts can be just as robust concerning the engine but again use and maintenance are important.

We've had tractors on the farm in the upper 6K hours range but did have some blow by but was still usable.

 

[bambam31]

220 and it’s 5 years old. Mainly used at the hunting camp.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I have 2600 hours on my 2004 John Deere 4410 and I don't consider it to be anywhere's close to the end of it's life. It still starts good in winter and I don't need to add any oil between changes.

 

[nybirdman]

Mine has 1200 hours in ten years of use;expect it will last the rest of my life.I probably use mine more than the average small farmer/home-owner type.Snow plowing,food plots and garden ect.

 

[shooterdon]

My 31 year old that I purchased last year has 1125 hours on it. A lot of the smaller tractors get used for a few projects and sit idle most of the time.

I will be about a 100-125 hour/yr user, but will put about 200 hours on it this year getting stuff done that does not need doing every year. The JD is too small so I am getting a new machine.

I suspect manufactures do not build the types of machines most of us use to last much beyond 5,000 hours. Why overbuild something that will never see that kind of use? They need to be competitive and design accordingly.

I thought about that when making my decision to buy new. A good used tractor would likely last my lifetime (late 60's now) but I am done dealing with repairs ($2500 last year and 4 weeks out of service). BTW, in my case the engine was not an issue. It is the other stuff that breaks and wears out.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I bought my L4630 with 24xx hard hours on it from a construction company and put 800 more on in 4 years with just regular PM
The M6040 had about 1100 hrs when purchased and after 7 months it is pushing 1200 with no issues at all.
It was mostly used by the PO for haying and hauling maple sugaring equipment around.
I primarily use it snow plow and haul firewood..

 

[Jstpssng]

I bought my 2015 in Nov 2017 with 179 hours on it. Now it's somewhere around 485, and will be seeing a lot of use this summer. My father's Kubota which he bought new in 2008 has about 375 hours; but he had several older tractors which he liked to run.

 

[Tennsawdust]

Also consider abuse factor.

Neglect is probably as much or more of an issue. Some people change the oil every 10 years or so whether it needs it or not...

No idea how many hours are on the old Ford. The meter died 20 years ago. I haven't looked at the Massey Ferguson lately. North of 4,000 would be my guess. Neither is in any need of major engine work.

 

[metalbender]

Most problems on the acreage tractors probably occur in the first few minutes of running. People just having a little job to do, fire it up and work it cold. Really tough on diesel engines. Many short cycles like that are harder than lots of hrs of continual use.

 

[1930]

It really depends on the size of the machine, along with how it was used.
2000 hours on a subcompact tractor is very different than 2000 hours on a 65 hp utility tractor and that is way different than a 250 hp farm tractor.

A sub compact is usually a home owner type user. Most chores take less than an hour to complete. Figure 1-200 hours per year average. At 2000-3000 hours, the rest of the machine is usually pretty rough.

Utility sized tractors can be expected to run to at least 5000 hours. Those sized machines usually take on larger tasks like mowing for hours end. Figure 2-500 hours per year.

The large farm machines can be expected to run from 10000 to 20000 hours. Most machines this size are running 1000+ hours per year.

I had no idea, what can you suggest as a warm up period on a new tractor, Ive read what the manual states.....its tough not to get on it right away and go to work.

Im picking mine up tomm, Im gonna use it but I dont want to abuse it

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I had no idea, what can you suggest as a warm up period on a new tractor, Ive read what the manual states.....its tough not to get on it right away and go to work.

Im picking mine up tomm, Im gonna use it but I dont want to abuse it

Warm up period? In Florida? I doubt I would worry about it.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I think I have 170 hrs on mine now. Had 3 hrs (I think) on it when I bought it new 2 years ago.

Yeah, it will out live me.

 

[metalbender]

Depends a lot on climate. Here in Sask, Canada, temps of -30c are not uncommon. My new Massey 1742 cab tractor doesn't get put to work till I get warm air from the heat vents. Usually about ten to fifteen minutes. A couple of minutes after initial start, I bump the idle up a few hundred to aid in the warm up. In warmer climates I'd still warm it up for five minutes or so. Doubt there are many things that need doing on a moments notice. Of course there are always exceptions. I have a Scan Gauge in my current truck, gives temp by the numbers, truck doesn't move till it hits 125 f, then operate a tad slow till 150-160. The rise to normal is quick after that. Lots of info out there about warm up time, many say not needed, but they're not footing the bill when a cylinder gets scored, resulting in lost compression and oil consumption.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

No. I'm saying not needed IN FLORIDA.

By the time the guy gets lined up to use his tractor on *stuff*, it will be warm enough to not harm anything. In FLORIDA.

And we too hit -40 F/C in winter. Mine is plugged in, block, oil pan and hydro sump heaters all running at least an hour (and preferably 2) before I start it. Then idle it for a couple of minutes, then turn the idle speed up to 1500 rpms to prevent the tractor from cooling off while idling. At this point, mine is usually warmed up all the way, and off I go.

But I'm not in FLORIDA.

 

[searcyfarms]

5088 = 9800 hours and new engine required after 35 yrs
706 = 7300 hours and 52yrs original engine
560 = 5350 hours and 61 yrs original engine


all diesel internationals

 

[Tractor Seabee]

My 2011 BX has 1500 hours on it. Still runs and works as good as when new. Have spent $0 on major repairs, most minor stuff I do my self. Age is showing in damages to plastic parts. It sets outside all the time so oxidation of paint is there. It will probably take $500 in misc small parts to correct appearance items and a couple electrical glitches that do not affect functionality.

Two years ago tried to sell it. Many inquires but as soon as they learned Hrs on it no one was interested any more no matter the price. I have a few more outside projects for it at our current place and then will not need it any more. Will probably have to virtually give it away. Seems the SCUT used market is centered on <500 HRs, based on comments I read here and elsewhere.

Ron

 

[tmcj]

My Max26xl is 3 years old and it has just under 300 hours on it. I use it to mow about 3 acres each week in the summer, plow snow in winter, and whatever little project stuff comes up year round. Garage kept and its used but not abused, never loaned out, and well maintained. It should last me for many years at this rate.