HELP! First Time Buyer

[sugarbeard]

Hi All,

Looking to purchase my first tractor this week. Found one in my area that meets my needs and seems like a decent deal.

Kubota L4330, 4x4, ag tires, shuttle shift, FEL, and 800 hrs.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice for a first time buyer: what to look for, questions to ask, any thing that might be a big red light/deal-braker. I have been driving other peoples tractors for the past 5 years but don't know much about what to watch for when looking at a used one to buy.

Any info would be helpful as I am a first time buyer and will be starting a small farm next spring.

Thank you.

 

[GManBart]

Welcome to TBN!

I'm far from an authority, but there are a few things I'd definitely check on any used machine. Obviously, look for leaks, chaffed electrical wires or hydraulic lines, lift the 3pt and FEL, then shut the engine off, and see if/how fast they leak down (you can stand on the 3pt to add some weight or see if the seller has an implement they can hang on it). If they creep down a tiny bit, it's not a huge deal but it should be very minor...the faster they leak down, the closer you are to a seal repair. Run the machine along at a good speed, then test the brakes to make sure they work. I like to split the brake pedals and test each side independently. Wet brakes (which that model has) can be expensive to repair compared to dry brakes. If there's a pile of dirt handy, lower the FEL and scoop up a bucket full...you're checking to make sure the clutch isn't slipping, and the engine is putting out normal power. Look at the filters, and see if they're marked with a date, or an hour marking, for when they were last replaced. Definitely make sure the filters aren't the same color as the engine/transmission, because that means they have never been replaced (the engine/tranny is painted with the filters on during manufacture). Step back a ways and make sure that the FEL is square (not twisted)....both sides of the bucket should be touching the ground evenly if the ground is level. Check all fluid levels, and smell the engine oil dipstick to make sure it doesn't smell like diesel (bad sign). Similarly, make sure there isn't any oil in the antifreeze (visually). That's all that I can think of off the top of my head, but I'm sure lots of folks will chime in with other stuff. Good luck!

 

[DieselnHooters]

Solid advise Bart, best part is you dont have to be an expert diesel mechanic to follow those tips

 

[varmint]

Only thing I could add would be to check the PTO, and the various instrument panel indicators, because that tractor is a Grand L, I believe, and has lots of handy things to tell you what's going on, like parking brake indicator, PTO speed, etc. 800 hours is nothing, if it was cared for.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

You have to be careful because there is a disease that you can get when you buy tractor in some cases it's incureable the desire to have more equipment and spend time mowing tilling etc. Good Luck