How about a L3650 w/manual trans??

[RAMARSDEN]

OK, guys. Here's another attempt at getting a 'deal' on a tractor with grading/loading capability for 22 acres in California. This one's a used 1993 Kubota L3650 w/2000 light-duty hrs, some rust and dents (don't matter to me), said to be in good working condition. Kubota heavy duty loader, non-hydraulic box scraper/ripper, new R4 tires, not too far from me. Could probably be had for under $10,500 plus $500 shipping.

My three points of hesitation are:
1.) Manual transmission. Never used one...how hard is it to use?
2.) Non-hydraulic scraper. I've been strongly advised to get adjustability from the seat. Seems essential. Can it be added to existing box?
3.) 2000 hrs. Is that getting to be marginal?

Once again, I have this 'can't pay retail' disease, so I keep looking at these less costly options, but I don't want headaches or downtime either. Some people tell me, "Tractors are so durable they just run and don't worry about the hours." Assuming a healthy grain of salt, how likely is that to be true?

You guys have already helped me a ton in understanding the major issues in this game, but your thoughts would be much appreciated again. Thanks.

Randy

 

[RoyJackson]

"1.) Manual transmission. Never used one...how hard is it to use?"

Not hard at all. It's not like shifting in a car or truck transmission. You select your operating gear right from the onset. There is no up or down shifting required unless the tractor is bogging down or perhaps you need the engine braking for a slope.

"2.) Non-hydraulic scraper. I've been strongly advised to get adjustability from the seat. Seems essential. Can it be added to existing box?"

Only you can determine this. I assume by "scraper", you talking about a rear blade. I'm sure hydraulic adjustability would be nice, but you're adding dollars to the cost. There have been several threads concerning adding a hydraulic top n' tilt to the 3PH. I've never seen hydraulics on a rear blade for our sized tractors.

"3.) 2000 hrs. Is that getting to be marginal?"

Depends...how does the tractor run? What kind of work was it used for? Was there more then one operator? Was the tractor maintained? 2000 hours over ten years equals 200 hours per year, or about 4 hours per week which, to me, isn't excessive usage. Now, rather the tractor is tired...you'll have to determine that. However, if a good running machine, those hours (considering it's age) wouldn't bother me a bit.

Good luck!

 

[art]

Thats a lot of tractor and the price seems good for what it sounds like you are getting. They are a good shifting tractor and very easy to operate.

 

[Bird]

I agree with Roy and Art; doesn't sound like a bad deal. And while my personal preference is for the hydrostatic transmission, the manual transmissions work well and are not really hard to use. As for the hours, if it's been properly operated and maintained, I wouldn't be concerned about that many hours at all myself.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Sounds to me as though you're looking to buy from Ebay, and I'm not sure that's such a great idea, unless you go look at it, you really don't know what you're getting.
There are many things to check out on a used tractor that only eyes can do.
The price would not be bad if that tractor is well-kept, but unless you check it out in person, you just won't know.
If it's not too far from you, you should go see it with someone that knows tractors before you chunk down that much money. When you consider that many people only put on 40-50 hours a week on their tractors in this CUT class, 200/year begins to look more important. While CUTS can easily last to 5,000 or more hours without a need for rebuild, it their not well taken care of, you can have major problems within 1000 hours. Go see it. John

 

[RAMARSDEN]

John;
Thanks for the response. The seller says the tractor was owned by a dairy and used to move small amounts of manure each week, hence the rust. He is a dealer, but not an eBay regular...this is his first time sale. The high bid of $9050 didn't meet his reserve. He responded to my follow-up e-mail that he would not accept the high bid, and we should talk on the phone this week. I have emailed to ask what his bottom line is, and have not heard back as yet. It so happens that I have other business interests in his area, and I do NOT plan to buy without a look-see. However, your suggestion about getting a professional opinion sounds smart...I guess I could call around down there and try to locate a tractor repair service or ???? Who'd be a good bet in your opinion?

Randy

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Who'd be a good bet in your opinion? )</font>
Just anyone who really knows tractors. Maybe a neighbor or friend/friend of a friend who knows what to look for. Good luck. John