Looking at a John Deere 3130....Any advice

[LondonDave]

I've done some reading. Seems like they have some hydraulic issues. The seller tells me the hi/lo is working. The tach and hour meter aren't. Brakes work. Apparently it runs good, doesn't smoke. It has a 158 loader on it. Is this a tractor I should stay away from because of the hi/lo and various other hydraulic/transmission issues it seems to suffer from? I'm going to look at it on Saturday. Is there anything specific I should look closely at?

Thanks

Dave

 

[DLTTrekkers]

Hi-Lo is a big issu .....Here in South Africa all has been removed . You can not runstart those tractors .
IPTO .....CHECK FOR PTO BRAKE
Mainpump ......check for erratic lift at 3point (vibration while lifting)
Steering ......check for oilleak just under steeringwheel
Then remember it is allmost 40 years old

 

[Tx Jim]

I would recommend to acquire a coolant test kit and test coolant PH

 

[LondonDave]

I would recommend to acquire a coolant test kit and test coolant PH

What would I be looking for (PH reading) and why?

Thanks

Dave

 

[Tx Jim]

Acidity of coolant contributes to piston liner electrolysis(cavitation) which can cause a hole in the liners. Look at this website Cavitation – Erosion – Electrolysis on Wet Liners | Noordeman Diesel - Perth WA

 

[jenkinsph]

A 3130 LS is the most problematic Deere tractor I have ever dealt with, never could get the hydraulics, steering and lift to work well. Sold it and good riddance.

 

[LondonDave]

A 3130 LS is the most problematic Deere tractor I have ever dealt with, never could get the hydraulics, steering and lift to work well. Sold it and good riddance.

Thanks for the info. I didn't end up buying it. Too big for my needs.

 

[D7E]

A 3130 LS is the most problematic Deere tractor I have ever dealt with, never could get the hydraulics, steering and lift to work well. Sold it and good riddance.

We had 2 of them and both were awful , Hyd problems , brake problems , head gaskets . Right from new !