Buying Advice Looking at NH LB75.B 4x4

[jinman]

I think I've found a decent 2005 New Holland LB75.B 4x4 at my local dealer. This is the same dealer who sold me the new TC45D back in 2001. I obviously like these folks and trust them when they tell me something. I also know they are in business to make money and don't owe me any big favors. That said, this tractor has 3669 hours and has definitely been worked by a fellow putting in septic systems. The loader bucket shows no abuse and the backhoe bucket has a quick attach adapter if I want to have several bucket sizes. The engine starts and runs perfectly with no smoke and the transmission seems tight and responsive. I really think it's worth the money since the dealer said they would fix any issues and make it "ready to work" for the asking price of $21,500. If I take it as-is, they will come down in price, but I noticed one of the wheel hubs is seeping and I haven't gone over the tractor yet with a "fine tooth comb." I suspect I'll find other issues.

This will be a tractor I'll use around my place and then maybe resell. I hate to buy something cheaper and have to work on it constantly to keep it running. I'd like to buy something newer and more reliable. I think its resale value will also hold better.

So, does anyone have experience with these tractors? I don't see a lot of them for sale compared to Case and JD, but the ones I see seem to hold their value pretty well.

 

[jinman]

I talked to the dealership service manager today. He told me they had originally sold the tractor when new and serviced it as needed. He said he knew no major issues with the tractor.

I took a flashlight and examined everything I could see. Except for a seep from a hub seal (to be fixed before delivery) I could find no other leaks. Everything is dry and pretty darn clean.

I've commited to buying the tractor and will probably complete the deal next week after the service department goes over the tractor. I'm pretty excited because I've never owned a tractor this size. I've always had to rent in the past. I have plenty of jobs to do with it.

 

[RickB]

If it is as good as you say, you probably can't get hurt. Ask the service dept to perform a stall test on the torque converter, or gather the info on that unit so you can do it yourself.

 

[jinman]

Thanks Rick! The torque converter seemed tight as I moved around the lot and changed directions. I'd imagine the previous owner used the backhoe much more than the loader because he put in septic systems. Even so, it wouldn't hurt to run the stall test to analyze the converter. I'll ask the service manager to run the test.

 

[Caliche]

I'm disappointed Jim, for the same money you could have had an 8N parade tractor to pull a float for Mexican Independence Day. I'm sure in your part of the country there were celebrations to show off a brand new 8N pulling a parade float.

 

[jinman]

I'm disappointed Jim, for the same money you could have had an 8N parade tractor to pull a float for Mexican Independence Day. I'm sure in your part of the country there were celebrations to show off a brand new 8N pulling a parade float.

Nah. . . I'd need another $10k for the 8N. Pretty tractors are a lot more expensive than big tractors. Some would say that's just like women, but I'd never say anything like that.

I talked to the sales manager this morning. He told me the tractor is already in the shop and they found a small leak in the rear axle seal in addition to the one in the front hub seal. They are replacing both seals and fixing a "return to dig" sensor as well. It seems they are living up to their part of the bargain and fixing anything that needs fixing. I never expected anything less. These folks have always treated me well.

 

[JC-jetro]

cool Jim I always tell my contractors if they need a place to park and store their big rigs then I've got the perfect place... obviously with the keys in the ignition.

No one took my offer yet. All sounds very good, I bet you can put a big dent in all your major efforts and be able to resell without a loss.

JC,

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm counting down the days until I see picks of it at your place and a thread about putting a grapple on it. All that lift in the loader will be like night and day compared to your blue tractor.

Eddie

 

[Bird]

I'm counting down the days until I see picks of it at your place and a thread about putting a grapple on it. All that lift in the loader will be like night and day compared to your blue tractor.

Eddie

Eddie, right there you mentioned the biggest problem with it. It would be a lot prettier if it were blue. I think Jim ought to have the dealer paint it to match his other tractor.

 

[jinman]

I'm counting down the days until I see picks of it at your place and a thread about putting a grapple on it. All that lift in the loader will be like night and day compared to your blue tractor.

Eddie

Well, no word yet this week from the dealer. I will not rush him. If he is working on my tractor so it will be better, then I'm going to be patient. I haven't paid him a cent yet, so only good things can come out of his taking his time to fix all issues.

Eddie, I won't put a grapple on the loader bucket, but I sure might put a thumb on the backhoe. We'll see.

Bird, I've seen loader-backhoes painted green at rental yards and even painted purple at one yard. I absolutely hate those colors. Yellow is easily my first choice. Besides, the fenders are yellow plastic and will never require painting.:thumbsup:

JC, I moved some rocks for my neighbor yesterday. He told me I can expect to have a lot of requests from neighbors once they find out I have this full-size LB. I've checked one website that says the cost of operating the tractor with all things considered is about $35 per hour. That means I'll have to ask for $55 to $60 per hour. That will probably stop most requests. Besides, I want this for farm use and don't care to be doing jobs off my property. I'll make exceptions for close neighbors, but they will have to pay the minimum operating cost of $35 per hour. I won't consider loaning it out either. I guess I'm an equipment tightwad.