Paint peeling

[Bdavis]

This is my first tractor and I have been shopping a couple of months on a limited budget. I about to pull the trigger on a Mahindra 2006 4500 with Front end loader. The dealer tell me it is low hours trade in 360 good mechanical shape.
WHen I went to look at the tractor, I was disappointed in the physical apperance. The hood is oxidized a little and there is some scratches and rust spots. I understand it is a used tractor and the owner obviiously left it outside the entire 4 years.
However, what really has me puzzled is the gray paint on the lower right side by the driver seat is flaking . I pulled off a chuck almost as big as the palm of my hand. It is not a moving part or exposed to the direct sunlight so I don't understand why it should do that.
So, I was wondering if this is a common problem.
Thanks

 

[Sergei]

Myself I think that since the tractor was outside for 4 years would be enough for me to walk away from it. I'd look for one that at least someone cared about and what your seeing could just be the beginning of your problems.

 

[ray66v]

Poor prep is almost always the reason for paint adhesion issues.

Beyond that, there is a small possibility that one or more of the products used to produce the finish, are defective, or were used improperly.

Sometimes the supplier of the part, did the paint work, and cut the corner. The manufacturer of the tractor, is possibly innocent.

Check the back side of a piece that flakes off and see if it appears to match the top side. If it does, it is likely a direct to metal coating. Meaning no primer is used. I have seen a lot of poor quality in direct to metal coatings used on seats, and other items, to save money in the manufacturing process.

Having spent my whole life doing these finishes, I have never been a fan of direct to metal coatings, on things meant to be used outdoors.

My father has a Land Pride ZTR mower that threw the direct to metal paint off the deck, in big chunks, the first year. We are still waiting years later, to see what they plan to do about it.

 

[Bdavis]

I do have deep concerns now about how the tractor was treated. At the same time , I am not sure how much wear and tear (rust) would be normal. Also I was told by the dealer 360 hours on a 2006 tractor is low hours ? Is that correct ?

The piece that was peeling did not appear to be primed. So that would mean either the tractor was damaged and part of the frame replaced. Or Mahindra is using a direct paint to metal process on some parts of there tractors.

Thanks for the help

 

[MarkV]

Well I would consider 360 hours in 4 year to be light to normal use for a home owner. As far as the paint, depends on how important that is to you. I have one Kubota that hasn't seen a roof for 10 years and still does it's job.

MarkV

 

[BobG_in_VA]

.... As far as the paint, depends on how important that is to you. I have one Kubota that hasn't seen a roof for 10 years and still does it's job.

MarkV

There actually should be a "pinkish" primer under the Mahindra grey paint...if its just metal under it, I'd ask the obvious question...BobG in VA