Potential Dangers of Purchasing Online

[MasseyWV]

Earlier today, I came across another thread on TBN, where a member talks about the problems they encountered after purchasing a used tractor online, sight unseen. Their thread referred to another thread on another forum which linked to a Youtube video of the tractor prior to purchase. Based on the problems that they encountered I decided to create this thread to highlight the potential dangers of purchasing online.

Please note that for the purposes of this thread the brand and model doesn't matter because it could have been any tractor. At first glance, the tractor in the video below looks fine but if you look closer you may notice that something is wrong, can you spot it?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSa1VpDOg9M]Kubota B1750 Tractor with Loader - YouTube[/ame]

Did you spot the problem? I watched the video after reading about the problems the tractor had and didn't see it right away myself. You have to watch very closely. This is a prime example of why one should always evaluate any potential used tractor purchase in person, by test driving it, preferably under actual operating conditions, prior to purchase. Assume nothing, second guess everything, and trust noone.

Here is a link to the other thread on TBN which discusses the ongoing repairs being made to the tractor.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/232431-my-kubota-rebuild.html

 

[foreman Etexas]

Tractor wasnt ever put under a load,clutch could be weak. I have a friend trying to sell his and clutch is weak couldnt ever tell,unless you try and load the bucket. But he's a good guy thats the first thing he admits,maybe thats why it hasnt sold but he could put it in low 4th a run it threw auction and knowone would ever know.He is just going to fix it,then try and sell again but it is going to cost some money to get it done...$5,000 dollar tractor going to turn into $7,000 dollar tractor after all done

 

[bigbull338]

Tractor wasnt ever put under a load,clutch could be weak. I have a friend trying to sell his and clutch is weak couldnt ever tell,unless you try and load the bucket. But he's a good guy thats the first thing he admits,maybe thats why it hasnt sold but he could put it in low 4th a run it threw auction and knowone would ever know.He is just going to fix it,then try and sell again but it is going to cost some money to get it done...$5,000 dollar tractor going to turn into $7,000 dollar tractor after all done

if you take to the right auction the yard guys will test it an put it under load.an call what they think is wrong with it.

 

[Leejohn]

I could only watch 54 sec. and I seen 2 thing. Wet spot under tire and he had amost 1 turn of ply in the steering. I didn't have the time to watch it all, as it was it took over 1/2 hr just for me to load the 54 sec.

 

[foreman Etexas]

if you take to the right auction the yard guys will test it an put it under load.an call what they think is wrong with it.

That would be great if all would do that. Make it were you had to drop tractor off day before and let them work it and tell any issue they incountered with the unit.

 

[acme97]

Wet spot when he started and another when he stopped to show PTO.

 

[bcp]

And:

Broken left tail light

Top link used for adjustable side link

 

[MasseyWV]

Watch the middle of the tractor in the first video, just as the FEL reaches full height, then again as he lifts the tractor with it.

Here is video of a different but very similar tractor for comparison.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLsj7fw48DQ]Kubota B1750 HST 4x4 1419 HRS - YouTube[/ame]

 

[herefromthere]

Since I don't have much tractor experience, I don't know exactly how things like the body and loader frame are mounted. That said, I see some weird independent movement of the front and back of that rig as the loader is cycled. Cracked frame/case?

 

[j hancock]

It looks like the tractor is broken in the middle.

Bellhousing cracked?

Loose bolts from the bellhousing to engine or to the trans?

 

[MasseyWV]

It looks like the tractor is broken in the middle.

BINGO! It's back is broken.

If you look closely, you can see the middle of the tractor moving up and down as the FEL is moved, which is especially evident when it reaches the end of it's travel. It's also noticeable when the operator very briefly lifts the front of the tractor with the FEL.

Less obvious but quite pronounced, if you know what to listen for, is the sound of the tractor as it is operated. Notice how it sounds "trashy" or "loose", as if gears are grinding or something is broken inside. If you compare the two video examples, the difference is very obvious.

Another huge red flag, is the fact that first video of the broken tractor starts with the tractor already running and the operator never increases the RPM's above idle and goes very slowly when driving it. The operator of the tractor in the second video starts the tractor, immediately revs the RPM's above idle so the hydraulics will operate properly, then drives and operates it in much the same way as anyone might do.

 

[dfkrug]

Did you spot the problem? I watched the video after reading about the problems the tractor had and didn't see it right away myself. You have to watch very closely.

Great post, MASSEY.

On first view of your video, it looked like the BushHog loader frame
was loose. Going back to it, I can see the whole tractor bending.

What also struck me was the gear noise and I have never seen OEM
rear tires from Kubota like that. Replaced rear tires indicate a LOT of
hours on the tractor. If the stated hours are less than 2000 or so,
I would wonder why they were changed.

As a buyer of many project tractors, I would certainly want to inspect
them myself. I HAVE bought one car sight-unseen on eBay, but I
paid an inspector $100 to look at, drive, and photo it first.