Pre purchase checkout?????

[widmn]

I have a deal on a 2003 gear 4410 going. How do I check it out? 200 hours w loader and backhoe. It is still under warranty but what if it was abused?? No antifreeze and froze, no oil? etc. What should I look for?
Thanks, Rich

 

[creeper]

I would say the typical starters are check for fluid leaks,look for signs of abuse cosmeticly, spend some time operating it and check for leaks again after it warms up. If it is at a dealer and still has warranty left,he has probably already checked it over pretty good.Make sure all the hydraulics work under load.

 

[keeney]

Many of these things fall into the category of things you should check before operating an unknown tractor - you might as well check them all out before buying it since you will want to check them out before you use it anyway:

Check the cleanliness and levels of all the fluids.

Check tire wear, inflation, and condition.

Check for any place that is supposed to have grease that looks like it was not greased or run dry.

Check hydraulic pressure between high RPM and minimum RPM. The less wear on the pump, the closer the pressure should be to the relief valve setting at minimal RPM. A pump that is nearing the end of its life will drop pressure at low RPM's. The amount of acceptable drop depends on temp and oil viscosity, and an exact assesment probably requires a chart from the pump mfg, but it is something that can be roughly checked with just a hydraulic pressure meter, or by measuring the lifiting stall-out load of the loader at minimum RPM and max RPM.

Verify all electrical functions, lights, flashers, etc.

Check battery and alternator voltage.

Test brakes and parking brakes to make sure they really stop the tractor.

Verify 3-pt lift and draft functions with a heavy implement.

Look for recent air, oil, and fluid filter changes, or if they have been on all 200 hours.

If looking also at a mower or other implement, check all belts, gear oil, bearings, and blades.

Make sure all the parts are present and installed for the ROPS and seatbelt and any other safety shields or equipment. Check operator presence, starting, and PTO safety interlock functions. Check for SMV sign still present if supposed to be included.

Look for any loose or missing bolts or fasteners.

Check wheel bolt tightness before operating.

Check that gauges are all functional. Tach, temp, whatever is present.

Verify that rear and mid PTO engage and run.

Engage and verify each gear range.

Engage and verify MFWD if present.

Make sure all the manuals are included. Go through the pre-operation check-list in the operators manual for things I may have missed here.

- Rick