proper pre inspection

[wpage66]

O.K.

Looking at finally pulling the trigger on an LS. Was at state fair last weekend and compared several flavors of tractors. Yes, I grew up farming on green but for a utility/compact tractor I can get 1&1/2 tractors with LS and get the 2 extra controllers in the rear for about the price of comparable green.

Looking at R / XR series 40-47hp either shuttle or hydro depending on price might consider an r3039 but would prefer to have beefier frame and 40+ would also consider the lowest end of the U or K series but looks like they don't come with the extra controllers.

Still working on getting price quotes from dealer, he is still at fair so I understand he is busy this week.

So to the point, once I make the deal what are some of the key points I should be looking for on closing the deal on the new tractor. I am really talking about my inspection to seal my acceptance on the tractor. What are things that are overlooked or sometimes skipped by the dealer that should be done or included with the new tractor.

It has been some time since I have had my seat in a 'real' tractor, I am not counting the old 8N I currently use. I did landscaping work going through college for supplemental funding using a variety of tractors and skid loaders. I am not up to the current diesel tech and intricacies of the newer engines.

Any thoughts, suggestions or experiences welcome.

Thanks

 

[BlessedMess]

Good question and also a great choice in tractors! FWIW, made a special request that my dealer wait until I can stop by and watch their mechanics PDI the tractor/FEL/BH to learn where all the less obvious bolts and lubrication points are.

Dealer confirmed that some new units have shipped with loose bolts after I had mentioned several TBN owners (regardless of make) reporting unusual wear or operating issues during their break-in period due to loose bolts/improper fitment. All were easily remedied when caught in time. Will also implement a checklist (above & beyond whatever is in the operating manual) post-delivery to monitor bolt tightness and add grease at every ## hours of use. LS has a great warranty, but would prefer to avoid using it if preventive maintenance and inspections can help.

Edit: After the PDI and delivery, thinking it may be useful to invest some quality time getting acclimated to what is "normal" (e.g. sounds, vibrations, heat produced, speed of loader and tractor at given RPMs, etc.) so that degraded or abnormal functionality isn't overlooked when service is needed. Got a new ZTR in June and have discerned under the deck issues just by the change in sound/vibration -- both times damp grass and ant hill remnants had built up too much gunk, incl. once when some errant hay twine had started to wrap around a spindle. If somebody else was operating it they might never have known the difference.