Rental Fleet Tractors

[crashz]

I'm shopping for a new tractor. The old 770 is a great machine, but a stick shift with loader work is getting old. And I'm thinking the clutch doesn't appreciate it. Plus the loader is weak (its rated at about 600lbs) , I would like a wider bucket, forks, etc.

So my general use will be brush hogging, and earth work at home and my new piece of property. I need forks, a quick attach, and would like a backhoe. I would like trade the 770, and only spend another $10K tops.

So the local John Deere dealer has a JD 3203 on the lot with a hydro trans and 300 series loader with about 250 hrs. Its clean, paint is in good shape, 1 yr old and tires look hardly worn. They only want $13.5K. The catch is that its part of their rental fleet. I didn't ask about warranty, but I will. What do you guys think of that?

BTW- I'm color blind, but I started with the Deere because I thought they'd give me the best trade. From talking to the dealer, that may not be the case.
All tractor suggestions are welcomed!

 

[AchingBack]

I'm shopping for a new tractor. The old 770 is a great machine, but a stick shift with loader work is getting old. And I'm thinking the clutch doesn't appreciate it. Plus the loader is weak (its rated at about 600lbs) , I would like a wider bucket, forks, etc.

So my general use will be brush hogging, and earth work at home and my new piece of property. I need forks, a quick attach, and would like a backhoe. I would like trade the 770, and only spend another $10K tops.

So the local John Deere dealer has a JD 3203 on the lot with a hydro trans and 300 series loader with about 250 hrs. Its clean, paint is in good shape, 1 yr old and tires look hardly worn. They only want $13.5K. The catch is that its part of their rental fleet. I didn't ask about warranty, but I will. What do you guys think of that?

BTW- I'm color blind, but I started with the Deere because I thought they'd give me the best trade. From talking to the dealer, that may not be the case.
All tractor suggestions are welcomed!

chrashz, I'd sooner buy a hydro than a gear tractor from a rental fleet, any day. Many rental yards no longer carry gear tractors due to ruined clutches. To my knowledge, it is hard to abuse a hydro trans.

 

[dirtworksequip]

crashz, you can look at the overall condition of the machine and usually tell if it has been abused. Check it over to make sure all the sheet meta and grille are straight. Also check all the fluid levels. Pull the air cleaner out and see if it is clean or dirty. Check the tires for cuts or signs that they have been spun alot. All this will clue you into how it was treated when it was out on rent. Give it a really good inspection. With only 250 hours on it, it should not be hurt too bad,but don't take that for granted. I've seen skidsteers that were totally trashed.

Sincerely,Dirt

 

[bkuhn]

I'm not sure how I'd feel about a rental fleet tractor. I know talking to the guys at the local rental company their equipment definitely gets a lot of abuse. That said, if it were me, I would want to make sure that I had at least 1 year or 500 hours of warranty in any deal like that. I would think that would be plenty of time for any issues to come up.

I know this is not exactly what you'd asked but i wanted to throw this in also. I have a 4410 which is similar to the tractor you're looking at. I initially tried the 300x loader but quickly swapped out (I was luck and the dealer was great, swapped it out for just the difference in price) for the 300cx. I'd strongly suggest that you see if that's an option since one of your complaints about your current tractor is lift capacity. Not sure what all you may be doing but the factory does not recommend many of the attachments for the 300x, however the 300cx is compatible with many and has a higher overall rating. Just my 2cents.

 

[MrJimi]

And consider that most people that rent these have no idea about how they run or operate.
If it looks good to you and you can get some kind of warranty, Go for it

 

[john_bud]

There are also some long term rentals or lease tractors that are used for a year and traded in.

Look at the repair history on the units you like and see how much shop time they have had. May be the deal of the century. (or not, so be careful!)

jb

 

[gamble77]

We do a lot with rental tractors. Keep in mind dealerships tend to take much better care of their rentals because they usually have to sell them in six months or so unlike a rental yard that can keep them for years and years. The tractor should have warranty left on it so how can you go wrong?!?!

 

[crashz]

Thanks guys,

I'll call them and see what kind of warranty they will honor. I'm not sure which loader it is, 300x or 300cx so I'll check on that too.

Thanks for the advise. I still want to try out a few machines first. BTW- how much do you guys think I can get on a trade for my 770 with 900 hrs, loader and faded rusty, paint? It runs great, but looks old.

 

[john_bud]

A few years ago a buddy was looking for tractors. He searched out a few 770's as that's the size he wanted. They were all dern near the same price as a new one. You may do well selling it out right. Around here 770's and 790's are only a couple thousand less than new and tend to sell quick. Your area may be different. Check the for sale areas, e-scam-bay and craigslist for comparable sales.

jb

 

[Builder]

There are also some long term rentals or lease tractors that are used for a year and traded in.

Look at the repair history on the units you like and see how much shop time they have had. May be the deal of the century. (or not, so be careful!)

jb

That's how I bought my CASE 580. It was a 1000HR rent to one company, then they turned it in. I now have 1180 on it. Good so far with only some paint issues on the hood.