Should I buy an old L275?

[Byra]

Hi,

I just bought 17 acres of land (Florida), mostly wooded, with about 2 acres cleared. I am going to be doing some mowing, landscaping, land clearing, road maintenance, and all the other stuff that you would expect. The land is fairly hilly for Florida, so i think a 4wd tractor is in order.

A local dealer has an old (mid 80's?) L275 with a loader for $5900. I wont be using the tractor on a daily basis, so I figure that a new or fairly new tractor is not absolutely necessary. With the money id save buying this one, I could get a backhoe thrown in for the same price as a newer tractor with only a loader.

I have never owned a tractor and know very little about them and what sort of problems to expect with an older tractor. Does it seem like a good idea to get this one?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much,

Byra

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

Am looking at a tractor estimated at about 30 years old, but doesn't bother me much. The hour meter is the only thing I'd worry about. But I'd check the brake and clutch pedals and other wear spots that might indicate that the hour meter hasn't been working through the life of the tractor. Tractors are built pretty **** tough, and are designed to be run pretty hard, but one lousy operater can put a years worth of wear on in a month.

 

[RoyJackson]

If you have a modicum of mechanical aptitude, buy that old machine. That assumes you have enough savvy to determine if it's in reasonable shape.

Buying used vehicles and such doesn't bother me. I rarely buy anything new. I have enough knowledge to keep from blundering too, too badly (well, that has happened once or twice).

But, if you don't think you have that aptitude, don't kid yourself into buying something that may not be what you need.

Your call...let us know how you make out.

 

[art]

Check the hour meter to see if it's working, look over the engine for leaks,look in the radiator, be sure it doesn't have a blown head gasket or worse yet a cracked head. Check the clutch and the brakes look at the hydraulic oil. Take a friend that doesn't have an interest. If things are good, tractors about an 7-8 I think it's a good price.

 

[Byra]

The hour meter is broken according to the dealer selling it. So I have no idea what the actual hours are.

There seems to be an oil leak at the transfer case for the steering wheel, but it doesnt seem too bad. Just some wetness below the case where it meets the body.

The tractor has turf tires on it. Would this be a problem considering I will be using it in the woods in slightly hilly terrain? Since its 4WD, the dealer said it would be ok.

Thanks!

 

[equipman]

Byra
One thing to look out for is oil leaking around the clutch, that could lead to a tractor split and new clutch job real fast. One of the first tractors I traded for was an older Kubota L355SS. When I got back to the shop with the tractor, the shop foreman told me that the tractor needed a clutch before I even got in unloaded. He saw the leak as I drove past the shop doors.
Lewis

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

If the dealer is someone you trust, maybe he can give you the name of the customer that traded it in. A chat with the last owner can clear up a lot of questions. I'd get rid of the turf tires if you're going to be doing much pulling or pushing. You'll never be able to maximize horsepower without lugs.

 

[studuster]

Last spring I bought a L275 DT w/2600 hours. It's been a great tractor and has had no problems. I re-built the power steering unit and did a re-paint on the tin (fenders, hood and dash). High book is $5,200 w/o loader. Older Kubota's have a reputation for lasting forever. I use mine to mow and spray 18 acres of orchard plus keeping the neighborhood driveways free of snow. I wouldn't be afraid of buying another but $5,900 is a little high. I'd advise on working on the dealer to get the price down. (I paid $2,200.) Have your dealer look up the value in either the Iron Solutions Guide book or in the Hot Line Farm Equipment Guide. If you give me the serial number, model number and list of options (4wd, hydraulic remotes, power steering, etc) I can look up value as I am an AG lender and have these publications available. Good Luck!

 

[rbargeron]

Byra - Turf tires may mean the tractor has not been over-worked. Check the air filter element - if it is present and is undamaged that's good. Is the loader a Kubota model? What condition is the bucket edge in? Is it original? or has a replacement been welded on?

The L275 clutch is 2-stage. The linkage is adjustable to compensate for main clutch wear. It gets to where the pto will no longer disengage at full pedal travel. The dealer should demonstrate it is ok - if not, it may need a main clutch.

The L275 was a rugged and reliable product that helped Kubota establish its reputation. If this one's sheet metal is original and mostly intact, it may be a good starter tractor for you. The paint on these faded fast, making them look old before their time. But the mechanicals were very good. Hope this is useful.