test driving dilemma

[/pine]

Here is my problem...As a first time tractor buyer/owner/user what is the best advice when it comes to testing a used (or even new) tractor?

Not being the first bit familiar with the mechanics of operating a tractor anyone have any tips on this...I have yet to physically look at any tractors so all this is just preparing myself... having to rely on a salesman or an owner to demonstrate a machine is not the most ideal way to make a purchase like this but what other options are there...few if any of the tractors that are available will be too far away to ask anyone I know that is capable...

Should I ask them to demonstrate the lifting capability of the FEL regardles of what they say it will lift?

should a (any) tractor be able to lift all four wheels off the ground using the loader and the 3 pt hitch ? (on a side note) is this a typical (good/bad) method of working on the tires ?

Other than obvious things like engine oil (signs of water) blowby, hydraulic leaks etc...is there anything to be sure to look for?

sorry for such noob questions but if not for this site I would be really lost (and gambling)

Thanks in advance for any input and insights

 

[Robert_in_NY]

If looking at used tractors then take a friend who knows something about tractors or pay a mechanic to come out and inspect it for you.

 

[/pine]

Sorry...I tried to relate the fact that I am in a remote region so I have to travel quite some distances and it is practically impossible to get the one or two individuals that have some experience to go with me...especially the only folks I know are another 50 miles away from me...

 

[whistlepig]

If looking at used tractors then take a friend who knows something about tractors or pay a mechanic to come out and inspect it for you.

This is very good advice. Taking a friend that knows something about tractors would be the best choice IMHO. Not someone that has money to gain. Tractors are not that much different than cars or trucks. Decide on the size and a flavor before shopping. After that it's pretty much up to you. The controls and seating are set up differently between the various brands. Test drive several and pick what's comfortable for you. You will know when you find it.

 

[/pine]

sorry I don't know how to make it any clearer...it is just about impossible for me to take anyone that has any experience operating tractors with me...

can anyone answer any of my questions?

TIA

 

[Charlton John]

sorry I don't know how to make it any clearer...it is just about impossible for me to take anyone that has any experience operating tractors with me...

can anyone answer any of my questions?

TIA

Well as others have said if you dont have much knowledge and are buying used than having someone w/ you who does is really your best option wether you want to keep getting this answer or not. A loader should be able to lift the front end of the tractor off the ground not all 4 wheels I would suggest narrowing it down to a few you may have interest in and then doing research from there. If you cant get help from someone and have no idea what to look for its really your only option. If you wanted to post back w/ some specifics as far as your needs are concerned size property, usage etc... than folks here can recomend some models/sizes that may work for you and then you can go from there, good luck

 

[Thomas]

New or used try and take tractor for test spin.

Used...check for welds here and there,also condition of tractor to see if it was take care of

New..compare couple of different models.

Most of all go w/your gut feelings.

 

[radioman]

first of all , what are your main intended uses of your tractor ? mowing? clearing feilds? cut firewood? etc. how many acres do you have? Is it flat,hilly, muddy, trees, etc?

FEL should be able to push the tractor (lift off ground too) so you can use for getting yourself out when stuck with technique called crabbing. The 3 pt- it has no down pressure at all, it floats down from wieght of implements.

as for the blowby, water in oil, etc - I would be hesistant to buy as a newbie.I wouldn't be thinking of those things if you are not famalair with tractors. I would be looking at spanking brand new machine with a warranty. This would get you off on the right foot to the joyful experience of tractoring. If used is your only option, you need to have a freind or hire a mechanic to check those things for you. NO if /and/or/buts on this, the tractor is a large purchase that is to serve your needs for years to come and they last longer then a car does.

Have you looked online at kubota, johndeere, new holland, koiti, massey ferguson to get the feel of the features you would like? Any non-pushy salesperson should be able to answer your questions you are asking here and then steer you to a model that fit the best to your needs he/she perceieves. I cant stress enough- the first paragraph above needs to be answered first as which is why most of us haven't answered yet. this thread should be in the buyinbg/pricing/comparing forum.

remember , there are no dumb questions here. that what we are here for at TBN and welcome to TBN. Where abouts are you located ?

 

[MarkV]

Hi Pine, lets start with some very general things. It sounds as if you will be looking used and want a FEL. Here I'll make a couple of guesses. For FEL work it is desirable to have 4 wheel drive and power steering. This will put you into the newer used market for the most part.

When looking at a FEL I want to see that it is straight and not racked to one side or the other. Lowering the bucket on a flat level surface to see that the bucket lays flat is a good indicator. You do not want too much side to side movement of the arms, indicating that the pins and bushing are worn out and you want to see the signs of regular greasing. Cycle the loader through its normal movements to check for smooth operation. Checking for lifting capacity would be difficult I would think although most loaders will lift the front wheels off the ground. Do note that the 3 pt hitch does not have down pressure on 99% of the tractors out there. It will not lift the rear wheels but it is good to see how "jerky" it raises with a load if possible.

You seem to have a good idea on the engine basics. Besides what you have mentioned I would look at the hours on the machine and at least ask about its service schedule. I would want to drive it in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. Tires can be expensive to replace so that is a consideration. There are several types of transmission systems out there and you will find for FEL work that either a shuttle shift, can reverse directions without clutching, or an Hydrostatic will work best. With a straight gear tranny feeling for clutch slippage is important.

Tractors are really pretty simple machines compared to cars and trucks. Major flaws will generally show up in a test drive. There are specifics to look at with specific models and some reading here will point them out as you narrow down the search.

Personally I would start my hunt by defining my needs. If you are plowing a 100 acres you will be looking for something different than if you want to mow an acre of finish lawn. Share some of your needs/wants and others here can give you some ideas. It also helps to have a general idea where your located. Plowing snow in Alaska uses a different tractor than raking leaves here in Georgia.

MarkV

 

[careyo63]

/pine I believe this guy can help you out check your PM.

 

[Bird]

As with any job or profession, there are good and bad tractor salesmen. No matter how remote you are, you should take the time to visit more than one dealership, and test drive more than one tractor. You'll probably be able to determine which salesmen are actually trying to help you and honestly answer your questions. Besides, there are good tractors available that just won't "feel" right and comfortable to you. You want to avoid that and go with one you like best.

 

[jimainiac]

You must have something in mind that you want a tractor to do, so if you can, try to have the seller demonstrate the tractor's capability to do it, if possible. Have them show you what every lever and control does, too. And the obvious, as far as the general look and condition of the tractor in relation to it's age. Take a bunch of pictures and maybe even a video while you're there, to look at later at home, especially if you're comparing several. Find the manufacturer's plate on the tractor and copy all the model and serial numbers for future reference - that will help a lot if you want to seek advise from the other members here. It seems that for every tractor ever made, there's someone here who knows all about it.
If you can afford it, it's great to buy a brand new machine. At least you know everything works, plus there's a warranty. The bad thing is, if you've never had a tractor, you might not end up getting what you really need the first time. There's something to be said for learning the ropes with a good used one, in case you end up wanting to trade up (or down) in size or power. If you go used, try to stick to fairly late models in obvious good condition unless you're really handy and mechanically inclined.
Good luck in your search!

 

[/pine]

OK, thanks for the advice everyone...

I am definitely looking for a used 4x4 tractor with an FEL and a manual shift (no HST)

my primary uses will be maintaining about 3/8 mile (hilly) gravel road and 1000' or so of gravel driveway and cartpaths....as well as moving just about anything I previously moved by hand... i.e, firewood, brush, landscaping, gravel/rocks etc.

I might mention I am an adequate mechaninc as well as a fabricator...so I anticipate adapting or making whatever specialty tools I might need (I am gaining a lot of insights from the forums here) I am more than familiar with basic (4x4) drive train mechanics and I have a lot of (marine) diesel experience...just never been on a tractor...

when I mentioned lifting a tractor...Iwas under the impression that the rear of a tractor could be lifted (wheels) off the ground using the 3 pt hitch...is this not so?

thanks again for the insights and please add anything that might be helpful when first looking at a tractor...

 

[frank_f15]

no you can not lift rear of tractor with 3 pt as there is NO down pressure.

 

[/pine]

no you can not lift rear of tractor with 3 pt as there is NO down pressure.

Are you an experienced tractor operator? if so could you please digress a bit on exactly how the rear of a tractor is lifted? thanks

 

[Charlton John]

I think the only way you can lift the back end up is by Jacking it up.

 

[texbaylea]

Are you an experienced tractor operator? if so could you please digress a bit on exactly how the rear of a tractor is lifted? thanks

I believe that you are thinking of a tractor with a backhoe mounted. That will lift the rear of the tractor. Adding a backhoe adds another level of complication to your selection process.

Vernon

 

[/pine]

I may be entirely off the wall but for some reason I thought all (most) tractors had "lifts"... often when looking at used tractor listings they state that the "lift works great"...? perhaps this is something found only on full sized tractors? or maybe it is something I dreamed...?

 

[PILOON]

VERY FEW tractors (no cuts) have down pressure at 3-point.

A manual tranny unit will get you the best (lowest) cost as today everybody wants 'automatic'.

I have a manual and frankly don't find any inconvenience even with FEL; it is all a matter of getting used to it.
However with FEL I sure would like power steering! (they can often be added on)

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I may be entirely off the wall but for some reason I thought all (most) tractors had "lifts"... often when looking at used tractor listings they state that the "lift works great"...? perhaps this is something found only on full sized tractors? or maybe it is something I dreamed...?

The 3pt hitch lifts items so that may be what they are referring to. The 3pt lifts items up but is not able to lift the rear of the tractor off the ground.