Tractor usage and value

[99S10]

Sorry for all the dumb questions as a newbie. I have been considering several 955/855 tractors I have found listed. One is a 955 with loader that has 1300 hrs and was used for loader work and landscape type stuff with a box blade. The other is a 855 with a loader and 60" belly that has 2100 hrs most all mowing as the loader looks new. My question is which type of work would be harder on the machine.....moving earth and such with the loader or double the hours mowing? Both are priced about the same around $9000-9500

 

[dusty3030]

Any answer to this would be a guess. When buying used you have to trust what you see don't buy the story.
Was either ever overheated?
Have clutches been replaced?
Was the oil changed on time?
Did they use it like a bulldozer and the loader frame is bent?

You have to inspect each one and drive each one and tell for yourself.
I will advise this -
1. An honestly used tractor should look honestly used. If a bunch of fresh rattle can paint I am suspect. Fasteners missing, hobbled up repairs etc run.
2. Tires are expensive. If heavily worn negotiate for money off because you will have to replace them.
3. Check everything and take a notepad and flashlight. Take your time.

Good luck.

 

[art]

I'd think that the 855 would have had good use for the engine and drive train. The extra hours per operating times means the engine would have been run more continuous and up to operating temperature. The 955 depending on who was using it could have been trying to lift to much, ramming piles?

 

[dusty3030]

Also for what it's worth lower hours is always good, but it ain't like a car where it's a little more difficult to fudge the odometer and registration history can show that something is amiss.
Buy the tractor on condition and not the story and always take hours with a grain of salt. Hour meter doesn't show "true hours" by time it counts it by RPM. So the lower hour one could have had more seat time at 1/2 RPM than the higher hour one at full RPM.

 

[99S10]

Thanks, I didn't know that about the hour meter. I had a boat with one and it counted time the ign was on. I forgot to turn the key off once and put 200 hrs on in the garage.

 

[99S10]

I am leaning towards the 855 based on appearance and some repairs listed. Has new frt tires, axle seals and a seat. At least someone spent a few dollars on it so hopefully it was maintained. Present owner hasn't had it long. Paint looks faded but all there. I'm guessing it hasn't sold due to the hours.

I just got some pics of the 955 and it looks like it was used hard to me and kinda rusty for something claimed to have been stored inside. It has R4s on it which I don't believe were standard back then and they are about worn out. I also found another 955, with 1300 hrs, that a dealer has but I don't like what I see with the frt bucket. They welded angle on top with hooks and there are some kind of heavy attachment tabs welded inside. Makes me wonder what they were lifting or draging with it. Also spotted a lot of spray bomb work, overspray on hoses ect.

I know this is a hard question but should I expect problems with the 855 having 2100 hrs? I'm 62 and will be mowing about 3 acres with a 6ft RM finish mower plus whatever chores I do with it. My thoughts are it may outlive me or at least my tractor time.