used tractors and engine hours

[Fishincoach]

On a used tractor how many hours is too many when considering buying from an individual?

 

[bigbull338]

only you can decide is how meny hours is to meny hours on a tractor.

 

[WilliamBos]

On a used tractor how many hours is too many when considering buying from an individual?

Do you know the personally? Were they a stickler for maintence, or was it neglected? Knowing and having the service history will dictate whether the hours are too much, or just broke in.

 

[aczlan]

Condition is more important than hours.

Aaron Z

 

[creekbend]

I agree with the others. There are some tractor owners that take care of their equipment and some that "Ride them hard and put them up wet'.

 

[jenkinsph]

Lots of variables here but I agree with aczlan "Condition is more important than hours." I have bought used tractors before with over 5000 hours that were a good deal for the money and I have passed on lower hour tractors that looked like money pits. I bought a 4320 used with 6500 hours many years ago for chisel plowing had it for seven years with only a few minor expenditures. A good solid simple tractor can operate for decades with routine maintenance and care.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Condition is more important than hours.

Aaron Z

It depends on a lot of factors.
first locally a lot of used for sale appear to be farmers selling they may farm some but are auction jockeys. they buy a tractor make it presentable (reasonably decent to looks like new) run it a little or sometimes none and sell it.
Second what and how was it used previously? Minor chores, or a right of way mower tractor.

third hour meters are not absolute and easily defeated in most machines. some of the cable and electrical models can simply be unplugged or replaced.


most of the time the engines outlast the clutch , hydraulics and steering several times over.

 

[Fishincoach]

Thanks guys. good info. I think I am going to buy a re-furbished Ford 5000. The shop is not far from my small farm and the guy has a reputation of standing behind what he sells. Asking price $5500. He is not finished with the re-furbish project. He works on tractors and re-furbishes older tractors when he has time. When he puts it back together enough to be cranked I plan on checking for excessive smoke after it has run awhile and listen to try to hear any knocking in the motor. Anything else a newbie could check to make a decision?
Just found on Craigslist a Farmtrac 60 $5500, only 440 hours, what is the verdict on Farmtac brand, I have heard bad news for them. Lots of them on the market, is that a clue?

 

[jenkinsph]

I'd rather go with the Ford 5000 if the mans reputation is good as you say. This is a good and capable tractor I used one that my grandfather had and liked it pretty well. Much rather have a well refurbished Ford 5000 than the Farmtrac anyday.

 

[Fishincoach]

I agree Steve, having the seller and mechanic less than 20 minutes from the farm is a big plus. I have found that out dealing with boats and motors, even the new ones have to have lots of attention. Again, are there any things a rookie can look at to tell if the engine is ok?