Buying Advice What do you guys think about this 2012 bobcat ct450

[StihlRules]

2012 Bobcat compact tractor*
50 horsepower daedong diesel 4 cyl 4wd hydrostat*
Very clean machine looks great for the year, it was taken care of, some rust on the 3pt and around the bottom of the cab. No rot just rust typical for a tractor that was used. 1,150 hours, everything functions but the AC isn't turning on because there's no pressure in the system. It runs and drives. Needs some work but that is why it's half price! Motor seems to be louder than in should and after a little while of running it starts to smoke white out of the muffler. Ive been told now by 3 different people and 2 tractor mechanics that its just a timing issue in the injection pump. Clean oil, no coolant mix or metal shavings in it.

Plow is included and works great, no loader, 8ft Boss plus wings.


He's asking 9,500 just not sure about the white smoke, just trying to get some opinions

Thanks

 

[winston1]

Welcome to the forum. :welcome:

Seems to me if timing issue it would do it at crank up and not just after warming up. Probably wrong as I wouldn't be classified as a diesel mechanic although I am not ignorant on them either.

Also not a pricing guru but just seems to me that price is more than half.

I believe I would want the white smoke issue cleared up before purchasing. Just an opinion, no fact.

 

[MESSMAKER]

The AC issue will probably cost you $$. The white smoke issue is a concern, for sure. I agree that the price is cheap. I don't remember seeing a 4x4 50 hp tractor with a cab for less than 20 grand. I think you might have to spend a few thousand to get it back into prime shape but even with another 4-5 thousand, it might still not be a bad deal.The front blade is worth a good bit by itself. That looks like a snow clearing machine

 

[skipperbrown]

Is that white smoke steam? Find a mechanic near you that works on Daedong engines before you consider buying. Louder than it should sounds like some blow by somewhere. Also price having a new a/c unit installed (worse case scenario). This tractor sounds like an (expensive) project which could be fine if you have the gumption and time.

 

[StihlRules]

Yeah thanks for all the replies the ac problem really, wouldn't be an issue for me.

 

[Coyote machine]

Welcome to the forums and TBN!:thumbsup:
If I'm not mistaken the CT450 is a 45HP not 50, but I'm not real familiar with Bobcat branded Kiotis.
Seems like a lot of hours for the year, but if used commercially, not so much.

Definite concern about the white smoke after warmed up to operating temp. Could be out of time on the injection pump, but if so why? I might suspect the injectors might have some contamination due to lack of regular filter changes on the fuel filter or some crappy fuel use over time.
There should't be any smoke after warm up, unless engine parts are worn, or adjustments are needed. And the AC won't turn on, leads me to think serious lack of care and attention to the machine over the last 6 years. Is this a private sale?
You could buy as is and fix the problems, or bargain down the price by what you think the repairs might cost. Though the AC isn't an issue for you, you can use it's repair to get a better price anyway. If the white smoke is due to a head gasket on it's way out it could be costly for sure. If private sale maybe owner would let you take an oil sample for analysis to check engine wear and status as to contaminants like coolant present in the oil, which could be there even if you can't see it...
Are you just looking for best deal come what may, and ready to lay out lots of $ to fix whatever is wrong, or are you needing it to use for work immediately without downtime?

 

[StihlRules]

Welcome to the forums and TBN!
If I'm not mistaken the CT450 is a 45HP not 50, but I'm not real familiar with Bobcat branded Kiotis.
Seems like a lot of hours for the year, but if used commercially, not so much.

Definite concern about the white smoke after warmed up to operating temp. Could be out of time on the injection pump, but if so why? I might suspect the injectors might have some contamination due to lack of regular filter changes on the fuel filter or some crappy fuel use over time.
There should't be any smoke after warm up, unless engine parts are worn, or adjustments are needed. And the AC won't turn on, leads me to think serious lack of care and attention to the machine over the last 6 years. Is this a private sale?
You could buy as is and fix the problems, or bargain down the price by what you think the repairs might cost. Though the AC isn't an issue for you, you can use it's repair to get a better price anyway. If the white smoke is due to a head gasket on it's way out it could be costly for sure. If private sale maybe owner would let you take an oil sample for analysis to check engine wear and status as to contaminants like coolant present in the oil, which could be there even if you can't see it...
Are you just looking for best deal come what may, and ready to lay out lots of $ to fix whatever is wrong, or are you needing it to use for work immediately without downtime?

Yes, I'm pretty sure it is a private sale.

Yeah, that's about what I was thinking, it seems like pretty heavy use for that year.

Will probably go end up in looking at it, if I did buy I would have to get a good chunk off $$$. How much would you offer?

 

[Coyote machine]

Truth- I'd probably steer clear and look for a Kioti with lower hours, no smoke and so on. Same basic tractor with a few exceptions not really worth noting, but not abandoned by the Bobcat franchise(s) as OEM equipment dealers. NOT slamming Bobcats, it is unfortunate though that they dropped the compact tractor lineup after about 5 years.

If you'd bought it new then it would probably suit you well, but too many unknowns, and hard to bring a poorly maintained plow tractor back to tip top shape without a lot of $ held in reserve. You can probably do much better if you search carefully. JMHO.
If you haven't seen it how do you know about the smoke, AC, etc?
I wouldn't offer anything without way more data on the use, maintenance, etc.

 

[StihlRules]

Truth- I'd probably steer clear and look for a Kioti with lower hours, no smoke and so on. Same basic tractor with a few exceptions not really worth noting, but not abandoned by the Bobcat franchise(s) as OEM equipment dealers. NOT slamming Bobcats, it is unfortunate though that they dropped the compact tractor lineup after about 5 years.

If you'd bought it new then it would probably suit you well, but too many unknowns, and hard to bring a poorly maintained plow tractor back to tip top shape without a lot of $ held in reserve. You can probably do much better if you search carefully. JMHO.
If you haven't seen it how do you know about the smoke, AC, etc?
I wouldn't offer anything without way more data on the use, maintenance, etc.

The way I know about the smoke and the ac is because that's what was posted in the ad but I just wanted to get some, opinions
I live two hours from were the tractor is, I have been looking for a while so if I am around there sometime I might look at it,
but I'll probably just stay clear of it.

Thank you for all the help

 

[Coyote machine]

No Problem. If you're in the area speed up, you don't want to buy someone else's wreck. Its a nice unit with no smoke, AC working and through accurate records of service.
Otherwise, you should be able to get something much better, even off a dealer's lot.
Good luck, post back if you find a better deal.