I am not at all surprised by the reported hours. I recently saw (5) 1 series tractors which were all between 2013 and 2016 model years and each of them had less than 200 hours on them. In fact, the 2013 had 47 hours on it. Some people put few hours, some put many and most are somewhere in between.
The low hours are a plus in my opinion. I wouldn't suspect anything out of the ordinary about the hours unless there is clear evidence to refute the hours being displayed. For example, if the machine displays 300 hours and the tires are all worn out and the machine operates like a tractor with 3,000 hours instead of 300, then I would suggest looking further.
Things to check for include, but are not limited to;
- The air cleaner should be mounted on the front radiator core support and be positioned so the inlet end is against the passenger side panel on the tractor. If the air cleaner is mounted directly above the engine and oriented front to rear, it needs to be updated as others have mentioned. Its very easy to do and may be eligible for a no cost upgrade.
- Pull the dipsticks for the engine and the rear hydro. The engine dipstick is on the right side of the engine block and can be accessed without removing the side panel or even opening the hood. It's located midway in the engine block. Many have black dipstick handles.
- The rear hydro dipstick is located near the rear PTO shaft and adjacent to the 3ph on the back of the tractor. It has a yellow handle (usually). If the oil looks black or smells funny, care is likely warranted. Obviously, both machines should show oil levels in the hash mark zones of the dipsticks.
Of course, if the tractor has been running immediately before you pull the dipstick, let the machine sit for a few minutes and check the fluid level after pulling the dipsticks, wiping them clean and reinserting them, only to be pulled again and reviewed.
- Make sure there are no leaks under the tractor anywhere. Look carefully around the front and rear PTO shafts on the rear end for accumulations of dirt and dust, which usually stick to oil residue from leaks. Also carefully check the front axle for leaks, specifically behind the front wheels on the hubs.
- Make sure the steering feels "tight" and there is no looseness to the steering wheel or slop where the wheel moves without response from the front wheels.
- I would look for signs the machine has been properly ballasted. If you are buying from the actual owner, ask and have a frank discussion about the methods of ballast they used. If they dismiss the need for ballast as "unnecessary", then I would be concerned about possible premature wear on the front axle, the 4wd drive-train. If they did use ballast correctly, the discussions will be very matter of fact and hopefully truthful.
- Talk about their service routine and their preferred oil choices, etc. They should know the machine requires Low Viscosity Hydro Fluid from John Deere. Also asked them what they used for the engine oil.
- Make sure the hydro pump isn't screaming like a cat in a blender when you start uo. Run the engine up and down through the RPM ranges and there shouldn't be any abnormal noises.
-Ask the seller about their fuel use and treatment process. Hopefully, they avoided Biodiesel and focused on Dino diesel which is treated with supplements such as Howe's, Hot Shot or Stanadyne or Power Service, etc. This means they provided the best possible fuel for the machine, which is very important in climates with 4 seasons.
- As others have mentioned, run the tractor's serial number through the John Deere database just to make sure there is no lien's or outstanding indebtedness. This can be done at any dealership and is often done in the Service Department area.
- I always like to ask the seller directly why they are selling the machine or item and carefully watch their reply. If they don't answer without pondering and considering their reply, they are likely making up an answer. The truth is always easy, an answer not founded in truth requires some thought and creativity, which most lack.
-Regarding the price, it's not out of line for what the machine is. A new machine equipped the same way is going to be in the mid $20's in price. Primary issue is whether you feel the final deal is fair. Plus or minus 5% of the asking price is the normal range of these machines and it varies in different geographical regions. Main thing is you are satisfied with the deal.
Good luck and report back to us. By the way, Welcome to GTT!
