What to pay for 2008 L4400 HST

[SilverEagle]

newbie here,
im looking at 2008 L4400hst. Owner died, hardly ever used it. 20 hrs on the meter. Has a LA 703 A loader and 6’bucket, BH9 backhoe with 2 buckets, a rake, forks, and brushog. Cranked it today and runs smoothly. No dry rot on the tires.
what should I offer?
thanks in advance,

 

[old and tired]

You want the fair price to both parties?
The killer deal for you price?
The help the widow out price?
The what the dead husband told her he paid for it in '08 price?

$30,000 ball park? maybe more.

Do you know what it all cost new???

 

[McMXi]

newbie here,
im looking at 2008 L4400hst. Owner died, hardly ever used it. 20 hrs on the meter. Has a LA 703 A loader and 6’bucket, BH9 backhoe with 2 buckets, a rake, forks, and brushog. Cranked it today and runs smoothly. No dry rot on the tires.
what should I offer?
thanks in advance,

An "equivalent" new Kubota in the form of an L4802 with loader and backhoe costs more than $50k. Add in the implements and you'd easily be close to $60k or more if buying new. What is anything worth? If the tractor was put up for sale on Craigslist or Facebook market place could the seller get $30k? Hard to say.

@old and tired, you're assuming that the surviving owner is a widow and not a widower. Statistically you're probably right in that men buy tractors and women outlive men.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I’d feel a lot better if you knew it had been ran long enough to complete the first service…reason being I would expect most problems to show themselves by then. Certainly by end of the warranty…in this case it’s a brand new machine…that’s a unicorn. IMO it would certainly be worth the original MSRP for the machine itself…add the extras and it’s sort of up to you how much you want / worth to you.

What I looked up suggested 16500 for
msRP, I am sure someone else maybe has a better idea but I would think, conservatively maybe closer to 25kish (maybe more since it’s new, but sort
Of also a wildcard?) with the implements assuming BH is also old, but new and good working order.

I’d get over there with a checkbook and a trailer and tell no one. I would not think that should be difficult for the whomever has it to sell.

 

[SilverEagle]

You want the fair price to both parties?
The killer deal for you price?
The help the widow out price?
The what the dead husband told her he paid for it in '08 price?

$30,000 ball park? maybe more.

Do you know what it all cost new???

No, I don’t know what they paid.

 

[McMXi]

I’d feel a lot better if you knew it had been ran long enough to complete the first service…reason being I would expect most problems to show themselves by then. Certainly by end of the warranty…in this case it’s a brand new machine…that’s a unicorn. IMO it would certainly be worth the original MSRP for the machine itself…add the extras and it’s sort of up to you how much you want / worth to you.

What I looked up suggested 16500 for
msRP, I am sure someone else maybe has a better idea but I would think, conservatively maybe closer to 25kish (maybe more since it’s new, but sort
Of also a wildcard?) with the implements assuming BH is also old, but new and good working order.

I’d get over there with a checkbook and a trailer and tell no one. I would not think that should be difficult for the whomever has it to sell.

Good point re the low hours and service. This would most likely be a great tractor for someone along with the implements, if they're in good working order.

There's an L3800 for sale near me with no backhoe but only 48 hours on it. I've met the seller a couple of times and bought a welding table and 8ft hydraulic disc harrow from him. He's asking $24k and the add has been up for about a month. It's a newer tractor than the L4400, but it's a data point for sure.

If I were in the market for such a tractor I'd much rather spend $25k on this one than $60k on a new one.

Rare 42 hour Kubota L3800 4x4 Tractor & Loader - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

I have a like new Kubota L3800 4x4 tractor with a loader with a quick attach bucket. It has a hydrostatic drive transmission and it also has a plug in heater. This is one of the dependable, old...

kalispell.craigslist.org

 

[SilverEagle]

I’d feel a lot better if you knew it had been ran long enough to complete the first service…reason being I would expect most problems to show themselves by then. Certainly by end of the warranty…in this case it’s a brand new machine…that’s a unicorn. IMO it would certainly be worth the original MSRP for the machine itself…add the extras and it’s sort of up to you how much you want / worth to you.

What I looked up suggested 16500 for
msRP, I am sure someone else maybe has a better idea but I would think, conservatively maybe closer to 25kish (maybe more since it’s new, but sort
Of also a wildcard?) with the implements assuming BH is also old, but new and good working order.

I’d get over there with a checkbook and a trailer and tell no one. I would not think that should be difficult for the whomever has it to sell.

Thanks, the guy helping the woman sell it is a friend to both of us, more to her than me. He said it was around $60k in today’s money. She wants $38, he thinks it will go for $35. My piggy bank has $30k.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Let them try to sell it and say, 'If it doesn't sell within the month, I've got $30k cash here for you'.
While it sounds 'nice' ( 1 hr / year ), there might be 'hidden' problems...those that magically appears after you're bought it ....mice can chew through $5K worth of wire real fast......
jes sayin... be careful !

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good point re the low hours and service. This would most likely be a great tractor for someone along with the implements, if they're in good working order.

There's an L3800 for sale near me with no backhoe but only 48 hours on it. I've met the seller a couple of times and bought a welding table and 8ft hydraulic disc harrow from him. He's asking $24k and the add has been up for about a month. It's a newer tractor than the L4400, but it's a data point for sure.

If I were in the market for such a tractor I'd much rather spend $25k on this one than $60k on a new one.

Rare 42 hour Kubota L3800 4x4 Tractor & Loader - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

I have a like new Kubota L3800 4x4 tractor with a loader with a quick attach bucket. It has a hydrostatic drive transmission and it also has a plug in heater. This is one of the dependable, old...

kalispell.craigslist.org

Agreed…that would be better than a new machine for the right price.

If it were close to me I’d consider it myself if I could get anywhere between 25-30…I don’t think I would go much if any higher…but it well may be worth more. To me it’s just the wild card…has the Bh even ever been on and used? Hydraulic lines all in good shape? At that price I think it is sort of getting into attacting tire kickers (not sure if buyers) that are going to low ball if paying cash. In reality someone coughing up 30 has to ask do they want older, but new and no emissions crap, or rather eat the elephant one bite at a time with financing.

I hope the widow gets a good deal from it…be great if the new member comes up with a win win solution and shows us some pics on their trailer .

If you want it, someone wants it, better not be dicking around with us tire kickers online and get over there now with the checkbook and trailer.

If I were the widow I would ask high side and first person that gets a checkbook out I would listen.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Thanks, the guy helping the woman sell it is a friend to both of us, more to her than me. He said it was around $60k in today’s money. She wants $38, he thinks it will go for $35. My piggy bank has $30k.

If it’s the correct machine I would not let a couple thousand get in the way of lassoing a unicorn. If she meets you between 30 and 35 can you come up with the austerity measures to get it done? I’d be cautious to get too happy with the throttle since it really hasn’t been used, but man if it’s clean that’s a unicorn. Good luck finding another like that. If want it bad enough may have to pay the piper.

 

[fried1765]

If it’s the correct machine I would not let a couple thousand get in the way of lassoing a unicorn. If she meets you between 30 and 35 can you come up with the austerity measures to get it done? I’d be cautious to get too happy with the throttle since it really hasn’t been used, but man if it’s clean that’s a unicorn. Good luck finding another like that. If want it bad enough may have to pay the piper.

I find this thread very interesting.
My 2006 L48TLB (11' dig depth) has 265 hours.
It HAS had it's first service ( previous owner ).
It has a hydraulic thumb, 3rd function, HD loader bucket, diverter ( for bucket locking from seat ), 3pt hitch, EA forks, two quick connect BH buckets, 28" frost/root ripper, grill guard, 60" grapple, new seat, & street pads.
Paint is 9 on the tractor, and 8 on the hoe.
I have all filter spares, and 10gal. SUDT.
It lives inside one of my storage barns, while I am in Florida .
I have some medical issues now, so I may decide to sell my baby this Summer.
When that time comes to sell, unless I get $45K for the package, I will pass it on to one of my sons.
IT IS NOT FOR SALE YET !

 

[SilverEagle]

I’ll put together an offer. Based on the tractors age and that it has been in storage for some amount of years, what do I need to inspect before I close the deal?
I know the battery is dead, or near death. We cranked it today and it ran smoothly. Did not operate any of the hydraulics. The brush hog is currentply attached. I’ll look for rodent invasion. Is it smart to get it outside and make sure the brush hog runs and then change over to the backhoe?
im a retired army aviator, more of an operator than a maintainer. I know the basics.
any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I’ll put together an offer. Based on the tractors age and that it has been in storage for some amount of years, what do I need to inspect before I close the deal?
I know the battery is dead, or near death. We cranked it today and it ran smoothly. Did not operate any of the hydraulics. The brush hog is currentply attached. I’ll look for rodent invasion. Is it smart to get it outside and make sure the brush hog runs and then change over to the backhoe?
im a retired army aviator, more of an operator than a maintainer. I know the basics.
any suggestions greatly appreciated.

You better jump on it for the $38K or whatever close you can get it for.
A lot of your info that has been giving to you, is by well meaning flatlanders and east coasters.
Yes in those areas you can be a little more well... maybe shoot low and wait.

In our area (MT, N. ID, N. E. WA) that tractor is a real premium unit!
It will easily sell for $45K or more!
And it will sell fast!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I’ll put together an offer. Based on the tractors age and that it has been in storage for some amount of years, what do I need to inspect before I close the deal?
I know the battery is dead, or near death. We cranked it today and it ran smoothly. Did not operate any of the hydraulics. The brush hog is currentply attached. I’ll look for rodent invasion. Is it smart to get it outside and make sure the brush hog runs and then change over to the backhoe?
im a retired army aviator, more of an operator than a maintainer. I know the basics.
any suggestions greatly appreciated.

If it were me, I would want to get the machine started and get it to operating temperature. Try all the functions with the load and transmission and differential (have 4WD or diff lock?). Did everything engage / disengage and function properly? (basically use every lever or switch). What did you feel smell hear?

Look under hood for anything not quite right…might see a mouse nest or wasps nest…that’really doesn’t mean much though for what that machine is. Wires are replaceable.

Use your 5 senses (well im not sure about taste but who knows)…You should not want to see long lasting white or black smoke or hear any screeching or grinding or smell anything burning. It should not sound like marbles in the washing machine / dryer. Ideally park the machine on concrete or bring some cardboard or a white bed sheet to park over if no concrete….shut it off and let it sit for a little bit and see if anything leaking. Leaking is not necessarily bad, since it is still new, it could a loose fitting (that’s not unusual in first few hours). To me the main thing would be making sure the transmission, loader, and PTO all work properly.

You can check the fluid levels but at so few hours all that tells you is it probably was not ever filled appropriately or checked.

When you get it home plan to put a new battery in and maybe consider to do or have a full service done with all new fluids and filters…not sure anything wrong with what’s there but I think I would start fresh. But that’s up to you….it a new machine, just been sitting. If you don’t do a full service at least check all the fluids, including in fr axle. Also check all the lug nuts.

With the BH, to me it would be helpful to know what all parts you need to install it / remove it. Get the manuals if they have them…that would be helpful to install if not done that before IMO.

I think all implements you can probably plan to lube them as necessary when you get them home. You may want to have a bit of grease with you if plan to install any.

Most importantly don’t wait (you might have to run to catch a unicorn)…I’d be bringing the widow donuts and coffee and your checkbook this morning.

Happy shopping.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I find this thread very interesting.
My 2006 L48TLB (11' dig depth) has 265 hours.
It HAS had it's first service ( previous owner ).
It has 3rd function, HD bucket, diverter ( for remote loader bucket locking ), 3pt hitch, EA forks, two quick connect BH buckets, 28" frost/root ripper, grill guard, 60" grapple.
New seat.
Paint is 9 on the tractor, and 8 on the hoe.
I have all filter spares, and 10gal. SUDT.
It lives inside one of my storage barns, while I am in Florida .
I have some medical issues now, so I may decide to sell my baby this Summer.
When that time comes to sell, unless I get $45K for the package, I will pass it on to one of my sons.
IT IS NOT FOR SALE YET !

I would think you should not have any problem. I’d feel better finding a unicorn that’s got a few more hours like yours, but I think what OP is scoping out from description sounds pretty rare.

 

[hedgerow]

Thanks, the guy helping the woman sell it is a friend to both of us, more to her than me. He said it was around $60k in today’s money. She wants $38, he thinks it will go for $35. My piggy bank has $30k.

If it was me I would be loading my piggybank up and get over there and get the deal made. I would try to get her to split the difference between 30K and 35K and if that looks like a no go I would pay the 35K and get the deal done if your serious or someone else will own that tractor. I don't think your going to find a nicer tractor.

 

[McMXi]

If it was me I would be loading my piggybank up and get over there and get the deal made. I would try to get her to split the difference between 30K and 35K and if that looks like a no go I would pay the 35K and get the deal done if your serious or someone else will own that tractor. I don't think your going to find a nicer tractor.

It would be nice to see some photos of this thing to see how nice a tractor it is. The low hours is mind boggling though.

I had to replace three hoses on the backhoe of the BX25 that I had for five years, so given the age of this one, maybe new hoses should be in the budget.

 

[SilverEagle]

Trying to finalize my purchase of a 2008 L4400HST. Ran into a snag regarding the Bestco BH9 backhoe. The seller is not sure there is a frame mount for the backhoe and I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for. We will get it out of the barn tomorrow. Any help,on what to look for is appreciated.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Trying to finalize my purchase of a 2008 L4400HST. Ran into a snag regarding the Bestco BH9 backhoe. The seller is not sure there is a frame mount for the backhoe and I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for. We will get it out of the barn tomorrow. Any help,on what to look for is appreciated.

Would have helped if you had given a picture of the mount side not the boom.
But I can pretty much tell you that it's more than likely a 3 point BH.
Because they didn't offer or make that in a subframe model.

You'll know the difference in if there is a Giant chunk of steel that attaches it to the axles of the tractor, or if it's hanging off the Three point hitch.

So it's pretty much a worthless paperweight, and adds little, if not detracts, from the valve of the tractor.
Buy it, take it off the tractor, and either have a subframe made for it or sell it!

 

[SilverEagle]

Would have helped if you had given a picture of the mount side not the boom.
But I can pretty much tell you that it's more than likely a 3 point BH.
Because they didn't offer or make that in a subframe model.

You'll know the difference in if there is a Giant chunk of steel that attaches it to the axles of the tractor, or if it's hanging off the Three point hitch.

So it's pretty much a worthless paperweight, and adds little, if not detracts, from the valve of the tractor.
Buy it, take it off the tractor, and either have a subframe made for it or sell it!

I’ll get some pics tomorrow. ill look for that giant hunk of metal.