First time buyer questions

[MNMike]

I'm looking at buying a 2009 BX1860 with about 1000 hours. It has a loader and a 3pt snow blower. It's priced at$9,750 at a local dealer.

I have about 2 acres to mow, I'd like to be able to do some minor grading on my driveway (knowing I'll likely need a box blade for that), snow removal, removing some sumac and small tree stumps (2-3 inches thick), and removing and cleaning some River Rock from around the house perimeter.

I currently have an MTD big box special that is way overworked and ready to die. Never had a tractor before and this is really at the top of my price range.

Just wanted to get some opinions on the price and what to look for, also double checking to make sure this isn't a ridiculous purchase.

 

[bearskinner]

Condition and maintenance is everything. Does the original owner keep service records? Or have work orders from the dealer? Obviously check fluids, look for leaks etc. it might be $$ well spent to take it to a professional to have it looked at.

 

[D2Cat]

Bearskinner, aren't you the one always telling how good your dealer is? Maybe his is the same! Is he going to take it to an independent mechanic to determine if the dealer is telling him all the problems?

I'd think it would be best to get some kind of warranty from the dealer, like 90 days or something. But the best thing would be to talk to the previous owner personally to find his habits on service, troubles, etc.

 

[Kevin1]

Go get a brand new 1880 with 0% financing.

 

[bearskinner]

Bearskinner, aren't you the one always telling how good your dealer is? Maybe his is the same! Is he going to take it to an independent mechanic to determine if the dealer is telling him all the problems?

I'd think it would be best to get some kind of warranty from the dealer, like 90 days or something. But the best thing would be to talk to the previous owner personally to find his habits on service, troubles, etc.

I have great service from my Kubota dealer, and also deplorable service from them. At least they fixed the issues caused by their tech.( free of charge to me) that being said, I always search for information, and will freely admit I do not know as much as I wish I did, but I will search to find out all I can, and what to look for. I would rather take along a knowledgeable friend, or pay a professional to be a second set of eyes. If no records were available, or no ability to speak with the original owner, all you can do is know what to search for and test for possible wear or damage.
In a perfect world, a dealership would show you the good and bad in an effort to give you an honest representation of the tractor. Realistically, if you only see the good, you are more apt to purchase that tractor. I might be a little skeptical or cynical, but once you buy it, it’s yours. The good, the bad, and the ugly

 

[RCW]

Mike- - no mower?

Depending on what you're mowing, a rear finish might be better than a mid-mount mower (MMM). Never had one, but some guys like them, and cheaper than a Kubota MMM.

For a used BX, you REALLY need to look underneath, under the seat, to make sure the HST cooling fan is in good shape/complete.

It's a white plastic fan that is susceptible to damage. While a $20 part, you need to take a lot of stuff apart to replace it. I think I saw $800 in labor at a shop.

No mower, with FEL and 3PH blower....I'm a cheapskate at ~$8-$9,000.

 

[MNMike]

Yes, sorry I failed to mention it does have a 54" deck also. My wife's uncle is a service tech at the local IH/Kubota dealership. I'm hoping to take him with me, but it's a direct competitor about an hour away so not sure if he'll suck up his pride and do me a favor or not.

I'd love to get a new one, but getting the wife on board for a ~$10,000 purchase was nearly impossible. I'd probably be applying for financing on a new one as a single person and I'd really rather not.