Hi folks,
Yesterday I bought a Kubota L245DT. I just bought retirement property in AZ and needed a tractor for clearing 4 acres of tumbleweeds and light excavation for a new driveway. I have never owned a tractor and wanted something a little larger than the 16hp models. The 25hp+ tractors are a little hard to find and this one came available, so I drove 3.5 hours to look at it. I know nothing about them but I saw no leaks, no water or fuel in the oil, hydraulics seemed to operate well, no unusual noise after starting quickly from a cold start, no smoke, etc. It came with a front end loader and a gannon with rippers. Sheet metal had some dings and dents and the bucket looked like it had seen a fair bit of use. 2200 hours on the dial. I paid 6K for it, which to me seemed like a fair price after looking at going prices of the smaller tractors. The only thing that bothered me was that it was being sold by a tractor flipper. I would rather have bought from a private owner little old lady who only drove it to church on Sunday, but those are hard to find.
Anyhow, this morning I am noticing some things that give me second thoughts. I notice the lugs on the left front wheel seem to have been replaced with bolts. Why would this have been necessary? Also, it appears the rear tires have water in them along with added weights (can anyone tell me what this rear tire weight weighs?). If I am on level ground clearing tumbleweeds and rattlesnakes, is the added weight necessary? No wonder my poor 1/2 ton Chevy was struggling with a small hill!
I am retiring in a couple of years after 32 years in the Forensic sciences. I am more comfortable with the value of microscopes than tractors. I am going to get a service manual and try to find some info on safe operation so I don't kill myself. Any and all advice will be appreciated. If you think I got took on the price, I console myself with the fact that I have been taken for more money on a less worthy investment.
Cheers!
Yesterday I bought a Kubota L245DT. I just bought retirement property in AZ and needed a tractor for clearing 4 acres of tumbleweeds and light excavation for a new driveway. I have never owned a tractor and wanted something a little larger than the 16hp models. The 25hp+ tractors are a little hard to find and this one came available, so I drove 3.5 hours to look at it. I know nothing about them but I saw no leaks, no water or fuel in the oil, hydraulics seemed to operate well, no unusual noise after starting quickly from a cold start, no smoke, etc. It came with a front end loader and a gannon with rippers. Sheet metal had some dings and dents and the bucket looked like it had seen a fair bit of use. 2200 hours on the dial. I paid 6K for it, which to me seemed like a fair price after looking at going prices of the smaller tractors. The only thing that bothered me was that it was being sold by a tractor flipper. I would rather have bought from a private owner little old lady who only drove it to church on Sunday, but those are hard to find.
Anyhow, this morning I am noticing some things that give me second thoughts. I notice the lugs on the left front wheel seem to have been replaced with bolts. Why would this have been necessary? Also, it appears the rear tires have water in them along with added weights (can anyone tell me what this rear tire weight weighs?). If I am on level ground clearing tumbleweeds and rattlesnakes, is the added weight necessary? No wonder my poor 1/2 ton Chevy was struggling with a small hill!
I am retiring in a couple of years after 32 years in the Forensic sciences. I am more comfortable with the value of microscopes than tractors. I am going to get a service manual and try to find some info on safe operation so I don't kill myself. Any and all advice will be appreciated. If you think I got took on the price, I console myself with the fact that I have been taken for more money on a less worthy investment.
Cheers!
