The M8540 Journey

392 Goat

New member
May 27, 2026
4
0
1
46
Grants Pass, Oregon
Hey Everyone. Sorry got busy after it ( m7040 at auction ) sold and i didnt say what is sold for my bad. Thank you for the member who did. You rock! We didn't buy it. It was a little more than I wanted. 20k was about what I wanted to spend ( wife approved ), and that's what It went for so who knows how much further it would of gone.
So we are heading down south west to to visit family and we are looking at a 85hp pre emissions 1700 hrs ex municipal unit 4x4 Cab and 3rd function i believe. Its about 4.5 hrs from where we are staying in Az. So its a drive to look at it in person ( after the 17 hrs to get to Az ). He's asking $28k and open to offers. Guy has 100s of heavy machinery with good feedback, so idk šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø. I get compairing what cost new and go half, its not a bad deal. But with me going up to the 8540, am i now crossing the line where it will cost a ton of money to fix because its higher hp and what not. We originally wanted a mx5xxx, but all have emissions and i would reather stay away from that and stick with pre emissions. Some earth moving and have a long driveway to maintain in Southern Oregon. So what should I look to stay away from if it shows problems. I watched a few YouTube videos but most are newer m5xxx or m6xxx tractors in new condition. So when they tell me what to check out, its always fine on their tractor because its newer and not as used as this one, never showing what Bad looks like, just talk. The one we are looking at has 1700 hrs, and is 10+ years old. Looks weathered like most of them southern tractors ( have seen a few barn keep ones Wow nice ) Tires look to have correct usage with hrs. I know its not new and might or will have leaks or seals that need replacement. Im not a mechanic but i can fix things. Haven't used a tractor since i was in my 20s and will have to learn to drive and test it on my own, well and with you awesome people. So What are your thoughts on this one guys? I have regrets about not trying to win the auction for the last one lol. But 85hp is better than 70 😃