Tractor choice conundrum

[Gormers]

Which would you choose....
4 year old tractor 5000 hrs or
15 year old tractor 5500hrs
Both regular serviced, both similar hp
Only real difference is that the newer one is adblue
Thoughts of the forum greatly appreciated

 

[Sharpy]

Probably the 15 year old, easier and cheaper sorted and easier on fuel.

 

[Lakesdigger]

Probably the 15 year old, easier and cheaper sorted and easier on fuel.

Agree except for easier on fuel. One thing with engine management (provided its not meeting the most recent emissions) is fuel isn't getting thrown into the engine when not needed (off throttle down hill etc) if doing road work makes a huge difference on fuel.

 

[HarryB97]

If it's only going to sit on a mixer wagon or straw blower etc then the 15 year old one but if it's going to be used regularly for lots of hours definitely the 5 year old one

 

[Sharpy]

Agree except for easier on fuel. One thing with engine management (provided its not meeting the most recent emissions) is fuel isn't getting thrown into the engine when not needed (off throttle down hill etc) if doing road work makes a huge difference on fuel.

16 year old common rail here, hydraulics went recently and I hired a much newer tractor to do the same job. Approximately 75% more fuel used.

 

[CPF]

5 yr old for me .

 

[Gormers]

Can’t decide if over time risk of components failing increases even if its had an easy life compared to hard work in a short space of time

 

[Phil P]

Can’t decide if over time risk of components failing increases even if its had an easy life compared to hard work in a short space of time

You do tend to get more oil leaks and even electric issues on older stuff, even low hours. The rubber in pipes/O-rings and insulation perish over time, terminals corrode, moistures ingress etc are all thing to consider.

 

[kiwi pom]

I'd rather have something that had done 5000 hours in one year at least it would have all been hot running.
Think of all the potential cold starts a 15 year old tractor has had for its 5000 hours.

 

[Fendt516profi]

What is the 15 year old tractor is there likely to still be parts available as long as you intend keeping it

 

[Gormers]

The 15 year old is a JD & the newest is New Holland both 120/130 hp

 

[Fendt516profi]

John Deere are fairly good at keeping stock of parts for older machines aren't they so should be fine that way

 

[Nearly]

Blue blooded here but....JD.

 

[redsloe]

5 year old JD on ad blue? An early model?

 

[KB6930]

Personally I'd be more confident of a 15yr old JD than a 5yr old NH but that's just me

 

[Fendt516profi]

5year olds new Holland

 

[neilo]

Is the 15 yr old JD not a lot less money than the 5 yr old, allowing you plenty of spare change for the bits & pieces that will inevitably go wrong?

18 yr old JD (8000 hours) here and have no intention of changing it unless forced to. I did have to replace the front tyres two yrs ago, when the originals started leaking slowly through perished sidewalls. I guess that’s an expense of age rather than hours...

 

[Gormers]

Thanks for all coments chaps
Just to add there's roughly 5k between tractors in price
It seems JDs are holding there money but are they value at that age?

 

[KB6930]

Thanks for all coments chaps
Just to add there's roughly 5k between tractors in price
It seems JDs are holding there money but are they value at that age?

Guessing at a 66/6820 ? Both good tractors plenty grunt for the size of them and not a huge amount to go wrong engine wise they did like to be worked hard or you got injectors playing up

 

[Joe S]

either could break down and break your heart with a bill, older JD will have more options for home mechanicing.
Id pick the JD but thats just me.
Go drive them both see which one you feel happier in