[30nate]

Hi guys.
I'm looking at a 420 that comes with a cab, mower deck and a 47" snowblower. He says everything works and is very good shape and he wants $2,300.00 for everything. The tractor has 2300 hours on it. Is there any problems I should look for with it having this many hours on it? What is the life expectancy of one of these. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[rustyknuckles]

The worse that could happen is that you would have to re-engine the tractor.

 

[coalminer16]

Not a bad price. Cab is around $500 if soft side or $1200 if the green cozy cab hard side. If it is the two stage blower then that is around another $1200. Tractor even if a parts tractor is worth another $500. Mower depending on the size (50 or 60) is around $400-750. Depends on weights, chains, tires, etc. The engine if never rebuild may need an overhaul. The air cooled gas engines start giving out-burning oil in the amount of hours. Not always but don't be surprised.

 

[30nate]

It has the soft side cab and 60" deck. I just found out it was bought new by the current owners grandfather. There is no chains or weights that come with it.

 

[striperon]

I have two 420s. One is an '84 and one is a '92. The older tractor is a B series Onan, the newer one is a P series Onan. I have a loader on the '92. I use the '84 for the mower deck in summer and it powers the '47 snowblower in winter.

What you describe is very good tractor if it has been well cared for. Question the seller about oil changes and oil checks. I think they are two of the most important items with older engines. If they were run either low on oil, or infrequently changed with the filter, the engine could need some work soon.

Otherwise, that model tractor will surprise you with how much work it can do. Mine have to deal with deep snow and a rough lawn. The loader moves lots of rocks, topsoil, and fill. I am dealing with record snowfall this winter here in Maine with the snowblower. The amount of snow it will handle is amazing. If you get a good one, you will not be sorry.

You will need weight on the rear to counter balance the snowblower. I have 2 wheel weights on each wheel, and 6 suitcase weights hanging off the 3 point hitch weight bracket, and that is sometimes not enough. The snowblower is heavy and sometimes a pain, because of its weight, to mount on the tractor. Once you get your own system down, it isn't so bad if you pick a nice day in late October.

Oh, and on the price, I would jump on it if you don't. The snowblower advertises for $1,200-$1,500. The tractor and mower deck from $2,500-$3000, and the cab I purchased was a bargain at $300.

 

[mikeduwe]

2300 hours is a lot for an onan or even the tractor.

Not saying it cant be in good shape, but I wouldnt expect it to be a crisp tight tractor at those hours unless it was well taken care of.

 

[30nate]

I'm kinda scared of it having that many hours on it. I ran the serial number and it came back as a 1991. I don't know if I should make the 2 hour drive to look at it or not.

What kinds of things should I check on it if I do go?

 

[charms]

One of the things that can wear on a higher hour 420, (or similar), is the driveshaft splines. If it's just a little loose, it can be addressed by changing to the clamping yoke. If it has been loose too long, the hydro input splines can be badly worn.
Unless the deck and belly pan are off, it is hard to check the driveshaft other than to run it and see how much vibration it has.
$2300 is reasonable if the deck and snowblower are in good condition.

 

[mikeduwe]

Ya, condition is everything. Could be in awesome shape and give you decades of service, and worth every penny of 2300. See if you can get some picts from the seller if you dont want to drove out there and post em up for use to look at.

 

[30nate]

I have some pics. I'll try to post them but it doesn't usually work for me.

(Message edited by treed on February 21, 2015)

 

[30nate]

 

[bo2009]

Read, review Travis' post. That stuff will\would cost more piece by piece. 2300 hrs. is a lot of use, especially on an original air-cooled engine. Luck can be involved also as far as care & maintenance even if it was always maintained meticulously. May do just fine for a while or you may end up spending $$$s on repair\replacement soon. (Will anyway. After all, how long will a JD 420 L&G Tractor go, 2300 hrs. already, & not need who knows what?) For that package, even if/when the work\repair will be needed = cheap. Overall, in the end though, it's up to you. Bobo

 

[dhageman93]

if it is the one i am think of that was for sale a while ago it had a leak in the transaxle might just want to question him on that before you make the trip. I had seen it for sale about a month ago or so.

 

[mikeduwe]

Doesnt look terrible in the picts. Might just need a bath. But mechanicals are the item that you need to be concerned about.

 

[30nate]

I ended up getting it for 1350 without the cab today. I'm going to put the chains and wheel weights on and change the fluids. Then try it out in the fresh snow we just got.

 

[jd4001]

That sounds like a very fair price.

 

[minisub]

Yes it does. However, if you are going to use the blower in the light fluffy stuff we got here in Ohio today, I have a feeling you may be going back for the cab!

 

[striperon]

Well done, Nate. I hope you have a much good luck with yours as I have had with both of mine.

 

[mikeduwe]

Good price. Post up some updated pictures when you get a chance.

 

[30nate]

It's hard not to sell it to make some quick cash. The guy I got it had this and another 420 with a loader givin to him by his grandfather that had bought them both new. The other 420 had over 3300 hours on it. There was also tape beside the hour meter In both of them that indicated he changed the oil every 50 hours. I took the head covers off if the one I got and they cooling fins had very little dirt/dust in them. I feel this tractor has been well cared for.

I'll post more pics tonight this is the only 1 I have taken so far. Do you guys know anything about the roll bar? It kinda looks factory to me.


Well no pics right now, I guess my cell pics are too big to upload on here. Any way to upload bigger ones from photobucket?