M5400?

[dzalphakilo]

Went out to look at a used Kubota M5400, 4X4, ag tires (weighted) LA1001 FEL, 285 hours, good body, little rust (stored outside). Bush hog and post hole digger come with it but may be needed to replace due to age.

Asking 17K

From what I've seen, seems like a good price.

May need to replace tires wanting to do some work around the lawn around the house as well.

Any feedback on the asking price?

Looking at bush hogging at least 25 hilly acres. Would like to add a bh in the future as well.

Guy is the tractors second owner, he actually had very little information to give me on the tractor per operation which surprised me.

Drove it, seemed to have no problems.

 

[Dargo]

I've given the M class a hard look lately. Since I own about 200 acres total, my L5030HSTC is a bit small at times. However, where my house is I only have about 12 acres. It's almost big there, but not quite. I've mostly only looked at the cab models though.

Since I didn't feel that I really needed more PTO power I did drive the 50 something M machine. It definitely felt larger than my L machine and the loader seemed to be stronger as you would expect. I guess the primitive beast came out in me because I ended up liking the M105s. When driving it on the road and going up a long incline, it didn't drop off in speed much at all where the M5040 I drove seemed to struggle. There is a fairly large size to weight ratio difference between those two.

I'm not sure that I'd call the 50 hp range M series underpowered for the weight though. Heck, if I did that, I'd slam the entire Kioti lineup. Anyway, since you won't be running at top speed when hogging hills, I don't think the power thing will be an issue. The used prices seen to range quite a bit. The price you mentioned doesn't seem out of line. Our highway department used to use all Ford tractors to mow the medians. Now I've seen several Kubota M machines doing the job. Although I was zipping by rather quickly, I think I saw that the model number on one started with a 5. Good luck!

 

[Big Dog]

Latest year I have for M5400 is 2000.

No FEL .......

Trade in / low:9,950 - high:11,700
Retail / low:15,700 - high:17,800

 

[dzalphakilo]

Thanks for the input.

Ever go out and look at something used and something does not "seem right"?

Although the guy had the tractor for over a year, he didn't seem to have a clue on some of the questions I was asking him (he also uses this tractor to mow less than 2 acres of grass around his house, with weighted ag tires no less) and thats one reason why he told me he was selling it.

Since I'm getting more serious now, I actually took this tractor for a ride.

When shifting gears (4 speed in the middle), do you need to come to a complete stop to shift? Honestly, when asking this guys questions, he really didn't have any answers for me (he wasn't sure if I needed to engage the clutch to shift gears, which I assumed you needed to do, then when I did use the clutch and the tractor was moving, he gave me a "yeah, thats what you do"). Surprised me particularly when I was up on the machine asking him. Seems that you needed bring the rpms down with the throttle on the right, engage clutch to stop, then shift. The guy didn't correct me on anything I was doing and although I have no clue what I'm talking about, this seems sort of dangerous if your on a hill and you need to shift.

When I asked him about the 4X4 selector, seemed as if he wasn't sure, then asking him about controlling the FEL and same sort of "confused expression" on his face.

BD, thanks for the pricer. Considering the impliments are pretty worn and useless, and may need to change the tires, might see if he'll come down. I think he got a pretty good deal on it from his job, so there might be room to negotiate.

Dargo, although the pricing may not be out of line, for me to justify taking 17k out of the bank, for my wife it needs to be a VERY GOOD deal, particularly just so I can ride a tractor out back. She's (wife) is smart, when I came back last night, she asked me if it had a BH, and then how much one would cost if we wanted to add one.

 

[Big Dog]

I'm sure shifting would be like any standard transmission if it's not a shuttle.
Foot throttle would be for road operation alot like a car. In the field your not going to want to use the foot throttle but use the cruise throttle, so in the field you'll want to stop and/or remove throttle and shift. Your just gonna have the find the gear that fits the field!

BTW ......... Yes, it would be a good thing to engage clutch on every shift

You can shift without the clutch engaged but it takes some time to learn, depends on RPM and take practice most of use don't find worth it due to possible damage that can be done ............

 

[dzalphakilo]

Foot throttle would be for road operation alot like a car.

BTW ......... Yes, it would be a good thing to engage clutch on every shift

That's what had me wondering when I asked him about the clutch.

I'm stupid, didn't even know this M5400 had a foot throttle. Guy told me pedal on the right was for breaking only (and I was wondering why it seemed to have two pedals "together" on the right, with the clutch on the left). Break was the "left pedal" on the right side with what I now guess the foot throttle to the right of it. What he showed me was only the "cruise throttle" up on the right that you push forward or backwards to increase/decrease speed of the tractor when in gear. Makes sense to me now.

That's what has me wondering when I was out there. Not like I wanted to take the tractor apart, but still no good information on the operation of it when I was there.

 

[Big Dog]

Now wait a minute!!!!!! There are 2 brakes on the right side that can be latched together. The left pedal is to brake the left rear drive to help turn while in operation. I seldom use the brakes to turn and they stay latched together. The right vice versa............ The foot throttle would be on the right also flared out to the right but a smaller pad. Please let me know you understand this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW............. DZ clear out some of your PM's, your over quota, I could not send a PM!

 

[dzalphakilo]

BD, mail cleared, thanks.

Yes, per your instructions, I do understand.

Keep in mind, although looking for a tractor in the past, never wanted to get on one per an old sales trick

That being said, interested in this tractor in particular, and no way I'll buy it without riding it first.

Keep in mind, allot of levers, pedals and switches. On a tractor that I have not bought nor ever been on, so I'm going to follow the instructions of the owner given to me "to the tee". My whole point is that the guy really didn't seem to know anything about the tractor. I don't mean that in a mean way, but just the way it seemed. Each time I asked a question, it was never answered in an authoritive "way" as "this is the way you do it and why", but more of a "yeah, I guess so".

Sort of like going out to buy a car and askiing the salesman questions, but he can't give you answers.

First thing this gentleman does when he starts up the tractor is raise the FEL to almost full height then starts driving it around. I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that is somthing you don't want to do. When he lets me get behind the wheel and I start asking questions, I'm having doubts about what he's telling me just in the way hes saying it and lack of answers to some of my questions.

I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy, but one thing I do when I get equipment is read the instructions (and I've leaned to read them in order!), and if someone is there that is knowledgeable (sp?) on the product, ask as many stupid questions as I can.

I don't want to seem like an idiot, but per this owners (of the M5400)instructions, some of the things I was told didn't seem right, but having no clue as to what the actual answer may be, I was in no position to question him.

 

[Av8r3400]

Something (several somethings, actually) don't smell right with this.

I'd walk away and keep looking. Just my opinion.

 

[Big Dog]

BD, mail cleared, thanks.

Yes, per your instructions, I do understand.

Keep in mind, although looking for a tractor in the past, never wanted to get on one per an old sales trick

That being said, interested in this tractor in particular, and no way I'll buy it without riding it first.

Keep in mind, allot of levers, pedals and switches. On a tractor that I have not bought nor ever been on, so I'm going to follow the instructions of the owner given to me "to the tee". My whole point is that the guy really didn't seem to know anything about the tractor. I don't mean that in a mean way, but just the way it seemed. Each time I asked a question, it was never answered in an authoritive "way" as "this is the way you do it and why", but more of a "yeah, I guess so".

Sort of like going out to buy a car and askiing the salesman questions, but he can't give you answers.

First thing this gentleman does when he starts up the tractor is raise the FEL to almost full height then starts driving it around. I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that is somthing you don't want to do. When he lets me get behind the wheel and I start asking questions, I'm having doubts about what he's telling me just in the way hes saying it and lack of answers to some of my questions.

I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy, but one thing I do when I get equipment is read the instructions (and I've leaned to read them in order!), and if someone is there that is knowledgeable (sp?) on the product, ask as many stupid questions as I can.

I don't want to seem like an idiot, but per this owners (of the M5400)instructions, some of the things I was told didn't seem right, but having no clue as to what the actual answer may be, I was in no position to question him.

IMO... The owner is inexperienced and frankly been scared or just ignorant, probably the reason for selling it. You don't drive around with the FEL up, ALWAYS keep the load/FEL as low to the ground as possible, even if there is no load! He probably maintained it like he drives it! If you really are interested, take a tractor guy with you and low ball him if there is interest...

 

[dzalphakilo]

Something (several somethings, actually) don't smell right with this.

I'd walk away and keep looking. Just my opinion.

Normally it would to me to.

Nice house, Ret Army Officer who is now a ROTC instructor at the local high shcool. Story is he bought the tractor off the school ag teacher who has a tree farm on the side. Interesting because the tractor came from a local Kubota dealer in town (company sticker) that lists the old area code that has been changed for a while. Low hours, looks to be in good shape, but I figured it was bought awhile ago due to the area code listed on that sticker.

First thought is the guy might have more money that what he knows what to do with (officer pension, school job).

He wanted to buy more land around the house, apparently that deal has fell through due to his neighbor. Thus the reason why he doesn't need the tractor.

Keep in mind, that's what he told me. From looking at the surroundings where the tractor is, no reason not to believe him.

It does however seem strange.

 

[Big Dog]

I've taken an interest to this thread and been doing some research....
Guess what the only bone on the Kubota is?

They're too light ..................

http://www.todaystractors.com/ttforum/messages/7363.html

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/forsale/list.asp?catid=1100&man=KUBOTA&mdl=M5400&guid=9018DBF8F9994D1191FDE2CEEB8A6061
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[dzalphakilo]

IMO take a tractor guy with you and low ball him if there is interest...

That's what I'm thinking of doing. Honestly, that's not the way I like to do things (business). If I have to low ball I don't want it, but...

Since I mentioned I had to talk to my wife, I did take some pics to show her (hey, again, 17k out of the checking account needs appoval. Perhaps I'm a puss, but per this marriage thread, I want to stay "happily" married)

What do you guys think (yeah, spend my money). Seriously....

 

[dzalphakilo]

couple more

Thinking about offering 15k, he can keep the bush hog and post hole digger.

Is this to lowball?

Feel like a chick asking for advice.

 

[Cityboy]

DZ - The seller may be one of those guys who buys and sells used stuff and got the tractor for a steal, or actually stole it and is trying to sell. Purely speculation at any rate, but the photo's look good from here. I would not offer him retail, though. I'd start with the trade-in value and work from there.

 

[Dargo]

I've taken an interest to this thread and been doing some research....
Guess what the only bone on the Kubota is?

They're too light .................. ​

You know what is strange? My L5030HSTC weighs more. I would NOT have thought that would have been the case.​

 

[Dargo]

couple more

Thinking about offering 15k, he can keep the bush hog and post hole digger.

Is this to lowball?

Feel like a chick asking for advice.

Observations on your pics:

Somebody did a Mickey Mouse job of putting the "wrong" hooks on the bucket. Seeing that they do not appear bent, they must not have been used though. If you buy it, do NOT use those hooks to pick up anything that is even remotely heavy.

It has sat outside, but it does not look that bad. I've seen much worse looking tractors that were "new" on a dealer's lot that had been sitting there for a while.

I'm not really keen on tooth bars, but the bucket on that tractor looks to be light weight and it does not appear bent. In general when I have looked at tractors with tooth bars installed the loaders have been bent all to heck. If there is a tooth bar, I look closely for damage. They do not come with toothbars from the factory for a reason.

I wouldn't hesitate to offer the lower price and tell him to keep his PHD and bush hog. He likely has no use for them and wants them gone anyway.

Good luck!

 

[dzalphakilo]

DZ - The seller may be one of those guys who buys and sells used stuff and got the tractor for a steal, or actually stole it and is trying to sell. Purely speculation at any rate, but the photo's look good from here. I would not offer him retail, though. I'd start with the trade-in value and work from there.

After leaving his place last night, honestly, your thoughts are the same ones that I had (after talking with him). For whatever reasons, it makes me feel a little more "leary".

Since my wife is not overly "enthused" about spending money on a tractor, your adivice is what I was thinking as well.

Since he told me he had two other guys looking at it (tractor), I told him I'd call him back today. Per my post, he has already called me back.

As of now, don't need the tractor, but if he is willing to come down, I will "listen".

 

[dzalphakilo]

I wouldn't hesitate to offer the lower price and tell him to keep his PHD and bush hog. He likely has no use for them and wants them gone anyway.

Good luck!

My thoughts as well. What's even funnier is I heard about this tractor from a customer. When I looked for the add in the paper (which I was told) the model of the tractor listed was a "LA1001 Kubota tractor". He listed the FEL as the tractor. Made me wonder about it from the start.

 

[Dargo]

With the hours and it being in reasonable condition, if you can get it for 15k, I'd go for it. I know it's quite a bit of money, but you can't buy a decent condition, low hour big three tractor for 15K very often. Odds are pretty good that if you buy it for that, you can use it for 5 years and still get all your money back out of it if you keep it inside and clean it up.

 

[dzalphakilo]

With the hours and it being in reasonable condition, if you can get it for 15k, I'd go for it. I know it's quite a bit of money, but you can't buy a decent condition, low hour big three tractor for 15K very often. Odds are pretty good that if you buy it for that, you can use it for 5 years and still get all your money back out of it if you keep it inside and clean it up.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll call him tonight when I go for a video. May go a little lower than that. Wife would like new hardwoood floors upstairs. At that point, I, at least in my mind, will be getting a "bargain"worth waiting for.

 

[Big Dog]

I like Brents advice and I do see a little flex on the bucket at the center hook!

 

[Cityboy]

I missed the part earlier when you said the guy was a retired army officer. He's probably being straight about that. Here is a M5400 on ebay with 3800 hours that sold for $14,351.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NICE-KUBOTA-M5400-4X4-FARM-TRACTOR-W-LOADER_W0QQitemZ140015226794QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Looks like Dargo is right on with his 15K suggestion. Still, it never hurts to do a little friendly negotiating. Never know what you might walk away with. I looked at the M5400's and the M6800's while I was tractor shopping. I wound up buying a Deere 5205, but might have bought the Kubota if the dealer had been closer. I really like the smooth, quiet Kubota diesel engine, but I don't like the gear shift between your legs.

You can get your money back out of a Kubota too. I bought an old ugly B8200D 5 years ago for only $2200 and sold it this past June for $2,500 the first weekend the ad ran. That 5400 will probably sell even faster, and now that I think about it, if you are serious, you might ought to get over there early in the morning and start negotiating; that is after you putt around on it for a while and operate the hydraulics, etc.