Information and exchange
Internet forums are full of discussions on just about every make and model of tractor. Not all opinions can be taken at face value, since depending on the series and production year, defects reported on one version may have been corrected on the next. However, these exchange platforms sometimes pinpoint recurring problems with certain models.
Before visiting the site, it's also a good idea to ask the vendor about the equipment : has it been regularly serviced? By whom? Has the motor suffered any damage? What work has been carried out? Gathering this information will give you an initial idea of the condition of the equipment, and will enable you to verify the seller's sincerity at the time of the visit.
And don't hesitate to contact the dealer who serviced your tractor. The workshop manager may have other useful information, and his opinion on this particular model is invaluable.
Indispensable visual check
The first thing to do when you arrive at the tractor is to lift the hood and inspect the general condition of the engine. Cleanliness is the first indicator of the level of care taken by the seller. Inspect the sides and underside of the engine block for oil and coolant leaks. If the machine is always parked in the same place, and no suspicious stains are visible on the ground, this is a good sign.
Then check the dipstick, paying particular attention to its appearance: oil that's too black and viscous is a clear sign of poor maintenance or an engine problem. Also check the diesel pump and injectors for traces of CNG.
The inspection then continues by checking the condition of the electrical wiring harnesses, as well as the cleanliness of the air filter and radiators. Certain anomalies, such as heavy belt wear or oxidation on the battery, can be detected, even if they do not necessarily affect the engine's condition and operation.
It's essential to ask for the maintenance logbook and all service reports to keep track of the equipment's history.
Engine failure?
The platform for diesel engine replacement solutions for agricultural, construction and industrial machinery.
Start, observe, test
If the overall inspection of the equipment is satisfactory, it's time to move into the cab for a few more checks. After switching on the ignition, make sure no engine warning lights are left on. On start-up, open your eyes and ears wide and extend the test at idle, then accelerate.
Does the engine make a suspicious noise?
What color are the exhaust fumes?
Black smoke indicates a combustion problem with poor air-fuel mixing. Injectors may be badly calibrated. Or the air filter may be clogged. In all cases, this type of problem is easy to solve. Persistent blue smoke, on the other hand, is more worrying: it's a sign that the engine is burning oil, probably due to heavy wear of internal components. Even more seriously, grey or white smoke often indicates a problem with the cylinder head gasket. A more thorough check-up, carried out by a professional, becomes necessary. If the engine shows no apparent abnormalities, nothing beats a test run under real working conditions. It's under full load that performance can be assessed, and any faults revealed more easily.
Oil analysis and engine test bench: two precise diagnostics
To take your engine assessment a step further, there are two tests that can be carried out. The first is to take an oil sample for analysis. This can be carried out by your dealer. Independent laboratories also offer complete assessments for €60 to €80. The package includes the sampling and shipping kit, as well as analysis and diagnosis: presence of water, fuel or metals, abnormal degradation of oil characteristics... Analysis can reveal previously invisible defects.
Another test to consider is the engine test bench. This is used to produce performance curves (power and torque). By comparing actual results with theoretical values, the technician can pinpoint any problems, such as faulty settings. This service is often offered by dealers, or by specialized operators. Depending on the department, chambers of agriculture or Cuma federations also regularly organize test campaigns. Diagnosis costs between €100 and €200. At the end of the test, the technician draws up a report and estimates the cost of upgrading.
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