Some you may have seen my attempt on the other thread to find a bigger tractor. I must have moved at least 1000 ton of fill this year with my JD755 (20 hp) it held up admirally, BUT I need to do some thing different, I have a 1000 lb hoe to go on "something" it is too big for the 755. So, I have been searching and searching for a solution. I need a "contruction" piece for the next five years, then just more a "maintanence" piece. So, today I found a John Deere 240 for about 3000K uunder market. 1500 hours, runs like a watch and the drives sound totally normal. So, anyone have experience with this model? I will put a standard mounting plate on the hoe (a New Holland 758c, which loooks unused). The owner is a friend of sorts I drove it for several hours today, he told me where it was and said " key is in it help yourself". So, I have piece of mind, I suppose I could find an auction uunit perhaps cheaper, but I know the history and know the guy pretty well. Comes wit hnice 60" toothless bucket and pallet fork apron. Tires are nearly new. Needs some paint touch up.
I would then be able to keep my 755 and just use this 240 unit for the construction type work. An would also be able to mount the hoe onto the front of my Yanmar crawler.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11262/OEthantractor1.jpg)
Ironwood
i have not owned a 240 have owned 3 260's 1 325 my current is a 326d. very solid machines the 240 is the same frame with alittle smaller motor and lifting cap.b efore you buy it can you make sure the hoe is not to heavy when its fully extended, you dont want it to tip the skidloader over. if the machine dosent have rear weights ,buy them makes a huge diffreance in lifting cap.
I own the 250 it's been a great machine ,3cyl tubro. The 240 should have same engine non turbo.
Thanks guys, I am glad it is not a turbo ;) I am a simple sort when it comes to diesels and turbos make me nervous as they can be $$$ to fix. I like the fact that it is a 60" bucket as well, my Yanmar dump is a little narrow for dumping a 72" bucket into.
I already have a number (4 or 6 cant remember) of JD suitcase weights that can be added to the back (good point). Bought them CHEAP not knowing what I would use them on ::) now I know.
I would likely have the tires filled, they are nearly new, and I have a local shop that does the new "regrind" foam for $125 a tire in the 10-16.5". I have had too many skidsteer machines here with tire issues when trying to "get the job done". I know it will ride rough, but I'd rather not have to worry, AND I do alot of reclaimed lumber so nails are "around", I just filled the pneumatics on my 6000lb forklift.
Thanks for the input.
Ironwood
Ironwood, A skid steer is a great machine to have.small,versatile,powerful,ect. I kept my tractor loader,sentimental reasons only and only use it to mow or skid timber out in tight places. the skid steer is my choice to do all other task,s. we have a NH LS180 and it has 5k hrs on it with little up keep.we just put a set of solid tires on it and so far the wear has been OK ride is a little harsh,but no flats. if the price is right for you,talk your self into it. once you have one you will never be with out one ;D. Tim
I did find some online info from 2003 saying the first generation 240 had some issues but NOTHING after that. I checked the serial # and found that the unit I am looking at was a 240 II (generation two) so that is reassuring, went and looked at it again today and gave my buddy the commitment on it. Did not see myself owning one, but after a legnthy online search as to a tractor/loader combo that would do my construction stuff AND my tractor needs it was just too much $$$, even used wit hlots of hours, so looks like I keep my current tractor/loader/MMM, and add a smallish skidloader to the mix. My other buddy has severa lDeeres and he said for me that the 240 made sense, not as expensive if I ever need a repair (at least as much as the bigger ones), and I guess I will be excited to have one.
LOAD those tires!! rough ride or not I hate flats on skidsteers!
Ironwood
Reid, I have a JD270 skid steer that I bought used with about 1600 hours on it. I've probably put 300 hours on it during the past two and a half years w/o any problems.
Very dependable, solid machines.
I have a 240 and don't know how I got along without it before. It's a solid machine. I put tracks on it and it will go anywhere. 8)
Thanks guys.
Just as an FYI, the serial # is 13 digit and count back to the sixth one from the end and if it is a 1 or 2, then it is an "early" generation 1 machine built in Tennessee, the others were built in Michigan I believe, and are #3 and up, "mine" is a 3. I didnt find anything more but that one post online from 2003 about the issues, so perhaps a fluke, but just thought I'd post it here if anyone could use the info.
Ironwood
I've never ran a Deere skidsteer, but probably just about every other brand and in my experience, you just as well buy it and sell the tractor, you won't ever use the tractor again :D. Just kidding, but they really are that handy, and don't worry about the filled tires because skid steers ride rough no matter what. The only other thing I'd like to add is that IMO knowing the history of any machine is worth quite a few more $, it can save a lot down the road. Good luck and have fun with it!
The 240 is a good machine. My father has one and i use it a couple months each summer to get my chores done. I wish i had the funds to buy one just like it!! It will lift alot, and not feel to tipsy. Ive drove alot of bobcats and didnt feel as cormftable as i do in a deere.
Ironwood,
I did a lot of research prior to buying my 2001 250 and with 500 hours on it now, I would do it again. I recall that the 240 / 250 being a bit too small, mainly due to the weight for the John Deere Worksite Pro backhoes but Deere did sell the 3 different backhoe attachments for the 240, 250, 260, 270 & 280 skidsteers. The small backhoe is 1500 LBS and the largest which has an extendable stick is 2000 LBS. If you are saying yours is 1000 LBS, I think you might ok with weights. You might find the need to back downhill. I also think that the backhoes need a high flow machine. Is yours high flow? I'm not sure about 2003, but in 2001 it was an option, even in series II.
Does yours have the 2 speed? I wished I had added that.
I sure like it, it has it's place. One thing I do not care for is getting in & out of it and the need for the seatbelt & resetting the brake everytime you get in and out. I use the forks on it around the mill a lot and it gets old getting in and out. One advantage is the visability on the fork tips is great.
We had a 2002 250. Great machine. Traded it for a 2006 320. Same frame with a cleaner burning engine.
Dealer needed a super clean 2002 for an Insurance replacement. Only took $4000 in cash to trade.
My real caution here is the PSI ratings The hoe may be rated for 2000 psi and the 240 should be at 3000.
The 320 is + 3100 psi .
You'll most likely need a pressure reducer and a flow limiter.
That Deere will throw too much oil at the hoe. So check the GPM ratings too.
ElectricAl
THANKS, opertating pressure on the hoe is 2150 and I will check the 240 to see, GOOD point.
Not dual speed, I have driven others with that nice option, this aint got it. I only have 20 acres so not as important for me, not like I have 200 acres (I wish).
I will check on the high flow.
Thanks Ironwood
Here are some pics
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11262/camera_121_187.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11262/camera_121_182.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11262/camera_121_183.jpg)
Ironwood,
I'm looking at a 01-02 brochure and it says for the 240 3100 PSI with 14.6 GPM & 25.4 GMP with high flow.
Also the backhoe specs say that the relief valve is set to 2100 PSI, max. You say your hoe is 2150 PSI? I wonder if that is a max and your reducer should be set lower and if so, how much?
The above info is Deere specs from info I kept when I was looking in 2001.
Yes, my hoe is 2150 psi, it is a New Holland 758c. I think that is operating pressure. I doubt the unit has high flow, although I dunno for sure.
Ironwood
i believe the psi is rated at w.o.t. if you have to much pressure just throttle back a little.
That looks identical to my dads. a little rougher around the edges, but still decent! It shouldnt have high flow. It does have alot of hydraulic power though!!
Yeah, needs painted. Inside is clean and nice, tires are good. Lots of grease around all the right areas . And it runs like a top and the final drives sound much much better than ALOT of the other units I have driven and hired to do work here . So,
... I guess I might buy it.
Ironwood
Hey Ironwood, be careful with filled tires. I used one as a spare on my new holland and one day looked at it and it looked like the the lug nuts were loose. Turns out, the filled tires are so hard, they don't flex like air filled and they begin to wear the lug holes causing the nuts to loosen. Don't know if this is common, but I've heard about it from a couple of guys.
Boy that is a good line of thought. I didnt think of that. My Dad did run the centers off his Kyoti rims when he first got it. Steel cracked all around the lugs, they were tight, just the steel couldnt handle the front loader weight he was carrying around. Looked like a can opener had just cut a coffee can sized slit all the way around. Good point though.
Ironwood
I like it, I'll take two! ;) That paint wouldn't bother me a bit, I'd be a lot more worried if it looked like new.
Well, decided to forgo the buy, I looked around and the 240 series I was problematic, this was an early series II, but still concerned me, AND I am thinking I need a 70 HP machine (this was 50).
I will be seaching an 863/873 Bobcat. Time for a new thread :D
Ironwood
We bought a used Bobcat soil conditioner (Harley Rake) for our skidsteer.
I knew it needed parts, so I low balled the seller. To my surprise he took the offer.
Too bad for me, it took 2 months for Bobcat to get 3 of the 5 parts off Back Order.
You can make your own decision, but I have made my mind up already.
No more Bobcat EVER !
I normally run with it pretty fast, but this a MAJOR expenditure ,and I am doing LOTS of online searching for hidden, or not so hidden issues with all I am considering.
Thanks thou. Ironwood
stick with deere, look at a 260 do some thing but , dont look at any others. just my opinoin. since owning deere from model yr 2000 to my current 2010 somewhere around 15,00 hrs put on and all the repairs needed 1 turbo on the 2001. 1 main hydralic hose on the 2005
I really wanted a friend's 8875, super clean and nice, they bought a replacement and KEPT both!! I was bummed, I waited for 2 months for the final word on it (company is two brothers and semi retired father 70+, he was on vacation) I was bummed, thing was immaculate. Thing about a Deere is my buddy knows all about bigger Deeres, he is my "repair guy" when needed and knows them inside and out. So, repairs would be,....well ALOT easier.
Ironwood
Quote from: Ironwood on December 31, 2011, 11:28:02 PM
Thanks guys.
Just as an FYI, the serial # is 13 digit and count back to the sixth one from the end and if it is a 1 or 2, then it is an "early" generation 1 machine built in Tennessee, the others were built in Michigan I believe, and are #3 and up, "mine" is a 3. I didnt find anything more but that one post online from 2003 about the issues, so perhaps a fluke, but just thought I'd post it here if anyone could use the info.
Ironwood
Searching info on JD 240's and found this thread, thanks to all! I ran the serial numbers off one I am looking at. Info did not correspond to above info for Ironwood, sorry to say. 6th to last number is "3" on serial number I ran, was hoping for series II, though the logo sticker only says "240". called three JD dealers and they all said same thing: 2001 manufacture date. Seller (2nd owner) posted his 240 as a 2004 JD. Glad I ran the serial number several times. Other threads warn of electrical issues and even burned up units for sale (from a electrical fire!!), tell a tale of electrical issues. When I inquired info from local dealer on the 240 (pre series II), mechanic kinda laughed and said "yeah, try to stay away for those early machines." I've been reading up and it seems some units will be fine, and many other units not so good. Gee Wiz, never knew researching a skid steer could be so difficult. Today looking at a Bobcat 863, though came upon info that the Duetz engine could have issues too (and this one was rebuilt at 3100hrs), local Bobcat dealer told me to go with the Kubota engine in the 753. Glad I'm taking he advice of my father... "never buy anything under pressure for any reason", found that advice to serve me well.
well just spoke to the service manager at my local JD shop. Most informative conversation I've ever had with a mechanic in along while. And completely set my mind at ease concerning potential issues on the unit I'm looking at on Sunday; 2001 JD 240. Long time ago (1980's) when I had a '62 Dodge panel truck as a kid, and I was first learning about working on it, someone once told me, go into the auto parts store and find the oldest guy there, buddy up with him, he'll answer all your questions. I just happen to get some other guy than the younger guy I spoke to the there day... what luck!
He mentioned several PIPs on this unit (a PIP is similar to a recall - and any PIP repair work is recorded and stored under that serial number via digital files!!!) He ran serial number; said the PIPs did not apply to this unit, as it was built later than the units with PIPs (and he explained every PIP on this earlier built unit). Hence the 6th to last number in serial # being a 3 made sense in regards to IRONWOOD's post , the 3 signaling a later built unit (manufacture date 5/8/2001) w/ no PIPS.
This guy spent a good 15 minutes w/ me explaining this INs and OUTs of this JD 240, which he claimed is a solid machine; remember this unit is a later version and did not have PIPs. I asked if I could buy him a 6-pack of good beer and he said, "hey, this is what we are here for."
If you have JD questions call HONNEN in Durango CO, talk to Chris, the service manager!