Pre Purchase Inspection

[hgriffon]

New guy here. I'm going to look at a 2003 LS180, 1700 hrs, tomorrow for a possible purchase. I've never operated a skid steer before with the exception of a few hours using a buddies bobcat moving some downed trees. What should I look for besides the obvious fluid leaks, etc? Sale price is $15000. The machine looks pretty clean (not repainted) from the pictures. It's a one owner machine used by a landscaper.

 

[flopguy]

I am no expert, but what I looked at when I bought mine (L555) was the fluids especially the hydraulic fluid paying close attention for foamy, milky or smelly (burnt). I looked at the coolant and oil, just as a clue to how well it was maintained. I would also listen to the motor at different speeds and as it climbs rpm listening for knocking. Being a landscaper, he probably had it maintained, I would ask if I could see maintenance records. good luck, hopefully others can chime in to what I probably didn't check..