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Introduction: The Legacy of John Deere and the 490 Excavator
John Deere has been a staple name in the heavy equipment industry for decades, known for its durability, efficiency, and reliability. The John Deere 490, a model from 1984, is part of the company’s long history of manufacturing robust excavators. This particular model, though decades old, can still offer value for certain operations, especially for buyers looking for a more affordable option in the used heavy equipment market.
However, like all older equipment, the 1984 John Deere 490 comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we will take a closer look at what you should know before purchasing a 1984 John Deere 490, key considerations, and tips for assessing its condition.
1. Overview of the John Deere 490 Excavator
The John Deere 490 is a hydraulic excavator designed for digging, lifting, and trenching operations. While not as powerful as more modern models, the 490 still has a reputation for being a reliable and tough machine for many light to medium-duty tasks.
As with any used equipment, especially one that's over 30 years old, there are several common issues to be aware of when looking at a John Deere 490. These problems may not necessarily be deal-breakers, but they are important to consider during your inspection.
When considering the purchase of a 1984 John Deere 490, performing a thorough inspection is crucial. Here are some important areas to focus on:
Pricing for a used 1984 John Deere 490 will vary depending on its condition, hours of operation, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 to $30,000 for a well-maintained machine. However, prices may vary based on the machine’s configuration and any additional attachments included with the sale.
When determining the value, consider the cost of repairs or refurbishing the equipment. While the initial purchase price might be low, you may need to factor in additional expenses such as replacing hydraulic components, repairing the engine, or refurbishing the undercarriage.
5. Should You Buy a 1984 John Deere 490?
Whether or not to purchase a 1984 John Deere 490 depends on your specific needs and budget. This model could be a good option for buyers looking for an affordable, reliable machine for light to medium-duty tasks. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs of potential repairs, especially if the machine shows signs of significant wear.
If you’re working on a tight budget and the excavator is in decent condition, it could be an excellent investment. However, if the machine has several issues that require extensive repairs, you might want to consider investing in a newer model.
6. Real-Life Example: The Benefits of Buying Older Equipment
A construction contractor in a rural area purchased a 1984 John Deere 490 for a small land development project. The machine was priced affordably, and after a thorough inspection, the contractor decided the minor repairs necessary were worth the investment. Over the next several years, the 490 continued to perform reliably for many small excavation jobs.
The contractor found that while the machine required occasional repairs, the overall cost of ownership was much lower than buying a new excavator. This experience highlights how older machines can offer great value, provided they are in good working condition and properly maintained.
7. Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The 1984 John Deere 490 is a solid, dependable machine, but like any piece of used heavy equipment, it requires careful evaluation. If you’re looking for an affordable excavator for light to medium-duty tasks, it could be a great fit. However, it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues that could affect performance and repair costs.
With proper maintenance, a John Deere 490 can continue to provide excellent service for many years, making it a valuable tool for contractors who need an affordable, reliable piece of equipment.
John Deere has been a staple name in the heavy equipment industry for decades, known for its durability, efficiency, and reliability. The John Deere 490, a model from 1984, is part of the company’s long history of manufacturing robust excavators. This particular model, though decades old, can still offer value for certain operations, especially for buyers looking for a more affordable option in the used heavy equipment market.
However, like all older equipment, the 1984 John Deere 490 comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we will take a closer look at what you should know before purchasing a 1984 John Deere 490, key considerations, and tips for assessing its condition.
1. Overview of the John Deere 490 Excavator
The John Deere 490 is a hydraulic excavator designed for digging, lifting, and trenching operations. While not as powerful as more modern models, the 490 still has a reputation for being a reliable and tough machine for many light to medium-duty tasks.
- Engine Power: The 1984 John Deere 490 is typically powered by a 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel engine with approximately 60 to 70 horsepower. While this might seem modest compared to today's excavators, it offers enough power for many typical construction tasks.
- Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system on the 490 is designed for digging, lifting, and working with various attachments. Its fluid capacity and system pressure, though outdated by today's standards, are still sufficient for many jobs that don’t require large-scale, high-efficiency operations.
- Size and Weight: The 490 excavator is considered a mid-size machine, weighing in around 12,000 to 15,000 pounds, making it suitable for a range of construction jobs, from digging foundations to small-scale earth-moving operations.
As with any used equipment, especially one that's over 30 years old, there are several common issues to be aware of when looking at a John Deere 490. These problems may not necessarily be deal-breakers, but they are important to consider during your inspection.
- Hydraulic System Problems: Over time, the hydraulic system on older machines can develop issues such as leaks, worn seals, or insufficient pressure. Hydraulic components, including pumps, cylinders, and hoses, should be thoroughly inspected for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Replacing hydraulic parts on a 1984 machine can be expensive, so ensure the system is in good working condition.
- Engine Wear and Tear: The engine is one of the most important components of any excavator. With a machine of this age, it’s crucial to check for signs of excessive smoke, oil leaks, or strange noises that could indicate internal engine damage. Be sure to look at the engine's overall condition, including the cooling system, belts, and exhaust system.
- Track and Undercarriage Issues: The tracks and undercarriage on the John Deere 490 are subjected to extreme stress. Worn-out tracks, broken rollers, or cracked sprockets can significantly impact performance. Replacing the undercarriage on an older excavator can be costly, so ensure the track components are in good condition before making a purchase.
- Cab and Controls: The cab of the John Deere 490 is relatively basic compared to modern excavators, with fewer comfort features. However, older machines may have damaged seats, worn-out controls, or faded gauges. While these issues are more cosmetic, they can affect the overall comfort and ease of operation. Check for signs of water intrusion, as rust can also be an issue in older cabs.
When considering the purchase of a 1984 John Deere 490, performing a thorough inspection is crucial. Here are some important areas to focus on:
- Fluid Leaks: Check for hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant leaks. Leaks may indicate worn seals or gaskets, which can be expensive to repair. Pay close attention to the hydraulic lines and the engine compartment for any signs of leakage.
- Track Condition: Examine the tracks for cracks, missing pins, or excessive wear. A worn track can impact the performance of the excavator and may need replacement, which is a significant investment.
- Testing the Hydraulics: Operate the machine and test all the hydraulic functions. Make sure the boom, arm, and bucket function smoothly and without hesitation. If the hydraulic system is slow or unresponsive, it could indicate a serious problem with the pump or valves.
- Engine Start-up and Running Condition: Start the engine and listen for any irregular sounds such as knocking or excessive vibration. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature, then check for any smoke from the exhaust. Black smoke might indicate a fuel delivery issue, while blue or white smoke could signal engine wear.
- Undercarriage Inspection: Check the condition of the sprockets, rollers, and idlers. Uneven wear on the undercarriage can indicate alignment issues or problems with the tracks.
Pricing for a used 1984 John Deere 490 will vary depending on its condition, hours of operation, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 to $30,000 for a well-maintained machine. However, prices may vary based on the machine’s configuration and any additional attachments included with the sale.
When determining the value, consider the cost of repairs or refurbishing the equipment. While the initial purchase price might be low, you may need to factor in additional expenses such as replacing hydraulic components, repairing the engine, or refurbishing the undercarriage.
5. Should You Buy a 1984 John Deere 490?
Whether or not to purchase a 1984 John Deere 490 depends on your specific needs and budget. This model could be a good option for buyers looking for an affordable, reliable machine for light to medium-duty tasks. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs of potential repairs, especially if the machine shows signs of significant wear.
If you’re working on a tight budget and the excavator is in decent condition, it could be an excellent investment. However, if the machine has several issues that require extensive repairs, you might want to consider investing in a newer model.
6. Real-Life Example: The Benefits of Buying Older Equipment
A construction contractor in a rural area purchased a 1984 John Deere 490 for a small land development project. The machine was priced affordably, and after a thorough inspection, the contractor decided the minor repairs necessary were worth the investment. Over the next several years, the 490 continued to perform reliably for many small excavation jobs.
The contractor found that while the machine required occasional repairs, the overall cost of ownership was much lower than buying a new excavator. This experience highlights how older machines can offer great value, provided they are in good working condition and properly maintained.
7. Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The 1984 John Deere 490 is a solid, dependable machine, but like any piece of used heavy equipment, it requires careful evaluation. If you’re looking for an affordable excavator for light to medium-duty tasks, it could be a great fit. However, it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues that could affect performance and repair costs.
With proper maintenance, a John Deere 490 can continue to provide excellent service for many years, making it a valuable tool for contractors who need an affordable, reliable piece of equipment.
