JD 319D

Thinking about getting a compact track loader to back up the backhoe on the farm, tasks include grading the drive way, getting into tight corners and running a rotary cutter / grapple. A 2011 JD329D with 1800 hours on it has shown up locally, have not looked at it. Before my mechanic and I go over to take a look, is there anything we should keep an eye out for? Any opinions on this machine?

Thanks
Steve

I looked at a very similar machine. Same year. In the end I did not buy it. Everything seemed tight. I did not like how stiff the mechanical linkages were. I'm not sure if all that year was. But that was an issue I didn't want to get into

I have a 2013 319D with the electronic joysticks or whatever you call them. I have gotten use to the controls, they are no case controls by any means. There is lag time and dead spots in them, not bad but after running case for so many years it is noticeable especially because I occasionally jump back into a case I remember how good their controls are. Mine is a 1 speed and I find it annoying how slow everything is unless RPM's are quite high (compared to case). It is my first track machine so I can't compare everything but overall it's pretty good. The only issue i've had and currently trying to solve is aux hydraulics not working, something electronic, and I removed the quick attach when it started giving me issues, something with the wiring going to there. Frankly I don't need it I hardly ever switch attachments and I found with the extra stuff in there it was a pain to clean out dirt that got in there. If I could buy it over again i'd probably go with a case partly for the controls but also partly because that's what my dad and brother own so using the same hydraulic attachments would be easier instead of having to always drain them. But then again dealer support for JD is so much better. But when I got it I changed absolutely every fluid and filter and was happy with how easy everything was to get at, cab has lots of room, machine has tons of power. It's good enough for what I do i'm happy with it.

Thanks for the feedback. Hours on the machine are 1,800, belonged to the owners brother in law, who used it to clear a lot, build a house, landscape a yard. He bought it, been doing the same. Maintenance includes a new seal between the hydraulic pump and engine, a new oil pan seal, and currently the left front track idler is being replaced - started squeaking. Only defect cited was a side panel that tends to come off, currently panel held on with cable ties. Working to find a time to go look at it and check it out. Any signs of ill health in the track drive motors I should look for?

If you have not changed out the oil in the drives, I would certainly do that and see how much metal is in the oil.

Does an oil sample make sense? According to the owner, all fluids were changed when the pump seal was replaced, about 100 hours ago

You could offer to swap the fluid when you test it. Pretty inexpensive and you would want to do it if you buy it anyways. A catch pan and a magnet will tell you allot.

One other thing I would add, is spend some time in the machine and see what you think of the EH controls. The one I have demoed had what I think is the worst EH package of any machine on the market. The lag in the controls was terrible and there is no adjusting the machine to eliminate it, I couldn't wait to get out of it. It was beyond frustrating to me. However if you haven't run anything else to compare it to, and you don't spend much time in it, maybe it wont be the issue for you that it was for me but at least spend some time in it so you know what your getting.