JDGas 2020/48 loader tractor questions

Hello JD users & experts:
I am looking at the subject tractor for utility use around my small pecan farm and house (some dirt work for landscaping around house & orchard, lifting super sacks etc. & rototiller use) and would like opinions on the following questions I have on this tractor:
1. According to the current owner the loader (with bucket level) won't go any lower than existing grade. Of the few loaders I can remember using in the past most would go below this 'neutral' position, thus allowing digging below existing grade on level ground. The current owner says once the bucket is tilted it will lift the front end of the tractor off the ground. Questions:
1. Won't this limitation of the loader greatly restrict how effective the loader will be when I want to remove dirt below grade on flat ground? (even though I realize I could tilt the bucket then move forward to remove dirt with the tilted bucket)
2. Is this normal operational range for this JD tractor/loader combination?

3. The current owner has told me that it takes about a minute after the tractor has been started for the loader and 3 pt hydraulics to become fully operational. Does this indicate a symptom of a pending hydraulics repair problem? ( He has told me he has changed the screen for the hydraulics system) located back by the single hydraulics remote in the rear- behind the aluminum looking knob (see attached pic)

4. He wants $6900 for the tractor (1969 year model per tractor data & s/n of tractor)-- comments on fairness of this price?

5. It appears from reading previous posts this model JD is a good choice for what I intend to use if for--any comments on that conclusion?

FYI, I currently have an Oliver 550 I use in my orchard which is just right to get in and around tight spots I have when running an orchard knife for weed control, so that the JD 2020/48loader won't be used for that.
Also from previous posts the diesel version apparently is more fuel efficient and can get more work done, BUT I cannot tolerate the smell of diesel fumes, so want to stick with gas.

Any assistance with these questions would be greatly appreciated!

Kind Regards
d page

sorry for the double pics (couldn't determine how to delete the extra ones!)

I own a 1520 with a 48 loader on it,try the loader out it should raise the front of the tractor when you push the raise lever down without using the tilt,if this is a reverser lever tractor it may take a few seconds to have the hyd. work properly,I think it says in the manual something about 20 seconds,but a minute seems excessive.The price is fair for this area,Midwest,it is a good tractor-loader combination.Just my 2 cents worth.

The hose in your photo that dumps return oil into trans case should be routed to a hyd ported filter cover for enhanced hyd operation. By chance can you post a side view of the tractor/fel?

(quoted from post at 09:57:36 10/21/14)
The hose in your photo that dumps return oil into trans case should be routed to a hyd ported filter cover for enhanced hyd operation. By chance can you post a side view of the tractor/fel?

Click to expand...

I agree with txjim. Who ever plumbed the loader return connection badly handycapped hydraulic operation.
Have to wonder where they picked up the high pressure supply.
The screen for the hydraulic oil is down in the bottom of the sump instead of up in the air at the transmission fill port.
Any mention of transmission filter service ? Always good to look in there to verify wheel brake condition.
The 48 loaded is a little "short" to lift the front wheels unless the bucket is tipped down to gain some reach.
You will want to spring for a $15 front pump destroker to improve cold weather starting.
A block heater is better than ether for cold starts. The preheating doesn't break piston rings.

Unless he's willing to drop the price by 1/3, walk away. Considering that the hydraulics are hooked up wrong, the loader doesn't operate properly, the paint is in bad shape, the pto shield is bent, chances are the inside of the tractor wasn't cared for either. Get him to drop the price and you can still some money into it and have a nice tractor that you can use. Good luck.

All who commented, thanks very much for your time and input, very helpful!

Based on the owners response to request for more pics, attempts to setup a pre-buy inspection, and your input here I will NOT be buying the tractor.

Thanks again folks!

Regards,
Dennis