Going to look at a tractor...
 

FINALLY sold the FAL rifle and ammo so have the funds to get a tractor.

Found one on craigslist close by our land that looks like it will fit the bill.

1970's Massey Ferguson 40 industrial tractor with loader,PTO and three point hitch,new tires,shuttle shift and 2900 hours.Diesel of course.

Also within our budget.:biggrin:

http://asheville.craigslist.org/grd/1270867603.html

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

hope the guy lets you take it out for a 10-15 minute tryout

and maybe ask if he has any attackments for the PTO and three point hitch

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Already asked about any attachments...no deal.

Can pick up a bush hog for a few hundred hopefully and a scrape blade.

I would want to try everything out,also need the wife to try it too,the purpose is to have something either of us can use.

I also want something old enough to where working on it is easy enough.

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

oz,

After my recent experience in buying a tractor of about the same age and engine hours, here is what I recommend:

1) Tire condition is important. You can figure a cost of $800 or more to replace all tires and tubes should it need it.

2) Make sure when the engine starts, that is doesn't blow white smoke. though black smoke should be normal when you increase the RPMs or put strain on the engine.

3) Make sure ALL gears work. Older tractors that have been sitting have a tendency of getting the clutch stuck which doesn't let you engage the gears properly. Normally this is not a big deal but you want to make sure this is not the case on your tractor.

4) How easy does the engine start?

5) Does it idle at different RPMs consistently?

6) How new do the fuel filters look and do they appear maintained?

7) How recent did he run it last?

8) Make sure the PTO spins.

9) Take the 3 point hitch and move it up and down, does it move smoothly?

10) Now repeat the 3 point hitch movement with the clutch pushed in, does it still move smoothly. This is to test the live hydraulic system.

That should get you started...

Dave

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Check the brakes.

Lots of older tractors need brakes because people let them go and try to get by without spending the money.

I have no idea what brakes cost for a tractor.

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Nice It's RED too!!!... All you need is an umbrella mount to keep the sun out of the eyes.... Hope you get it and it works fine!!!!

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Went and looked at it,went and thought about it some,went back and bought it.:biggrin:

We pick it up next weekend as we had to sort out a trailer to haul it down to our place.

The guy dropped the price to $4000 and threw in a scrape blade.

Tractor started right up,smoked a little(not white smoke/steam) but I can live with smoke...it IS old.

Will need to replace a hydraulic line for the bucket soon enough.

Has 'shuttle shift' which took some getting used to as it is a lever you rock from side to side not front to back....also needed lubricating.

Bucket is small,only 42 inches or so but will work.

Tires are new all the way round and are liquid filled,brakes worked good as did the PTO and 3PH.

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Tractor made it home okay,a little stressful as we had to go down a few mountains and we are from the flatlands...LOL

I am going to change the oil and filters,drain the fuel and generally give it some needed maintenance.

Found out it had been sitting for over a year in the field so I am hoping that new diesel might help,it does smoke....however if that is the worst of the problems I can live with it...it will keep the bugs away.:biggrin:

Well all except the yellow jackets that attacked me as I was playing around clearing out the thorn bushes growing alongside the driveway.

Sitting under the shed at it's new home.
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik....7&disp=emb&zw

Right BEFORE being attacked by the hornets...
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...11&disp=emb&zw

Getting degreased.
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik....9&disp=emb&zw

Re: Going to look at a tractor...
 

Awesome OZ!

I remember taking my tractor "Pappy" home. It was quite the drive as I remember being so paranoid, constantly checking to see if it was there. I think I heard every noise the trailer made!

I am glad you made the purchase. I have had mine for a short period of time and already it has earned it's keep!

Here is a picture of me pulling Pappy to our homestead. We were on the final mile and my two boys were just totally infatuated.

http://www.cxp.com/username/071209-01.jpg

Dave