TomG
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 610
- Location
- Ontario
- Tractor
- Ford 1710: Loader, Hoe, Snowblower, Box scrapper & 3ph Forks
Got my Ford 1710 back from the dealer yesterday. The main problem was bent and broken 4wd shift and linkage parts courtesy of the previous owner. I also had some tinkering things done as long as it was there. I really REALLY have to build a decent equipment shed and organize my tools so it's reasonable for me to do my own tear-downs.
However, the service manager did say some useful things I'll pass along. First, he said he doesn't do the 600 hour injector service (remove, check and test spray patterns). If it's not smoking, there's little reason to remove the injectors until 2000 hours or so.
Second, he asked if I had changed the anti-freeze (I hadn't). He said they had a log skider that was ruined because the coolant was never changed (he didn't say exactly what was ruined). Anyway, the anti-freeze is an easy maintenance routine to forget about. I believe it's supposed to be changed every 2 years with a diesel rated anti-freeze--proypl based is preferable since it has less of a disposal problem. I didn't know there was such a thing as diesel rated anti-freeze.
Third, he replaced the steering stabilizer (a tube shock absorber in the steering arms) because it was dented. He said dented ones usually end up binding and should be replaced. Binding steering doesn't sound like a good idea. He also went through the steering and tightened up the loose steering column and may have done some other things.
So, repair and trucking for the tractor cost a fair bit, but I also got something more than just the problem I knew about fixed. Paying a dealer for service isn't all bad I guess. Oh yes, I noticed shortly after buying the tractor that the 4wd lever had been broken off its collar and re-welded (a crappy weld that the dealer re-did). I probably would have bought the tractor anyway, but looking for welds is one important thing to do when looking at used tractors.
However, the service manager did say some useful things I'll pass along. First, he said he doesn't do the 600 hour injector service (remove, check and test spray patterns). If it's not smoking, there's little reason to remove the injectors until 2000 hours or so.
Second, he asked if I had changed the anti-freeze (I hadn't). He said they had a log skider that was ruined because the coolant was never changed (he didn't say exactly what was ruined). Anyway, the anti-freeze is an easy maintenance routine to forget about. I believe it's supposed to be changed every 2 years with a diesel rated anti-freeze--proypl based is preferable since it has less of a disposal problem. I didn't know there was such a thing as diesel rated anti-freeze.
Third, he replaced the steering stabilizer (a tube shock absorber in the steering arms) because it was dented. He said dented ones usually end up binding and should be replaced. Binding steering doesn't sound like a good idea. He also went through the steering and tightened up the loose steering column and may have done some other things.
So, repair and trucking for the tractor cost a fair bit, but I also got something more than just the problem I knew about fixed. Paying a dealer for service isn't all bad I guess. Oh yes, I noticed shortly after buying the tractor that the 4wd lever had been broken off its collar and re-welded (a crappy weld that the dealer re-did). I probably would have bought the tractor anyway, but looking for welds is one important thing to do when looking at used tractors.