denmeck
New member
Looking to buy an 861 powermaster. Any thoughts on reliability?
Buying Advice ford 861 powermaster
- Thread starter denmeck
- Start date
strum456
Platinum Member
They are great tractors. If used and maintained properly, you will be happy with an 861.
OP
denmeck
New member
Thanks for the advice ..... a bit nervous about whether to buy a used tractor or new
strum456
Platinum Member
What do you plan to use the tractor for?
OP
denmeck
New member
Mowing 25+ acres every week or two
strum456
Platinum Member
Not to talk you out of a really good tractor, but front mount mowers are hard to beat for just mowing.
The 800 would run a 7 foot finish mower, no problem. However, it will be less maneuverable and make bigger ruts than a front mount machine.
The 800 would run a 7 foot finish mower, no problem. However, it will be less maneuverable and make bigger ruts than a front mount machine.
Soundguy
Old Timer
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2002
- Messages
- 52,238
- Location
- Central florida
- Tractor
- RK 55HC,ym1700, NH7610S, Ford 8N, 2N, NAA, 660, 850 x2, 541, 950, 941D, 951, 2000, 3000, 4000, 4600, 5000, 740, IH 'C' 'H', CUB, John Deere 'B', allis 'G', case VAC
mowing 25 ac every week or two?
I hope you get an umbrella shade and seat cushion for that 861
they are awesome 48 hp tractors... but it will reasonable only drive a 6' brush mower... with a 6' mower.. you will be mowing easlly 10hrs at a pop... If I was you.. I think I might go for a bigger tractor.. one that pulled an 8' twin spindle mower, or even a 10' mower. I'd avoid the 7' single spindle jobs... too heavy and long. twin spindle are lighter and easier to manage. something like a ford 5000 will run a 10' mower well ( 70 hp tractor ) however a 3010S will run an 8' easilly both good machines.
think about it.
if I was buying a 01 series tractor for serious work.. an 861 would be at the top of the list... especially if it had power steering..
soundguy
I hope you get an umbrella shade and seat cushion for that 861
they are awesome 48 hp tractors... but it will reasonable only drive a 6' brush mower... with a 6' mower.. you will be mowing easlly 10hrs at a pop... If I was you.. I think I might go for a bigger tractor.. one that pulled an 8' twin spindle mower, or even a 10' mower. I'd avoid the 7' single spindle jobs... too heavy and long. twin spindle are lighter and easier to manage. something like a ford 5000 will run a 10' mower well ( 70 hp tractor ) however a 3010S will run an 8' easilly both good machines.
think about it.
if I was buying a 01 series tractor for serious work.. an 861 would be at the top of the list... especially if it had power steering..
soundguy
OP
denmeck
New member
Thanks for the advice soundguy...ur a legend on this site.
I will check the 5000.
I will check the 5000.
strum456
Platinum Member
My 860 runs my 7' woods finish mower just fine, but I agree that you should look for something bigger to mow that acerage that often. It would be different if you were doing it a few times a year.
You will have to consider your property too. If you are concerned about maneuverability and ruts, get a big front mount.
You will have to consider your property too. If you are concerned about maneuverability and ruts, get a big front mount.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I guess we need some clarification.
Are we talking about a finish mower???? Or a rotary cutter (bushhog)???
The 861's were good reliable tractors. And very easy to work on and rebuild.
But as with all of them old fords, it is best to stay away from the select-o-speed transmissions. TOO many horror stories
Are we talking about a finish mower???? Or a rotary cutter (bushhog)???
The 861's were good reliable tractors. And very easy to work on and rebuild.
But as with all of them old fords, it is best to stay away from the select-o-speed transmissions. TOO many horror stories