frankv
Bronze Member
Hi,
I've lurked and read as much as I could this weekend. Looks like alot of discussion about people buying new with a little bit on the older Fords.
I have an old Bolens HT20 with johnson loader and tiller and want something with a faster/stronger loader. I'ld also like something a little heavier/larger to move snow in my area as the Bolens is many times outgunned by the snow. I don't need my tractor to cut grass as I've got a nice toro Z-turn mower.
I am somewhat mechanically inclined so not afraid of the basic engine repairs.
OK so I've looked at a Ford 2000 with a ford 730 loader on it(2800 hours). 3 cyl diesel. The owner did not know the year. Says around 71. The guy wants $6500 and won't budge. He claims it's in great shape mechanically and this is why he won't budge, he claims I won't find one in nicer shape (good salesman...but I don't know if he's bullshitting or not). I drove it and it seems to run fine. Started right up on first crank. (Winter starting would be a concern for me) No leaks that I could see visibly. Loader seemed very strong and was much faster than what I am used to. I don't know how to really evaluate these tractors though. I lifted the 3 pt hitch, but need to go back and spin up the PTO. He claims some Fords have problems with the PTO not stopping and this one is perfect.
I also am looking at a ford 4000 diesel with 3300 hours on it tonight. No loader. Was used to hay fields and prior to that pull small airplanes at Hanscom air force base. He's asking $4500 but is flexible. I priced up a new loader at Chappell tractor (Sales guy not very helpful over the phone, but the parts guy way very helpful) and they quoted between $5k and $6k with hydraulics. Seems like this one may not be worth the extra expense of adding a loader unless I can find a used loader that in good condition and comparable to the Ford 730 on the Ford 2000.
Any advice or suggestion..please? I'ld really like to get something soon as I have some stone to move around to raise an area for a greenhouse soon. And if this tractor is that good a deal I don't want to loose it.
I don't really want to spend the $13-$18k for a new one although a smaller compact would do me fine. I don't seem to see many on the used market for around the price of these fords?
Thanks!
Frank
I've lurked and read as much as I could this weekend. Looks like alot of discussion about people buying new with a little bit on the older Fords.
I have an old Bolens HT20 with johnson loader and tiller and want something with a faster/stronger loader. I'ld also like something a little heavier/larger to move snow in my area as the Bolens is many times outgunned by the snow. I don't need my tractor to cut grass as I've got a nice toro Z-turn mower.
I am somewhat mechanically inclined so not afraid of the basic engine repairs.
OK so I've looked at a Ford 2000 with a ford 730 loader on it(2800 hours). 3 cyl diesel. The owner did not know the year. Says around 71. The guy wants $6500 and won't budge. He claims it's in great shape mechanically and this is why he won't budge, he claims I won't find one in nicer shape (good salesman...but I don't know if he's bullshitting or not). I drove it and it seems to run fine. Started right up on first crank. (Winter starting would be a concern for me) No leaks that I could see visibly. Loader seemed very strong and was much faster than what I am used to. I don't know how to really evaluate these tractors though. I lifted the 3 pt hitch, but need to go back and spin up the PTO. He claims some Fords have problems with the PTO not stopping and this one is perfect.
I also am looking at a ford 4000 diesel with 3300 hours on it tonight. No loader. Was used to hay fields and prior to that pull small airplanes at Hanscom air force base. He's asking $4500 but is flexible. I priced up a new loader at Chappell tractor (Sales guy not very helpful over the phone, but the parts guy way very helpful) and they quoted between $5k and $6k with hydraulics. Seems like this one may not be worth the extra expense of adding a loader unless I can find a used loader that in good condition and comparable to the Ford 730 on the Ford 2000.
Any advice or suggestion..please? I'ld really like to get something soon as I have some stone to move around to raise an area for a greenhouse soon. And if this tractor is that good a deal I don't want to loose it.
I don't really want to spend the $13-$18k for a new one although a smaller compact would do me fine. I don't seem to see many on the used market for around the price of these fords?
Thanks!
Frank