Opinion 1951 Ferguson TO-20

[sringle]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1951 Ferguson TO-20 with finish mower. I've been looking for a small tractor to help cut about 10 acres as well as some plowing and other miscellaneous "first tractor" projects. I don't know much about tractors, but first glance this seems to be a pretty good fit- a small, versatile tractor to break me in. Two questions, is this a good, reliable tractor?(I am aware that it's 50+ years old) Second question, is the price ($3900) reasonable? From what I can tell it seems to be on the high side of the range, but this tractor has been restored and looks great and apparently runs perfect. I'm a little concerned that I'm paying a significant premium for the cosmetic restoration. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

That's at the high end of the value spectrum for certain. Most TO-20's sell from $1500 to $2200. A well done restoration might bag $3000, but they're only worth so much. It's easy to sink double or triple the value of a tractor into a restoration, but that still doesn't mean the tractor is worth that much on the open market. You would have a nice one there, but at a real premium.

 

[irwin]

That's at the high end of the value spectrum for certain. Most TO-20's sell from $1500 to $2200. A well done restoration might bag $3000, but they're only worth so much. It's easy to sink double or triple the value of a tractor into a restoration, but that still doesn't mean the tractor is worth that much on the open market. You would have a nice one there, but at a real premium.

Sad, Not fair, but true, however if a tractor will do what you need it to and will last a long time while doing what you need it to ... what it's worth is a bit more subjective...
The tires (new it looks like) would cost $800.00 to $1000.00 to replace.
If it is in very good mechanical condition and has all the signs of a well cared for machine, and you need it for many years, what it will fetch on resale has less meaning..if you get my meaning.
Having stated all that, if I really liked it I'd still offer less than the asking price.
50-60 year old tractors are all over the classifieds. Keep looking for something newer, and keep an eye on this one, if it's really cherry.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with FWJ. A good to-20 is similar to a ford N in value and capability, and price.

3900$ would get you into ford hundred series range.. or fergy(M) 30/35 range.

soundguy

 

[sringle]

Thanks everyone for the input. This one is close, nice guy, was hoping to hear it was a wonderful deal but had my doubts. They current owner bought it restored and said he paid $3900 a year ago. It started right up, oil pressure good, everything worked. Would feel like I'm getting a better deal if I could get the price closer down to $3000 but I don't know how that will work out.

On that note, can I get an opinion on a 1962 Model 4000 Ford Diesel Tractor(38hp). This ones a little further away and I haven't seen it/drove it yet. It doesn't sound to be in as good of shape but it also sounds like a lot more tractor. Asking price $3400.

-New seat
-New oil pan gasket
-New rear brake caliber
-New Front Wheel Bearing
-New PTO Seal
-New Tach & Cable
-New Fender
-Fixed fuel leaking from tank
-Fresh Paint(Gray-Kids helped , so has some on tires, etc. Not a professional job)
-Fresh Oil and Filter Change

The tires on front and rear tires are good, rear showing some dry rot and 1 rim have a little rusting through.
Tach Gage works and maybe fuel gauge, but the two others do not.

 

[stevem5215]

Tractors and their pricing is a lot like computers. Each time you add something on you add $$$ to the base cost. Tractors which are old are usually cheap $$ but as you go newer (and usually better) you add $$ onto that base price. The key is just like the other guy mentioned. Get what you want up front and then you won't want to upgrade it later. Meaning if you want a bucket get it now and pay more for the total package. You'll end up much happier with whatever you buy. That said, I was looking for a Kubota and figured out I didn't that 30hp with a 6' bucket. I got a Steiner 4wd with attachments instead and a quick on bucket setup. It's more of what I really needed.

Steve

 

[flusher]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1951 Ferguson TO-20 with finish mower. I've been looking for a small tractor to help cut about 10 acres as well as some plowing and other miscellaneous "first tractor" projects. I don't know much about tractors, but first glance this seems to be a pretty good fit- a small, versatile tractor to break me in. Two questions, is this a good, reliable tractor?(I am aware that it's 50+ years old) Second question, is the price ($3900) reasonable? From what I can tell it seems to be on the high side of the range, but this tractor has been restored and looks great and apparently runs perfect. I'm a little concerned that I'm paying a significant premium for the cosmetic restoration. Thanks for any help you can provide.

I paid $3600 in July06 for a 1964 MF-135 diesel that has a lot more hp and is a lot newer than that TO-20 your looking at. My 135 runs OK, but it needed to be cleaned up a lot.

Before spending about $400 in new parts (gauges, muffler, steering wheel, paint, thermostat, hoses), rewiring the tractor and repainting, the 135 looked like this:

After

The trade-in value of that TO-20 ranges from $800-1150 and the retail value (price that dealers get for this model tractor) is in the $1900-2600 range. Assuming the finish mower is worth a few hundred bucks, I'd offer $2800 and see what happens.

 

[Soundguy]

The pre-65 4000's are essentially an updates 801 series. ( 4 cyl models )

What trans does it have.. could be a 4spd, a 5spd, a 5spd with live pto ( double clutch ), or a 10spd SOS.

I paid 3500$ for my 850 ( 1955 model ) a year ago.. By the way.. the 8xx/9xx fords used a 172ci gas or diesel engine.. the 6xx/7xx tractors used a 134ci gas, or 144ci diesel.

the 172's made about 55 eng HP, and 46-48 pto hp. and 41 db hp.. depending on who you ask.

the 134's made about 36 eng hp, and 31 pto hp

A ford 3000 had 38 pto hp and sported a 3 cyl 158ci engine

Whoever led you to believe that a 4000 only had 38 hp was quite mistaken.

mid 3xxx$ is about right for the 4 cyl ford hundred series / early thousand series units... The 5spd DC live pto trans is the most desireable..

Soundguy

Thanks everyone for the input. This one is close, nice guy, was hoping to hear it was a wonderful deal but had my doubts. They current owner bought it restored and said he paid $3900 a year ago. It started right up, oil pressure good, everything worked. Would feel like I'm getting a better deal if I could get the price closer down to $3000 but I don't know how that will work out.

On that note, can I get an opinion on a 1962 Model 4000 Ford Diesel Tractor(38hp). This ones a little further away and I haven't seen it/drove it yet. It doesn't sound to be in as good of shape but it also sounds like a lot more tractor. Asking price $3400.

-New seat
-New oil pan gasket
-New rear brake caliber
-New Front Wheel Bearing
-New PTO Seal
-New Tach & Cable
-New Fender
-Fixed fuel leaking from tank
-Fresh Paint(Gray-Kids helped , so has some on tires, etc. Not a professional job)
-Fresh Oil and Filter Change

The tires on front and rear tires are good, rear showing some dry rot and 1 rim have a little rusting through.
Tach Gage works and maybe fuel gauge, but the two others do not.