Ford 861 4.40 star(s) (8)

Ford 861
Model Year: 0

Great little tractor and very versatile. Lots of power for its smaller size. Two stage clutch takes some getting used to as far as changing gears while trying to keep PTO spinning. Low ground clearance does not allow for row crop cultivation however is nice when working on slopes. Would recommend this tractor over an 8N or 9N.

Pros: Power to size ratio.
Cons: Consumes lots of fuel.

Ford 1958 Model 861D
Model Year: 1958

I paid 1500.00 for the tractor. A previous owner painted it an ugly blue gray but you can see please of sign of the original color. I bought the tractor because it has plenty of horse power for a tractor this size. As for looks, I think this tractor has a perfect scale from any profile. It has muscle and looks great when restored to original factory specs. It has a diesel engine, live PTO, and excellent hydraulics. It does not have power steering and has not been a problem. I just wish it had some of the Ford 4000 features.

Pros: Excellent value, lots pf power.
Cons: No power steering.

Ford 861
Model Year: 0

Bought this tractor a year ago. Been using it for mowing and pulling fence posts mostly. Doing some fixing off and on too. It's a good solid tractor and a big step up from the N series. Dad had an 860 5-spd and a 4000 Select-O-Speed on the farm when I was growing up, so I was pretty familiar with this tractor already. Bought it from a guy who got it at auction after it sat for a long time. Was pretty rough when he got it, but he got it running and painted it. Don't know the hours because he had replaced the tach. Still needed some work after I got it, which I took to a shop to have done: fix oil leaks, replace wheel bearings, electrical work, etc. I've also gone through the entire fuel/exhaust system this year: rebuilt carb, new manifold and muffler, rebuilt heat shields, changed to vertical exhaust and rerouted the gas line away from the manifold. Hoping that will help with some issues I had mowing in hot weather this year. All in all, glad I got the tractor, but I wouldn't recommend an old tractor to anyone unless they enjoy working on them.

Pros: Well-built, enough hp to do a lot of things with it.
Cons: It's an old tractor, with all the old tractor issues.

Photo Uploads:

Ford 861
Model Year: 1958

Does everything that I need to do.

Pros: Has live power.
Cons: Steers hard.

I Grew Up On This One
Model Year: 1955

My dad purchased this tractor used in 1959. Since then, it was used summer and winter nearly everyday until about 1985. It had been relegated to setting outdoors under the trees. In 2001, I inherited it and rebuilt it from the ground up. Today it is back at work cultivating, mowing and towing. The 59 bhp engine is not the cheapest on fuel but there is more power than can be used on the ground. The hydraulics leave a bit to be desired and the Armstrong steering is still stiff if the tractor is not moving. But the greatest asset it has is that it takes me back to a simpler time.

Pros: Versatile, durable, quality material and parts are available.
Cons: Limited hydraulics.

My Old Ford
Model Year: 1958

Great Tractor needs to be converted to a 12 volt system.

Pros: Lots of power gets the job done.
Cons: Poor starting system.

Super 30hp Tractor
Model Year: 1959

Bought used 23 yrs. ago. I rebuilt the 4 cylinder over head valve engine soon after I got it. It has live PTO, 5 speed manual trans, 6 volt battery and generator. I have abused this little tractor every way possible and it just keeps going. If another one (861) was for sale, I'd buy it.

Pros: Live power, over head valve engine, 3point , do-all loader.
Cons: No power steering - it could be installed.

Ford 861--Used, Not Abused
Model Year: 1963

I'm happy with it. The tractor was rough, but running, when purchased for $3000. I worked on it for about a year, repairing tires, axle seals, brakes, etc. Then, I sent it to a shop known for good work and honest assessments. I asked for it to be repaired - whatever it took - for reliable use for 5 years or 1000 hours of use. The shop did a lot of work - a new clutch, power steering repairs, cooling system, etc., etc. It was in the shop for a few months, which I had expected it would be. I spent about $3000 more on the fix-up. I've used it haying, mowing, snow plowing, etc., for 3+ years. Failed to start only once, due to bad gas--all my fault--I'm sure. Otherwise, no problems with reliability or functions.

Pros: I needed, live, independent pto, and sufficient power.
Cons: Could use lower than 1st. gear, and diesel would be nice.

Photo Uploads: