Looking for an older Ford Diesel Tractor

[Soundguy]

for 5 ac.. I'd look for an 861 diesel.. or a 2000-3000-4000 diesel.

newer x600 models too.. like a 2600.. etc..

soundguy

 

[Clelle]

I guess that it is just a little harder to find some used diesel tractors over here. I have a friend with a YM 2301 and he loves it, seems like a good little tractor. Do yall think that this would work for what I want and if so is there a place to buy them in AZ?

 

[JRS]

Check the Tucson & Phoenix craigslist. Always a lot of tractors for sale especially in Phoenix.

 

[jenkinsph]

The best advice I can give you is to consider several brands, make the decision based on the condition of the tractor and whether it will fit your needs. Massey Ferguson, David Brown, Case IH, Deere, Ford, White and many others have made some good tractors. You may want to inquire here when you find something you like to get some opinions (for what their worth).


Steve

 

[Russelln]

I guess that it is just a little harder to find some used diesel tractors over here. I have a friend with a YM 2301 and he loves it, seems like a good little tractor. Do yall think that this would work for what I want and if so is there a place to buy them in AZ?

Your not that far to California and I just saw a Ford 4000 Diesel for $3500 in one of those Craig Listings.

Look in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Fresno -Viasalia down to Bakersfeild.

The Valley is crawling with those Tractors.

 

[Soundguy]

3500$.. is a good deal on a 4000 if it is in serviceable condition.. even if a 4000SU.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Clelle]

well i gave up on the diesel side of it and I ran across a 1948 8n for 2300 and it is in good condition,from what I have read on here...... it starts right up and it is still 6 volt.... it isnt leaking around the trumpets from what I can see, but the right side brakes are oil soaked. The left ones are fine though, it runs at about 35 psi oil pressure when it is warmed up. I have read alot about these tractors in the last few weeks and I feel that this was the best one that I could get a hand on. I will most likely get some picutres up tomorrow!!

 

[Soundguy]

Sound slike it's ready for an axle seal on the leky side.. then you can clean the shoes with carb cleaner and burnt he old oil off with a propane torch.. then when you refill the common sump oil.. make sure you don't overfill it.

soundguy

 

[Clelle]

I will order those seals this weekend then and pull it apart....is it a good idea to do the bearing at that time too? Or do they not go out that often?? Also the PTO leaks a bit but not so much to where is drips... just enough to bug me. Here are some pics of it at my brothers house from Easter. I will get some more up of the other side here in a bit. Also the steering has some play in it and if i am cruising down the street and hit a bump i get quite the dealth wobble out of the front tires. Is this something that can be adjusted out of the steering or do I have to rebuild the whole unit?

 

[Soundguy]

I personally would do the bearings if there is any play in them.. if no play.. just repack and reseal.

Pto seal is easy.

park tractor nose down, pull the 4 bolts holding the pto flange in.. pull the pto shaft and flange/bearing carrier. ( you will need the gasket between the flange and the center housing as well as the seal. ).

there will be snaprings on the backside.. pop them out and then tap the pto shaft down on a piece of wood laying on the ground.. the bearing carrier will drop off and then you can access the seal.. if the shaft is worn where the seal rides.. use a repair sleave.

an I&T FO-4 manual is greatly reccomended for these repairs.

Pics are kinda low res.. but i can tell it is a front mount unit, and likely has the old style steering box.

the old boxes have round sector covers.. you pull the bolts and rotate the covers around to try to tighten up sector backlash.. ( holes are eccentric with the bushings.. thus rotating the covers moves the sectors. ). If the steering shaft screws in or unscrews out of the column as you turn it, then the upper ( maybee lower too ) thrust bearing is gone and you need to pop the top.. The older boxes are not as easy to rebuild.. but can be done... again.. fo-4 manual gives step by step instructions for adjustment.. etc.

also.. make sure ther eis no play in other steering members.. like draglinks at the sector arms, tie rod ends, and spindle bushings.


also.. before tht beauty catches on fire and burns up.. how about getting that rubber fuel hose away from the manifold.. I've seen them burn....

that unit came with a metal line.. either replace correctly.. or route rubber AWAY from the hot manifold.

soundguy