Im looking to buy a ford 1215 4x4,hydro,5ft rear blade,4ft mowing deck for $5300.The tractor is spotless not a scratch on it and has 500 hrs.Its a one owner tractor the guy bought new in 1995 and hasnt really used it for 4 years.Im looking to swap the 4ft deck for a 5ft and then looking to get a 4ft brushhog.Are these good tractors?Has anyone had any experience with one?If so how did you like it?Looking for any info
1215 is it a good tractor?
- Thread starter klint
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bp fick
Super Member
I can only tell you common knowledge type stuff. A long time user is what you need for better input. 2 cyl Shibaura engine. A two cylinder is a little short on torque. Under strain, they tend to bog a little, requiring you push the clutch, let her rev, and go again. 16 hp/13 hp PTO. These are virtually subcompact numbers today, or less. The parts are OEM only, as I have been told, and can be rather pricey.
That all said, you describe a pretty low hour, one owner machine that sounds like it was cared for by an older fella. People generally dream of finding tractors from grandpa. Usually pampered.
The street price, tractor only, is around $4500 and up, as high as $5500, from what I have seen.
Again, if a long time user could tell you more, you'd be better informed, but it sounds to me like you found a good machine to consider.
That all said, you describe a pretty low hour, one owner machine that sounds like it was cared for by an older fella. People generally dream of finding tractors from grandpa. Usually pampered.
The street price, tractor only, is around $4500 and up, as high as $5500, from what I have seen.
Again, if a long time user could tell you more, you'd be better informed, but it sounds to me like you found a good machine to consider.
sld
Veteran Member
I have owned a Ford 1210 since 1989. It is a gear drive FWD and has a 3 cylinder diesel (so does the 1215). Mine has R1's and this helps a bunch also.
It has been a great little tractor. I have a 4 ft loader, 4 ft bush hog, 5 ft rear blade and a 4 ft box blade. It handles these easily but I would go any bigger. The 4wd makes all the difference in the world compared to a 2wd tractor of this size.
It sounds like you found a great deal and I wouldn't hesitate to get it. These small Fords are workhorses and you will be surprised at what they will do. It may take a little longer than a bigger tractor but you get the advantage of maneuverability and a softer footprint.
Part can be expensive if you break something major. Luckily, all I have ever done is routine maintenance and nothing has ever broke. Just get to know the machine's limits and don't abuse it and it will last a long, long time.
Good luck and post back with your decision.
It has been a great little tractor. I have a 4 ft loader, 4 ft bush hog, 5 ft rear blade and a 4 ft box blade. It handles these easily but I would go any bigger. The 4wd makes all the difference in the world compared to a 2wd tractor of this size.
It sounds like you found a great deal and I wouldn't hesitate to get it. These small Fords are workhorses and you will be surprised at what they will do. It may take a little longer than a bigger tractor but you get the advantage of maneuverability and a softer footprint.
Part can be expensive if you break something major. Luckily, all I have ever done is routine maintenance and nothing has ever broke. Just get to know the machine's limits and don't abuse it and it will last a long, long time.
Good luck and post back with your decision.
bp fick
Super Member
Thanks for the correction, sid. I had it in my head that some of these Shibaura engines were 2 cyl. Glad you set that straight.
Im trying to decide between the 1215 and a kubota b1700.The b1700 is 17hp,hydro,4x4,with a 5ft mmm.Its also a much more modern looking tractor with the open platform and rounded hood and new style exhuast.Its $5800 but is being shipped from mo to mi so tractors are about same price but 400 for shipping.Im leaning towards the kubota.
sld
Veteran Member
You probably can't go wrong with either. I am obviously a Ford man and the thing I like about mine is the only plastic on the thing is the fan blade.
Where is the Ford? (if you don't buy it) I have a buddy that is looking for something like that.
Where is the Ford? (if you don't buy it) I have a buddy that is looking for something like that.
sld
Veteran Member
Fred, I think the "00" series (1100, 1200, etc..) were 2 cylinders.
bp fick
Super Member
Gotcha!!!
bp fick
Super Member
Klint, just a question here. Just how many tractors have you bought already the past 12 months anyhow?