Pricing advice for '58 861 with loader S/N 21432

kmcd · Jun 7, 2014

Hi! This is my first time posting so I hope I am putting this question in the right forum.

Our 861 has not been used in 3-4 years and it isn't likely that it will anytime soon. It was my dad's who passed away several years ago, he used it to plow the garden and my sister used it to clean corrals. It ran fine the last time it was used, but I am sure it could use a tune up. I'm not very mechanical and my work schedule prevents me from gardening the large plot my dad used to plow so rather than let it sit and rust away, I am thinking of selling it. Sometimes I think I might want to learn to use it, and it looks like it would be a fun restoration project if I had the time, work area, and know-how, but I just don't see that happening anytime soon. (I didn't even know what model or year it was till I found a site that told how to decipher the serial number!) I have read quite a few of the posts on this site and have learned quite a bit about the tractor. One thing I don't know is whether it has power steering-is there a way to tell by looking at it? Does that affect the price?

It has a DuAL front-end loader with a sticker that says 100 on it so I am assuming that is its model number. The hydraulic hoses look a bit weather-worn but are not leaking.

I would appreciate suggestions on what a fair price would be, and also if I should have any maintenance done beforehand or leave that up to the buyer. Also, any advice on where to advertize it? I see a few posts on Craigslist but, unlike eBay, you can't tell by looking whether an item was sold or what they got for it. I also wondered if implement dealers sell them on consignment and if so is it worth it to go that route, or do they even bother with old tractors..

Thank you all for any advice!!

paulharvey · Jun 7, 2014

I would hazard a guess of $3500 if it starts. Maybe $2500 if not. As for fluid changes, I would top off any that are low, but you won't get your money back for full fluid changes; most buyers will probably want to do a service themselves. I personally would vote for keeping it and running it, but if you really have no use for it, by all means sell it. I would air up tires (if low or flat), check fluids, start it if you can (probably need to be jumped off), and slap a $3500 as is/where is price on it. Attachments would be another $100-$500 each at least depending on what they are and how bad of shape.

Pictures would help.

look for any advice from "Soundguy", he's forgotten more about old fords than most people will ever know.

Caution: I just realized you might have a 6 volt battery, so might not want to jump it off till you double check that it is 12 volt.

kmcd · Jun 7, 2014

paulharvey said:
I would hazard a guess of $3500 if it starts. Maybe $2500 if not. As for fluid changes, I would top off any that are low, but you won't get your money back for full fluid changes; most buyers will probably want to do a service themselves. I personally would vote for keeping it and running it, but if you really have no use for it, by all means sell it. I would air up tires (if low or flat), check fluids, start it if you can (probably need to be jumped off), and slap a $3500 as is/where is price on it. Attachments would be another $100-$500 each at least depending on what they are and how bad of shape.

Pictures would help.

look for any advice from "Soundguy", he's forgotten more about old fords than most people will ever know.

Caution: I just realized you might have a 6 volt battery, so might not want to jump it off till you double check that it is 12 volt.

Thanks, paulharvey! That's one thing it does need is a new battery..we tried to start it last summer and the battery was dead, my battery charger said it was no good. I dread doing that, it is really a pain with that loader in the way, the battery compartment is almost inaccessible! Ok, I will try to get some photos and post them soon. You also answered another question I had but hadn't posted yet, and that was about the attachments-I was debating on whether to include them in the sale or sell them separately. I know there is a brush hog, and a couple of other things I will have to go check out to see what they are.

If I decided to keep it, what should it cost to have someone do a service?

paulharvey · Jun 7, 2014

Tractors hold a lot of fluids; way more than a car or truck; so in fluids alone, you probably have $150 in oil/hydraulic fluid. Another $20 for filter (wild butt guess); battery ($100-150); and labor at $100/hour for a mobile mechanic; your probably at $450-500 for a basic hired service. Or around $275 if you do it. That doesn't include replacing any hoses,

Correction: looks like the Ford 861 only holds 2 gallons of hydraulic fluid, and 5 quarts of motor oil; so more like $50 total in fluid. I had assumed it held at least 6-8 gallons of hydraulic., but looks like I was wrong

Soundguy · Jun 7, 2014

post pics before i could guess at a price. otherwise 500$ to 4000$.

tires make a big difference.

ps makes SOME difference. if it had PS.. there will be a pump on the front right of the engine, and steering rams on both draglinks ( if original )

generally an old ford 00/01 that starts and runs with no deal killer problems will get you in the 2000ish $ range.

2458n · Jun 7, 2014

Makes a big difference in what area you are selling in. I have a farm in Defiance ,Ohio. There is a General motors foundry in the town. Everyone likes their 10 acres out in the country. You need a tractor and a bush mower. Loaders are expensive new and usually bring another 1000-1500 on the tractor. You can see asking 3500 for your running tractor would not be out of line up here. Like soundguy said I have seen 8n's sell for 750 in Dayton ,Ohio. That is why I go to auctions with a truck and trailer.