My new Ford 4500

[City Farmer]

Hi all. Seen this o'l girl on CL yesterday, a 2hr ride later and shes home. It's a 1973/4 Ford 4500. I'm going to marry it with my BH and never take it off again. I'm going to do a complete fluid change and fix a few small leaks. The hr meter still works, theres about 2300 on it. After going over it, I think I believe it. The nubs on the break pedals are still there, it still has the original ford pins in the loader and the steering is tight. Its a diesel, has the shuttle shift, locking diff and a huge brand new bucket. I think it will go 3/4--1 yard. I can bump the key and it's running really smooth. Here's a picture. I'll add more when I mount the BH.

 

[NC419N]

Those were some of the best machines ever build!! Why in the world they ever stopped building them I will never know. We have 2 of them and will last me the rest of my lifetime I'm sure. Going today to buy some used cylinders from a 755 hoe that has been decommissioned to keep with the stash of other parts for spares built up.

 

[City Farmer]

Thanks, I can't wait to put it to the test.

Those were some of the best machines ever build!! Why in the world they ever stopped building them I will never know. We have 2 of them and will last me the rest of my lifetime I'm sure. Going today to buy some used cylinders from a 755 hoe that has been decommissioned to keep with the stash of other parts for spares built up.

 

[wmonroe]

Very nice! Looks like a very clean, solid machine.

 

[davo727]

Super, I love my 1968

 

[City Farmer]

I'm almost done. I married the BH and the tractor last week and I finally got the BH working like it should. I still can't try it out. When I put the stanchions down the front tire blew, 2 new 8ply fronts will be here Tuesday. I did the full fluid/filter service. I still have more to do before she's 100% but at least the grunt work is done and I can start using it. I have to make a few hose brackets, rebuild the PS pump, move/alter the rear window hinges so the window will close without hitting the BH handles and get a bunch of grease fittings to take grease again. I might paint it while it's still somewhat clean. I scored a 24" bucket and some extra parts yesterday.

 

[City Farmer]

Hi all, I got the TLB out to the property and started putting it through it paces.

The good, the BH has big time power. I was plucking out 8" trees with no problem. It will pull the whole machine backwards with all 4 tires off the ground.

The bad, the BH lift & swing cylinders are leaking. The loader bucket doesn't curl back far enough or have enough power. The PO put on a new bucket and put the curl pins in the wrong location. The cylinder rods are sticking out about 4" in the curled back position.

My biggest concern is the (torque converter power reversing) trans fluid leaking from the bottom of the bell housing, where the cotter pin is. When its going wide open there's a drip. I can't find a dipstick anywhere. I changed the fluid/filter and topped it off until the fluid started running out the small pipe plug next to the brake pedals. It has excellent power in foward & reverse. It will spin the tires in 1 or 2nd with the differential lock on. Is that hole an overflow vent and how worried should I be about it?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

It sounds strong. After you get the loader bucket right you may want to change out the UTF and filters.

Fluid is going to leak out of the bottom hole with the cotter key in it. Lucas Hydraulic Oil Booster additive helps our old backhoe leaks. I buy it by the gallon ($30) at Tractor Supply Stores in our area. I like to put in a gallon when it is hot then work it for an hour or two. Over time it can help with the dripping I find.

 

[RickB]

It sounds strong. After you get the loader bucket right you may want to change out the UTF and filters.

Fluid is going to leak out of the bottom hole with the cotter key in it. Lucas Hydraulic Oil Booster additive helps our old backhoe leaks. I buy it by the gallon ($30) at Tractor Supply Stores in our area. I like to put in a gallon when it is hot then work it for an hour or two. Over time it can help with the dripping I find.

Fluid is NOT supposed to leak from the 'dry' flywheel housing.

Please add any snake oils as per package directions. I don't know ANYTHING about that Lucas product, but I bet a gallon in that T/C system is more than the recommended amount.

 

[City Farmer]

Thanks for the help guys. The fluid isn't coming from the bell housing, its rear of it, almost to the rear axle. I'll pull off the cover and see what's under it. I'm running Case TCH fluid in the torque converter. It's thicker than the Travellers UTF from tractor supply and seems to be the same thickness of the stuff that came out of it. The only service manual I don't have is the one for the torque converter transmission. Can someone point me in the direction of the manual? In this picture, it's part #3 where the leak is coming from.