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Hi, Just acquired a dream tractor, Ford 8240, and it needs some repairs (I tell myself I’m having fun working on tractors). Anyways, first on the list is fixing leaking on both ends power steeRing cylinder. I don’t have the repair manual yet (on its way), but curious what needs to be done...

Eric, Thanks for the tips. I will get a weed burner to pre-heat. So it sounds like dual shield wire is flux cored that is intended to be used with a shielding gas, whereas regular flux cored wire is not meant to be used with gas? Do I have that correct? I’ve put off the heavy projects for...

I have some farm welding to do to make an adapter for front bucket to use on other machines. I’ll be using 1/2” steel plate. Have Millermatic 211. Have heard that using flux core wire with shielding gas will make deeper welds. Any thoughts on this? I know I can’t do a one pass weld, will need to...

Hi Guys, Thank for the replies. There’s a lot that needs to be covered up. I’m going to have to wait for warmer weather and no snow to get under there. I’m better working with wood than metal, so leaning towards the plywood. I have some thin metal sheet, will try to figure out how to attach...

Tractor Tech, thanks for the info and help. You made some great posts in the other guy’s search for a resolution, and thanks again for sharing that knowledge. What I find interesting is that there are a dozen or so folks looking for a TCM. I saw the names in a database of folks looking for the...

Thanks for the follow up. I have the work around all set, and just wanted to be sure. There’s a 545D for sale in NJ with manual for a spare, but I’m sure I’ll be good for many years. Nice ones of these tractors are hard to find. In New England a lot were used to load salt spreaders and show it...

Bringing this thread back to life. I need to make a skid plate for my Ford 4610 to keep filters and lines safe. I thought about using 3/4” plywood as I have it lying around. I think it will be strong enough to not get punctured, and wondering if anyone has done so? I’ll be bush hogging 3-4”...

Get yourself one of these - Ford 545D, 17,000lb dynamic load front axle, 8,000lb loader. No worries.

Buy an older Ford tractor made in USA. Good ones can be found if you buy smart. Ford 4610.

Looks like cast metal in the axle, not at all good material for that application. Extra caution to stay under the load range.

As paulsharvey mentioned post #2, I’d look at Gehl machines. I have a 60hp 6625 from 1989, and still going strong. Very simple, not smog or def or electronics to deal with. Not as nice as newer machines, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Made in Wisconsin. Hopefully they’ve kept the torch...

Sportsman, Thank you for posting that link. I’m pretty sure he said the transmission control module, and if that is the only thing not available it is probably the part. He actually recommended that I sell it before this problem arises. I just ordered the two control modules off of eBay...

One for the knowledgeable Ford/New Holland folks. I have a 1997 545D withe 8spd automatic transmission (shuttle shift?). The tractor is a keeper, and that transmission is awesome. A dealer I met said that parts are no longer available to fix that tranny, and should it go it will be unrepairable...

We’ll, I can handle the BillyGoat just fine, I’m not dainty. Any machine in rough terrain is going to throw you around, even my backhoe and skid steer bounce around. And I do use BCS for my landscaping business.

What do you know? Do you have one? Have you ever used one?

Buy a BillyGoat field mower! 13hp Honda engine, 24” cut, weighs 300 or so pounds, cuts incredible. Will take out 3” saplings like nothing, three forward and a reverse gears. Look them up in action, will do everything you want with it. Just looked them up, now have B&S engines, can’t say if...

These tariffs will level the playing field for American manufacturers. China identifies a product market in the US that they want to destroy and take over. Their government designates that market’s manufacturers to receive assistance from them so they can drastically undercut the existing...

LHF, I’m up on maintenance on the six tractors I run in the farm. The 310SE is a newer purchase from someone who had done a recent maintenance and so I didn’t see the need to change fluids right away. Levels are good, but do plan to change oil and filters soon to have a baseline. Thanks for...

Jim Thanks for the heads-up on the solenoid. I’ll look at it and see. Makes sense that would cause a problem especially in the cold with sluggish oil. Slim, I’m in NH, but southern near coast. Used to get cold here, but lately lowest temps are only around 20-25F. Cold enough to...

Guys, Thanks for the replies. Batteries have not been load tested. I’ll remove them and clean all wiring as suggested. While out I’ll have them load tested. No glow plugs. Strange. Instead, has an ether-shot system. Ether can sits in holder hear engine; hit a button for the shot...

Riptide, Will do. Machine has two big batteries in it now, but not sure how old they are, or CCA. I’ve had it for two years, and I think PO said it didn’t like to start in cold. I’m thinking it just may be worn out batteries, but any other thoughts welcome.

Hi, I’ve done research but have not found a solution. 1998 John Deere 310SE backhoe with 4.5l (272ci) diesel engine. When mild temps , starts immediately. When cold, will hardly turn over and sometimes not start. Put battery charger on it and it shows batteries almost fully charged. Three...

I have not read the full lot of answers, so this may have been covered. The credit bureaus are looking at ‘responsible’ credit usage on the balances you have. If you have a $10k limit, and spend over $4000 per month on the card, that is not good usage and your credit will suffer. Get multiple...

My Ford/NH 4610 II has the 8-spd manual transmission that is synchronized. The 3910 and 4610 are close on a lot of things so it may be synchronized. I shift mine on the (slow) fly a lot with no grinding. I have to slip the clutch some when loading the bucket with dirt from a pile.

Thanks Cap’n and Wrangler. I do have a disc harrow and will use it on top of the fresh topsoil I’ll use to fill the holes. Sounds like a good plan to make it easier to walk and less tippy.

Hello, I looked in the archives but did not find a good solution. I’m planing on expanding a small apple orchard and it will be going in a spot that is 100’x100’. The land was formerly forest, and was cleared 20+ years ago. Where there were large stumps there are now large divots - 6’x5’ by...

Let me check what the manual for my 1964 Ford 4000 says about this and I’ll get right back to ya’.

Really cheap metal and production on those parts, combined with something else. I took a ride years ago through a Cadillac dealership with my friend who owned a brake and alignment shop. All of the disc brakes on the brand new cars were orange with rust. His only comment was “cheap metal”.

Thanks for the info. I can’t get at that pin to remove just yet as I need the arm to extend so I have clearance to pull pin out. It’s nested inside the walls of the boom arm, and only when extended and the rod end exposed can pin be pulled. The dipper cylinder is above it but I can get at that...

Yes. Not locked. Thanks. FWIW, one of the stabilizer legs is still up after cycling the lever with no quick connects on hoses. I thought gravity would pull that down too.

We’ll, I tried air pressure to the disconnected lines and still no opening of the rod. The rod did move ever so slightly with air to both lines one at a time due to the play between rod eye and lower pin, so I don’t think the rod is seized in the bore. Leads me to think there is either a jam or...

Hi DK, I took you advice and did this earlier. I was able to extend the dipper by lifting and actuating the lever, and it worked. Tried same procedure on boom, but no joy. Will try the air on the line tomorrow. I also found out that half of the cylinders leak. I don’t mind a drip or two...

I have hit a snag. I was able to extend the dipper, but cannot get the crowd/boom cylinder to move. I have the hoses disconnected from the control valve in order to let the fluid out, but it is not moving. As you can see in the picture, the weight of the hoe frame mount is in the air whereas...

Great pic! Really did clean it up. I’d do the seals on the cylinders that need them along with the flush but have some fruit trees that need to go in the ground this weekend, so I’ll have to wait on that. While we’re at it, I need to free up a frozen rear brake on an old Ford F600. I don’t want...

DJ, Thank you for the detailed how-to. That will be useful to a lot of folks. I didn’t know about the alcohol part, great info. I bought SeaFoam if I remember to flush the power steering system of my ‘61 Ford industrial 4000 (which I haven’t done yet), and the alcohol will do the same here...

Loggin, It’s a skid steer I use around the farm, so hydrostatic, which is why I’d like it as clean as possible. The backhoe attaches to the frame of the skid steer. I will mount it using one of my tractors, which I’ll use to cycle the arms if I use that method. I’m thinking air pressure...

Thanks DJ, That’s another option. How exactly is it done? Seems that disconnecting both lines from control valve would be best to get fluid from lines and cylinder. Apply pressure to each, then air to supply to purge valve. Or are hoses disconnected at cylinder, air blown into both ports to...

Hi Guys, Thanks for the replies. There are two lines to machine. I’ll do Lou’s method. I have another machine to move hoe arm around. I think I can lift the legs myself. I ordered all the tools to do the cylinder seals, so will do those as time allows too. I kinda figured I’d end up...

Hi, I just picked up a backhoe attachment and saw milkshake brown hydraulic fluid coming out when I went to change the quick connects, so water in the fluid. To flush it I plan to attach the output side of tractor hydraulic lines to attachment, but leave the return line off with no quick...

ETPN, My apologies. The tractor is in Southern New Hampshire. It was disassembled, prepped and primed for paint, and then left for re-assembly. Barn is water tight and pieces kept dry. Thanks. PS can deliver out to Ohio for cost.

PTSG, Thank you! My friend has a B in the barn in pieces. I’m trying to help her get rid of stuff so she can sell the place. If anyone’s in the market for a B model John Deere with really heavy rear wheel centers, please drop me a line. Thanks guys!

There is an old John Deere B on the property, but I think these would be too heavy for it. These weigh 3-400 lbs apiece. Do not seem like standard wheel weights, so you are probably right. Would like to know what type of tractor they fit.

It fit. Tires up against trailer walls. Tractor and trailer under gross by 1,000lbs, in case you were wondering.

Previous owner of my place built this barn with overhanging shed roofs to keep equipment out of direct weather. He was good at using old telephone poles. Only thing is the air is salty where I live near the coast. If equipment is not completely out of the coastal air it will start to get surface...

Fred, A little far for me to come from New Hampshire. Was stationed at P’cola, nice area. Best of luck getting it sorted out.

Hi Fred, Where are you located? I’ll come give you a hand if in the northeast.

Thank you redman for the suggestions. I’m constantly looking for used tractor tires, and if they show up I’ll try to acquire them. I did see some new ones that would work well, but will cost dearly. If I get a chance to use this for another business venture I’ll spring for the new ones unless I...

Hi redman, Have read on the different tractor websites what you are saying. Michelin, Trelleborg, maybe Vredstein, have sizes that will work. All are wider in metric sizes for same diameter. Funny thing, some of my older tractors have US tires that have held up well for age. I won’t do too...

Red man, Thank you for the advice. The tires that will keep the ratio and be wider are 12.4-24, and 18.4-30. I’m actually looking at the metric size 320/24 and 420/30, which are just a smidge different (wider) than the factory nominal tire size ratio. I’ll try those, and if they don’t float...

Thank you guys! Great info. Lou, I didn’t know how to find that info on the tires, thanks. How would I get a custom rim made? Do you know a vendor? I’ll be playing with the posted manufacturer’s diameter numbers to find a good ratio. Then I’ll check the loaded circumference. At present I can...

rScotty, Thank you for the detailed explanation. I will research the loaded circumference. Also, the white dot trick is great to know. I’ll use both for my new tire selection. I too was under the assumption that wet ground would give, so glad to know different. I will play with the tire...

Hello, Upsizing farm tractor tire size, and desired tires don’t conform with factory front/rear ratio. Going from 11.2-24 fronts (43.5” tall) and 15.5-38 rears (62”) with size ratio of .70, to 13.6-24 (47.6”) and 18.4-34 (65.1”) which is a front/rear ratio of .73. I remember Tony Jacobs...

Hello eKretz, Thanks for the picture. I took the weight box off for better maneuverability, it’s a little bulky. You’re right, more weight on back and R1 tires should be better. I did make it up hill time before, but not second time. I’ve nearly exhausted the search for better front...

TT, That’s what I’ve noticed. I like the 545 with its 8k lb lift, but obviously built extra beefy to handle it. I have a John Deere 310SE backhoe that has slightly higher lift than Ford, so maybe a lighter duty ag tractor will fit the bill. Looking at a 4630 right now, but engine runs rough...

FWIW Collecting firewood yesterday. Made it up embankment first time, but not second. Tractor went up it at idle in low range, 1st gear. That’s why I like it. Didn’t like getting stuck, dumped the wood, used bucket to help back out, then reloaded the wood at top of embankment. Looking at...

Thanks HD.

Hi folks, I’ve decided to go with the tree puller. The Brown tree cutter is great, and if trees were larger would be the ticket. With the 3-5” trees and tree-clusters the puller will handle well I think. I can use it as a sideways grapple too. I have a 4-in-1 bucket on my 545, but doesn’t...

Thanks again guys. Two best courses of action are 1. Hire to have it mulched/ground down; 2. Buying the tree puller and pull out the big stuff, then BH the smaller stuff. Since I have tracks on the skid steer, and it lifts 2,600 lbs or more, the tree puller should pull most except for things too...

Here they are. I went through with my BCS sickle bar cutter on one edge as much as possible and as mentioned, did leave a lot of punji sticks. I will have to avoid that area now. I will also be dealing with some large stump piles to move later that have been there for years but still hard. Based...

Hello, I’m going to be doing cleanup and reclamation work on my 15+ acre field. I have let it grow for the past 7 years, and have some large saplings to contend with. The birches are the biggest at 15-20’ tall and 3” or a little more bases. I picked up a Buxh Hog 306 cutter, the one that...

Thanks for the information guys. I bought a Milwaukee cordless grease gun to help with greasing all the joints, especially the axle pivots. Any other maintenance tips would be appreciated. I’m wanting to avoid issues from lack of upkeep. I have the full set of manuals and will look for maint...

TT, I’ve looked for Ford 555 and others 28” rear rim, but no luck finding one. I would then run fronts that keep the ratio, but need the rear’s first. My ‘64 4000 is strong and light enough to get most things done, but like the cab on the 545. Happy Easter.

More good info on the 545 Fords, and a question. Old thread, yeah. I have a 545D, and it’s my favorite tractor. Love to be in it, absolute brute. Downside is the weight, and tire selection. With 4-in-1 bucket, four factory rear wheel weights (1200lbs), cab, FWD, and 8x8, he weighs about 12k lbs...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c6-corvette-general-discussion/2829246-new-4-post-lift.html See to the end of the article.

Www.Mohawklifts.com Take a look at their manufacturing just so you can compare. Can never be too safe.

Had my Dodge 3500 Cummins dually long bed 4x4 on the 7k lift - it’s 9500lbs. Wanted to see what it would do. Lifted it enough to rotate wheels. Don’t try this at home. That’s when I knew I needed a larger lift. For safety, buy some jack stands made to go under the arms of the two-post...

You tackled too big of a job I’m afraid to say. That kind of work requires an industrial type tractor, Thicker rods, and all (and I’ll leave that line alone). Farm tractors - I have two - are best for lighter duty stuff. Industrials -I have three - are what I use for the big stuff. If the...

Go to Medium.com/@gregsmith. The video is down, but if you find it, it shows what happens. Dangerous!

2 post. I have 2, one in barn, 9k, one in garage, 7k. Do not buy a new junk-metal one from the land of chop suey, they are dangerous. Find the video of a fellow who tested them and see how much a bunch of liars they are. Literally busting apart well before stated load. Find a used made in USA...

I stuck my Ford 545D Industrial two days ago. I was able to use the toothed bucket to push back to drier ground, and then pull me forward through wet ground to drier ground. R4 industrial tires, will change rears to R1 soon. But, tractor weighs 12,000lbs, super burley, and not good on any soft...

It puts us all in a tough predicament as good quality US tools are expensive. In the pits at a local club drag race, a fellow had a new cheaper but costly aluminum/steel hybrid jack. His car went up okay, stayed there for a few long seconds, then came down as it gave way. Convinced me of import...

I’d be REAL careful using any of that chinese junk. There’s a reason why quality costs more. You may save a buck up front, but what’s the value of your safety? Hate to be a bummer, but also hate the consequences of cheap tools and busted bones.

Shag, Sell your tractor and don’t look back. Way too many hassles already and lack of confidence. A lift arm that you can raise high enough to break your fender is BS engineering. No excuses for that though some try to make them. No wonder you are having so many problems, pigdin...

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Ford lost me with the 6.0/6.4 diesel debacles. My brother and I had 13 Ford vehicles between us. His old F350 with 6.9 or 7.3 diesel 4-speed was bulletproof and how Ford earned their reputation. I went to Chevy 2500 6.0l and another bulletproof truck, except for...

Keep your tailgate off or open for an easy 1+ mpg better on highway if don’t have bed cover. Also better vis our back with gate off. Put on when needed. 2000 Silverado 2500 6.0

Buy the smaller tractor. With the money you saved go and buy a real workhorse like a USA made 62hp Ford 801 series. Best of both, especially when the electronics go out on the newer one.

Here’s something you might not have considered for electric power to the barn - solar power, but with a catch. I recently sat through an info session on converting to solar. They will only hook up to a residential meter, and no to a commercial or garage/industrial meter. It seems the wave of the...

Hi Jens and Lnk, Thank you Jens for that thorough look at the issue. I’ve looked at it from all angles like you, and there is no easy way to do it. Lnk, the lever is a somewhat complicated affair, as the differential lock up is mounted on the other side of the bar to the same bracket. But...

Without DPFs and regen, I think you’re okay with some idling while working the tractor. Would be kind of inefficient to start it up every few minutes. I assume you are not concerned about fuel economy, so C’est la vie. I do not let my diesel truck idle to warm up in the winter. Someone...

Don’t let it idle for very long. Dodge Ram Cummins diesel owner here. I read a story of a fellow with same truck who used to let it idle for long periods (don’t know exactly how long). Had an issue with truck, brought it to dealership, and they refused to honor the warranty because they saw that...

I run a sickle bar cuter on my BCS 739, so the handlebars are in opposite direction of rear mounted attachments. To go forward, I move the direction lever backwards towards me, and I'd like to reverse the function of the lever so that pushing it forward makes tractor go forward, and pull to rear...

Sorry to hear of your trouble. Same thing happened to a friend with a JCB backhoe. What could have been done differently to avoid this problem? I was considering buying the R14 tire for my Ford 545D, but the lower ply rating and your experience has made me reconsider. I need a wet/moist...

Hi, I need to replace the cab on my 545D due to extensive corrosion. I read somewhere that a cab from a certain model of the Ford/New Holland ag tractor line will swap in - does anyone know offhand? The pictures I see of the Ford 4630 cabs look very similar, and wondering if that is the...

To close the loop … I bought the concrete saw with nice ruining engine. The company that made the saw used W4-1770 engines in them, so should be GTG. From research it appears that the big V4 engines could all come with either top or side mounted distributors. Thanks for the help.

Airbuscuit, That looks to be the same model as it has the distributor in the same place. Do you know what model it is? Thanks.

Does anyone know what model of Wisconsin V4 is pictured? I looked at my 1770 but it does not seem to have the provisions to mount a distributor in that position. Thanks. John

Hi Dan, Great source of Wisconsin literature, thank you. So, if the engine with the top mount distributor is a VH4D, from the literature the size specs of the VH4D and 1770 are the same, so I assume should fit? My -1770 has the side mount dizzy, which is how I knew the one for sale was...

Hi, I'm looking to buy a spare engine for my stump grinder which has a Wisconsin W4-1770 35hp on there. A Wisconsin engine came up for sale and I can't figure out which model it is, and seller doesn't know. The most distinguishing feature I see in the pics is that the distributor is on top...

Thank you guys. I looked at buying the pieces separately, but they would cost much more than a salvage tractor. Now to find a tractor. I’m in NH if anyone has a lead. Best regards.

Anyone? Bueller?

Hello, I'm looking for a parts-donor tractor to source the hydraulic pump, piston, pto, and lift parts so I can add them to a 1962 4000 Industrial that came without. There's a Ford 600 for sale nearby, and I think the parts will swap. Does anyone know for sure what Ford donor tractors I...

Kill, or be killed.

I have a friend who bought a new 1800cc Yamaha (or Honda) years ago to drive from FL to MA. His rear axle/assembly was making noise, and when he inspected it, he found there was NO grease at all in the assembly. So, he adds grease, and finishes the trip. Then the rear end really starts making...

Here is the machine in question. The fellow's son said his dad only changed the engine oil, and was not a fan of greasing or cleaning the undercarriage. It shows. Is there any way to save this machine? The thought crossed my mind to look for a parts machine that has an ok UC, swap...

Hi Guys, Brand new here. I've read lots of great posts on here, and decided to join. I'm looking at purchasing a 1987 JD 455E crawler loader. Machine has low hours - under 2000 - yet seems pretty beat-up. The sprockets are just points now, and the right track adjuster is "adjusted"...