Buying Advice 1972 FORD 4000

[bobsphotos]

Hello,
I am looking to buy a second tractor to use just with my Salsco chipper and I have found a "72" Ford 4000 for sale at a local tractor dealer in an "as is" condition. It is a diesel and starts and runs OK, it has a FEL which has a bucket that is completely rotted out, the 3 point hitch will lift, but not hold a load. The PTO spins, but is out or round because of being possibly twisted off and welded. I have a machinist background and have been a wrench-turner all my life, but I need opinions as to whether $2000 for this fix-er-upper is a bad idea. I am retiring in 3 weeks so time is not a factor. Please look at pics here..
ACDSee Online : THE_REMDOG albums - Ford 4000 and give your honest opinions. My concerns are how involved to fix the 3 point leak down and replacing the PTO shaft.
Thanks,
Bob W

 

[Ultradog MN]

Tractor is a 4000 SU which means it has the engine, tranny and rear end from a 4000 but has the girlie front axle from a 3000. That's why the radius rod was busted and rewelded. Probably the whole front end is needing work.
One way to fix it which wouldn't cost too much would be to put the front axle and bolster from a 3400 on it.
That would beef it up significantly.
You would need everything shown in the photo but could reuse your steering box and PS cylinders, etc.
The pto shaft wouldn't scare me off even though I've never replaced one. You would need a good manual so you can inspect the pto clutch discs and replace the pto brake which is usually worn out so the pto spins all the time. PTO shaft could be had for not too much $ from a bone yard. Just a SWAG but maybe $200?
They are bullet proof tractors and well thought of. Parts readily available - new and used.
Tires look ok from here but check the rims for rot.
Do you mean the 3 point wont hold a load when you shut the engine off?
That would be a cheap fix - replace the seals in the lift cylinder maybe $40.
If it wont hold with the engine running that is a different story
Price is not out of line with the loader if it lifts good. I think it is a model 772 though someone has modified the front brackets maybe and added the curl cylinders. Front pump on it is a plus.
Bucket could be expensive to fix if you are not a welder. Or get rid of it and put forks or a bale spear on it.
Or buy a used one from somewhere and modify it to fit your lift arms.
I can not see it well from here of course, nor hear it start and run, nor check for water in the oil, possible cavitation in cyl walls, gear sounds, brakes, etc, etc.
If everything was good $2K is not out of line for that tractor.
You could make it real dependable for $2K plus $1000-$1500 in parts - not counting the bucket.
Of course I would try to beat him down to $1500

 

[bobsphotos]

Thanks so much Ultradog for the detailed answer. I am going back this wknd with a tractor friend to evaluate.
Bob w

 

[bobsphotos]

Ultradog,
To clarify, the 3 point will not hold a load while running and also, the bucket is no big deal since I have a bucket on my 3320.
Bob w

 

[Ultradog MN]

Answers beg questions...
Will the 3 point lift a heavy load?
But not hold it?
Did you fiddle with the little lever under your right thigh when sitting in the seat?
That is your draft/position control lever. It has two positions. Click it into the other position and try it then to see if it holds. Otherwise if the tractor has a service/remote valve bring a gauge along and plug it in to a hose and deadhead it. Should read 2500+/- on the gauge.
Those pumps last practically forever though.

 

[bobsphotos]

Hey Jerry,
I am not sure how much time the dealer will invest in testing the 3 pt since they are selling it " as is", but thanks so much for things to look for.
Bob W

 

[RickB]

3pt problem might be cured by a bucket of oil if the PTO shaft seal has let the oil leak out of the rear axle/ hyd system.

 

[bobsphotos]

I made a mistake on the original post. The tractor is $2995, not $2000.
Bob W

 

[paulharvey]

I made a mistake on the original post. The tractor is $2995, not $2000.
Bob W

Then I would tell them you can do $2000, and not a cent more. If you can get it for $2000 I would do it. If it's $3000, I don't think I would, because by the time you fix everything you could have bought one without the problems.

 

[RickB]

Then I would tell them you can do $2000, and not a cent more. If you can get it for $2000 I would do it. If it's $3000, I don't think I would, because by the time you fix everything you could have bought one without the problems.

Agreed.