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.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I agree with paulharvey and RickB.
$2000 buy it.
$3000 walk.

 

[bobsphotos]

I just got off the phone with the salesman and found out that there is also a power steering issue, it has no power steering and he is saying the "column" needs to be rebuilt. He is going to find out what low dollar is on it. I will go 2K, and not a penny more.
Bob W

 

[bobsphotos]

I just got the low dollar amount. $2400. Worth it? :confused3:

Bob W

 

[paulharvey]

Probably worth it. Your not going to need the loader you said, so a bucket can be on the "down the road" repairs. Sounds like the first thing you will need to do is check the lift and pto out.

 

[RickB]

I just got the low dollar amount. $2400. Worth it? :confused3:

Bob W

Let it sit for a month.

 

[bobsphotos]

Let it sit for a month.

I bet it will still be there in a month.

 

[paulharvey]

Yeah, after rereading about steering issue and all I would ask them if they will take $2000; if not, call back once per week and offer $2000 again. Bet by week 4 it's yours.

 

[RickB]

Yeah, after rereading about steering issue and all I would ask them if they will take $2000; if not, call back once per week and offer $2000 again. Bet by week 4 it's yours.

I wouldn't call that often. Somebody else buying this wreck is no real loss. 2K was plenty before we knew about the bum steering box.

 

[sawtooth]

Yeah I would check rear diff level. If low it wont hold or lift crap. If you don't need the loader the SU is a great tractor but sucks for loader use as front end is light duty. Personally they are my favorite tractor as I mainly I bush hog and disc. They turn tight and fun as **** to drive. Great tractor, parts are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. Main thing is to make sure engine is ok. If it is and your pretty handy you can do alot of stuff yourself. Fords are one of the easiest tractors to repair and maintain and parts are easy to find. Good luck. Not sure on this but if it has shuttle transmission I would pass. Not a expert but seems Ive seen a lot of negative comments on Fords with shuttles. Maybe someone else can comment better on this.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[sawtooth]

By the way the pto shaft is not a issue at all and neither is oil leaking around pto or hydraulic leaks. Easy and inexpensive to repair. Again, just make sure engine cranks well and runs good. Like I say just make sure engine is strong. You can check front end by getting on road in 8th gear. If you have front end issues there will be a ton of vibration. Most is cheap to fix except center support. If they let it wear through front bushing into center support then $500-1000 to replace that support. If its only the bushing then pretty cheap. Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet