A Good Ford 1210 Deal?

[chim]

If you could pick it up for half the price, it would be a decent deal. I've had a 1210 since around 1994 and most of the use was for mowing. It has a Caroni 5' RFM and does fine except uphill in taller grass. This is not using it as a bush hog, although if you go slowly it will cut some really tall and rough stuff. Until I added a B7500 a couple years ago, the Ford was my only weapon in the war with about 7 acres of grass.

The B7500 feels like a lot more tractor than the Ford. With the 21 HP vs. the Ford's 16, it easily pulls a heavier Landpride 60" RFM. I swapped decks for a mowing session this Spring and the poor Ford was handled by the Landpride...............chim

 

[MaineGuy]

I bought a 1981 1200 this year. I figured it would outlast anything I could buy at Home Depot or Sears for the same money and be more fun to operate. I got a new LandPride 48" RFM with it. It won't pull much more mower up hill. I have to keep it in 4X4 going up any hills because it's such a light weight. I've also used mine around in our woods, hauling firewood etc. The good thing about being small it will go into tight spaces. My 1200 has AG tires...not good for the grass but I don't know what kind of traction you get without them.
If you look at the 1210 in terms of being a small lawn and garden tractor and can get it for $5,000 or even $5500 I'd say not bad. I've been told that parts take awhile to get and of course are expensive from the dealer. You can do better for $8,000.

 

[chim]

So far I haven't had problems getting parts, but I haven't needed anything "serious" lately. About a year ago I replaced the rod on the steering that connects between the base of the steering column and the front axle. The threads on the ends got beat up and stripped. I think it took 3 days for the dealer to get it shipped in. So far, everything I've needed was either in stock or 3 days out, and nothing was unavailable.

I did cheat when I repainted it a few years ago. The many decals for the controls were reasonably priced, but the hood decals were something ridiculous (like in the hundreds). So before I started working on it, I photographed the hood and took large sheets of paper and traced the lettering. After painting the hood, I took the photos and tracings to a sign shop. Fifty bucks and it was good to go................chim

 

[MaineGuy]

chim, It looks real good. Did you take pictures of the painting process? I'm thinking about painting mine someday. I've seen the decals advertised and couldn't believe the price.
The parts problem relates more to an older 1200 like mine. The other thing I've learned is everything doesn't have to come from the dealer. Only had to buy 3 items, seat belt and pto stub cover could have come from another source. The valve cover gasket is probably a dealer only item anyway all took at least 2 weeks for delivery.

David

 

[chim]

David, I did take some pics, but that was before the digital camera. The basic procedure was to park it on a large piece of plastic sheeting and remove everything I could - wheels, hood, fenders, fuel tank, battery, etc. What was left didn't even look like a tractor.

The entire thing was scrubbed down with Castrol SuperClean (I love that purple stuff). Any loose paint on the engine/trans/rear was scraped off. The sheet metal was prepped like you would do a car.

One thing I changed was the accent color on the hood. I like the black, rather than the original contrasting blue.

Any bolts that were removed for the refurb were replaced with new because weather had taken its toll on the originals.

Early this past Spring I replaced all four tires. It was very difficult to find R4's with the nice deep lugs like the originals. Through phone calls and net surfing I was able to locate the rears one place and the fronts another. They are Firestone, and while finding tires to fit was no problem, the factory quit making the "manly" version of these R4's. If I recall, the current offering has a "G" in the number designating "Garden" or some such thing. Those have much shorter lugs in the tread. They're pretty wimpy compared with the original.

The game plan was to sell the Ford when I got the Kubota, but it's kinda nice having a pair. I keep the Ford (and several attachments) in a barn at one place I mow. Part of the deal. It's within a mile of my place, so it's no biggie to bop over with the 'Bota and grab an attachment needed at home..................chim

 

[MaineGuy]

chim, the black contrast looks good. I didn't notice it was a custom change.

 

[chim]

I actually stole the idea. Later models have black, and I liked it better..............chim

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Here is one I found at Wenger's. Most of their stuff is a little pricey, but you can use this as an example at least. Wenger's 1210

 

[chim]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here is one I found at Wenger's. Most of their stuff is a little pricey, but you can use this as an example at least. Wenger's 1210 )</font>

That looks like a 2WD..............chim

 

[herdfan]

I've been away for a bit, so sorry for the delay in responding.
I have passed on the tractor. I think I need something heavier with more HP. It looks like that price was too high as well.
Eric
btw - nice job on the tractor, chim!