Buying used what to look for

[goodoleboy]

Going to be looking at a used ford compact tractor model 1210 year & hours unsure..Its a 4wd though.


What should I look for as in problems with this tractor. ALso how much should i pay for the used rotary mower, tiller, and blade that is up for sale also?

Thanks

 

[Soundguy]

I'm pretty much a ford guy.. I have an 2n, 8n, NAA, HAD a NH 1920, and just traded it for a 7610-S.. so here are my opinions and observations.

The XX10 series is a slightly more 'economy' line of tractor in that it has a bit sparser cab and controlls and dash/gauge setup.. whereas the XX20 series is more of a bells' N whistles setup.. Both are great machines.. powertrain , etc.

With a 1210 I'm guessing a 4' mower right? or 44" or even 3' ( 16 hp? ) I wou;dn't pay more than 150-200 for one as you can get a new light duty 4' cutter in the 400 range. However.. if it is a new or newish good quality model.. like a woods, bushhog, JD or ford 95X series, and looked great.. I might go 250, as those units are awesome. Blade is cheap.. As a general rule.. figure about half of purchase price of the implement on top of the tractor price. Perhaps a little more.. up to 60-75% if the tools are just plain new .

Price on that tractor is going to depend on shape and hours.

Look for leaks in the front end on the 4wd.. drive it in all ranges and check the lift an pto operation.. how well does it start cold? hot? is there oil in the water.. water in the oil? fluids look clean? is it well maintained? Any hoses or filters/belts painted over? These are signs of low maintenance.. or a new quick and dirty paint job / auction paint job.

Range will be 3ishk.. and really depends on shape.. it is a mid 80's unit.. and I believe shuttle shift was an option.. or hydro?

Soundguy

 

[Birdhunter1]

My dad is "IN-TO" old tractors, such as older AC's, Internationals (M's or H's), Massey Ferguson's the list goes on. Every once in a while I'll fin d an old tracor sitting at the side of the road for sale or at an auction etc. that looks good and I'll tell dad about it. First thing he asks is if it is just repainted or if it looks good. He always cringes at old tractors, or other equipment for that matter, with new paint, sometimes it's a spruced-up piece of old junk. Like soundguy said, check oil, water, look for leaks, belts, etc. Don't be turned on by nice shiny paint.

 

[RobertN]

Check out www.ytmag.com/articles.htm
There is tones of good info on buying, what to look at ect. The site is for old tractors, but the basics are the same antique or just a year old.