Buying Advice Ford 1700: First time tractor buyer needs advice!!

[tulenutn2o]

After looking around the forum and reading a great deal on the Ford 1700, I thought it would be worthwhile to sign-up and ask my burning question directly:

I am in the market for my first tractor. I have about 20 acres to brush hog 2 - 3 times per year, trees to drag out of the woods, horse manure to move and general landscaping to take care of.

Is the Ford 1700 the right tractor for me? And if so, is $7,995 too much to pay for 1980 Ford 1700 4WD with 1050 hours on it?

Please, enlighten me!

Run away! These units are hard to find parts for and when you do, they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I had one. Good little tractor until needed parts then $$$ me to death. Who's to say the hours are correct. Also some of these did not have live pto.

 

[machmeter62]

Well, here is a testimonial for that vintage: we have both a Ford 1500 and the 1700. They are good tough tractors, and we like the 12 speeds too. We purchased them new, and the only "weak-link" we have experienced, requiring repairs has been the water pumps, that are somewhat expensive? You can rebuild them with a kit available, which I did for the '84 1500.

My son and I purchased them new, and they have been running strong, I would check the condition of the anti-freeze for any contaiments, and change it before the required hours.

 

[machmeter62]

Well, here is a testimonial for that vintage: we have both a Ford 1500 and the 1700. They are good tough tractors, and we like the 12 speeds too. We purchased them new, and the only "weak-link" we have experienced, requiring repairs has been the water pumps, that are somewhat expensive? You can rebuild them with a kit available, which I did for the '84 1500.

My son and I purchased them new, and they have been running strong, I would check the condition of the anti-freeze for any contaiments, and change it before the required hours.

 

[mostly_gas]

The tractor is capable of doing what you want to do. You may be marginal on the 6 ft brush hog if the grass is heavy. Be sure and use an overrun clutch if the PTO is not live.
$5k is about tops for that size age tractor around so price sounds really high.
I have had my 170 since '96 and have not had any problems getting parts but they are not cheap.

 

[JC-jetro]

Th Be sure and use an overrun clutch if the PTO is not live.

Ford 1700 with transmission driven pto Does have an internal ORC. Need not to add external. Price seems high but 4wd and loader demands at least 3 k more. It is tough little tractor, I have seen them with 3500 hrs on and still running strong with no overhaul. Care and maintenance or lack there of is the key reason to get it or walk away from it. Had no issues with part although never had to do anything major mechanically with it. Cost of operation of it is very reasonable. I have one that has about 1000 hrs on it, it runs very strong and short of a freak incident it'll be serving me for a long time. I had it for 5 years with no issue.

JC

 

[johnk]

23.5 pto hp and a 6' brush hog ? Your grass,weeds and brush must not grow like mine!:laughing:

I thought it was a 32 HP tractor. You are correct that a 5 foot would be ythe biggest.... My Mistake.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I thought I would check back and see what the group came up with. I hope you do well with your choice.

Craig Clayton

 

[JB4310]

I have one with 2600+ hours, Like JC mentioned it is a robust machine at just ~23 hp. I always thought it would make a great mowing machine, mine has turf tires. I just use it as a back-up utility machine.

Think the price is high though, would look for something less than 30 years old for that price, or get it cheaper. With 4x4 it would be a keeper.

JB.