Ford 641- Sherman Transmission and Live PTO? Advice Requested

[strum456]

Based on what Kirk has said, it would be fine for brush hogging fields. A free-running clutch would be necessary and weight on the front would be recommeded. For tough brush hogging, it would not be very good at all. If you think that you will have a need to slowly back into brush piles and saplings, you need live or independent PTO.

 

[rod330]

Thank you, all....appreciate your time in answering my questions!

 

[ovrszd]

A bit off subject in regards to tranny options. In my rusty memory, weren't there two models of this tractor? 601 and 641?? HP differences between the two?? My Dad bought a 641 new in 1959. That next year we went on vacation to my Uncle's house. While there they were piling round bales of hay. I drove the tractor pulling wagon loads of hay. Theirs was a 601. I noticed a power difference, even as an 8 year old kid. Questioned Dad about it and as I remember he said there was a difference. This is the second time here on TBN I've saw a badged "601" called a "641".

Maybe Rick can clarify? Thanks!!!

 

[Kirk-NJ]

A bit off subject in regards to tranny options. In my rusty memory, weren't there two models of this tractor? 601 and 641?? HP differences between the two?? My Dad bought a 641 new in 1959. That next year we went on vacation to my Uncle's house. While there they were piling round bales of hay. I drove the tractor pulling wagon loads of hay. Theirs was a 601. I noticed a power difference, even as an 8 year old kid. Questioned Dad about it and as I remember he said there was a difference. This is the second time here on TBN I've saw a badged "601" called a "641".

Maybe Rick can clarify? Thanks!!!

No real difference. The 601 was the series number the 641 was the model number. Here is my 631 with the side decal ford 631 workmaster. When the workmaster and the powermaster were introduced in 1958 all side hood decals indicated the model number in 1960 they change all hood decals to read the series and not the model number anymore. The tractor rod330 showed was a 1958 so original hood decal would have said 641. The 601 decal was put on when tractor was repainted. It's still a 601 series 641 model tractor. The difference in your Dad's 641 and their 601 could have been a diesel or different trans or auxiliary trans.
If the tractor rod330 showed was actually a 1960 or later as the hood decal indicated I don't think it would have had a howard in it cause At serial number 54165 ford changed the output trans shaft to a fine spline shaft and I don't think howard ever made a fine spline shaft for the coupler.

Kirk

 

[rod330]

His asking price is $3,500 but I think he has some wiggle room. Any thoughts on pricing?

 

[Soundguy]

Based on what Kirk has said, it would be fine for brush hogging fields. A free-running clutch would be necessary and weight on the front would be recommeded. For tough brush hogging, it would not be very good at all. If you think that you will have a need to slowly back into brush piles and saplings, you need live or independent PTO.

No reason you need live or ind pto to back into a cut. Use an orc, and back in slow, pause in neutral, then pull out.

My ever week mower is a 950, no live pto, no problem.

 

[ovrszd]

No real difference. The 601 was the series number the 641 was the model number. Here is my 631 with the side decal ford 631 workmaster. When the workmaster and the powermaster were introduced in 1958 all side hood decals indicated the model number in 1960 they change all hood decals to read the series and not the model number anymore. The tractor rod330 showed was a 1958 so original hood decal would have said 641. The 601 decal was put on when tractor was repainted. It's still a 601 series 641 model tractor. The difference in your Dad's 641 and their 601 could have been a diesel or different trans or auxiliary trans.
If the tractor rod330 showed was actually a 1960 or later as the hood decal indicated I don't think it would have had a howard in it cause At serial number 54165 ford changed the output trans shaft to a fine spline shaft and I don't think howard ever made a fine spline shaft for the coupler.

Kirk

Thank you very much for the details Kirk. Your 631 is very nice!!!!

 

[KYErik]

I could be mistaken, however I don't see the sherman lever on your acquaintance's tractor like this 641 of ours has.

View attachment 504090

Click on that image to open it up.

My 1963 Ford 4000 4 cylinder has the Sherman and has the same lever setup. I agree that the tractor in the photo is missing the lever.

 

[rod330]

His asking price is $3,500 but I think he has some wiggle room. Any thoughts on pricing?

Another potential buyer is inspecting it tomorrow so the seller may not be as willing to negotiate.. not sure. Any feedback on the $3,500 asking price?

 

[strum456]

I guess it depends what you are doing. I don't imagine I'm the only TBN user that occasionally uses a brush hog more like a forestry mulcher. :thumbsup: