Hello

[mungus]

Hi, I just joined the forum.

I live on a 40 acre hobby farm in Victoria, Australia. We run alpacas and horses, cattle to come...

I have a late 1970's FIAT 780 2WD tractor, which I bought as a running basket case last year, and after slashing the grass on our property last spring I stripped it for a restoration. It's a nice medium size tractor; comfortable with plenty of power for my needs (78 hp) and modern enough to be no hassle (power steering, synchro gears, remotes, ROPS & canopy etc).

It won't be to concourse standard, but most bits have been blasted and painted and some replated, etc. I've replaced any broken or worn out parts with OEM, and even gone to the trouble making up all the OEM stickers etc too, so it should be almost like new when finished. There is no FIAT tractor club down here and no owners in my area either, so I have been busy researching...

I do almost all my own work, except the welding as the local guy is so good with his TIG, and not too pricey.

The only implement I have so far is a new heavy duty DAKEN AG 6' slasher I bought last year.
I am about to buy a 6' medium duty grader blade (In the USA you call it a "scraper" I think?) with integral rippers to do a driveway and flatten things out here and there. Maybe push / pull a few annoying wee rocks around too...

Also a good rear bucket or scoop is on the list as its more than the tractor is worth to buy a decent FEL.
The solid (FEL type) buckets with a HYD top link is not so popular here in OZ as elsewhere. Most just buy a cheap scoop or spend up on an FEL.
However we have plenty of rocks to move so I think a cheap scoop may not last very long. We'll see!

I am hoping that some other members can offer me some info on my FIAT etc.

Thanks for the forum... :thumbsup:

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[TripleR]

Welcome to the TBN forums from Missouri.

 

[creekbend]

Welcome aboard. Best wishes.

 

[kensnelling]

Welcome to TBN from Oklahoma.

Ken

 

[topbuilder]

A friendly Texas welcome to you.:thumbsup:

 

[mguitas]

:welcome:

 

[moored4]

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor: ing!

 

[Ozykioti]

Hi mungus, welcome aboard. I'm in Vic too, about the same distance out from melb just towards gippsland. It sounds like your doing a good job with the resto on the fiat and enjoying it.

 

[mungus]

Thanks :licking:

I'm hoping the FIAT 780 will turn out nice. Its a working tractor so whilst trying to do everything right, I'm conscious it can't be a show pony.
Have taken a few photos during the strip and rebuild, and may post a couple afterwards.

Initially I wanted a MF175 or similar, as I liked Fergies and also that parts would be easier to source. But everything was either pretty much buggered or too far away, so the FIAT it was, and I must admit its a much nicer more modern design than the MF's of the day.

My local tractor dealer (Wallaces) has just closed down so I am now faced with a 50 minute drive to Whittlesea for anything decent. Bugger! I think you are probably better served down Gippsland way...

 

[mungus]

Well finally back on its wheels and running. Fitted a FEL kit I got from another 780 (albeit ended up rebuilding everything on it). Used it for slashing and digging rocks for the last 3 days. Goes great! Haven't fitted the tail / side / work lights yet, as had to take the opportunity whilst the weather was good. Looks better though! Spent many hours making new stickers for everything (dash and all the warnings etc) to finish it properly. Must be the best 780 in the state I reckon! If only I had a cab! Maybe one day I'll find one thats not completely rotten!

 

[topbuilder]

Very nice job! I can see a great attention to detail. Always loved the "Autumn Prime" color. The Fiat's have one of the smoothest sounding engines of any tractor line. I had a chance to buy a 780 once but deceided it was to big for my property. That turned out to be for the best as I ended up with a box blade tractor with 6 way tilt and a shuttle transmission. Also from the Fiat family tree BTW, a New Holland!
I am sure your tractor will be working for you many years to come. I'd also be willing to bet it never sleeps a night outdoors!

I have some NOS parts laying around I could make you a deal on were it not for the freight. Work light, SMV, seatbelts ect. The last time I sent something to Oz it was around $200 (US) for 10-12 pounds... kinda spoils any good deal.
Good job, And Good luck!,
Topbuilder

 

[mungus]

Thanks Topbuilder,

Didn't include enough close up photos to show everything but have already added a reel seat belt, work lamp (just fitted), fire extinguisher and a bigger tool box (inside cockpit, doubles as an armrest).

I fitted a set of new lights today so its nearly finished. Only thing was the flasher unit is dud, and the OEM Bosch unit is like $100! Ouch.
Good thing about the 780/880 series is they are old enough to be cheap and simple (no electronics) but new enough to have most mod cons and perform well. Our place has a few hills so a DT would have been nice - maybe my 2nd FIAT? :licking: