Hello

   / Hello #1  

mungus

Bronze Member
Joined
May 26, 2012
Messages
51
Location
Clarkefield, VIC (OZ)
Tractor
FIAT 780
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:
 
   / Hello #3  
Welcome to the TBN forums from Missouri.:)
 
   / Hello #6  
A friendly Texas welcome to you.:thumbsup:
 
   / Hello #9  
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.
 
   / Hello
  • Thread Starter
#10  
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... :)
 

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