NOW What di I do?

[Fishguy]

Last week I broke down and put my MF 1230 w/hst in the shop. Back in January the PTO wouldn't engage or stay engaged then a couple of weeks ago the tranny suddenly went out.
I just got the call that I was dreading. They said that the clutch housing was completely broken and that the only thing holding the tractor together is the main bracing for the front loader.:eek
They said that the MINIMUM cost for the housing, new clutch and labor would be 3000+.eek Couldn't guarantee that would fix the original problems!
I've had this tractor just over a year and it now has roughly 730 hrs on it. I'm beginning to think it was like this when I bought it and did'nt ever noticed it. The PTO has always seemed stiff to engage and the rubber seal around the fuel tank lids throut has never been sealed because the tractor flexes so much with a load in the bucket. I thought that was normal for a little tractor.
So, Should I:
1) bite the bullet and get it repaired?
2) look into trading her in, knowing I'll get robbed as it is?
3) bring her home and "hopefully" find someone with more experience than I have to work on her at my place?
4) Bring her home and part it out to hopefully get more $ for a new purchase?

Help and opinions requested (be kind),
Steve

 

[Thomas]

Dang,sorry to read it.

When you say back in the shop,would that be the dealer shop.

Maybe you could work w/the dealer for replacement???

Have you consider a Vo-Tech etc.. school maybe doing the repairs,it may take time for repairs but some of those young students are pretty darn good.

 

[Fishguy]

Dang,sorry to read it.

When you say back in the shop,would that be the dealer shop.

Maybe you could work w/the dealer for replacement???

Have you consider a Vo-Tech etc.. school maybe doing the repairs,it may take time for repairs but some of those young students are pretty darn good.

It is at A dealer's shop now. The tractor "ain't from these parts" I bought it from a guy up in Delaware. My first mistake!
The tech school is a good idea but I need to make a quick decision.

Steve

 

[RoyJackson]

Wow, what a dilemma!

Since it was a used machined purchased a year ago, this will all be out of pocket costs.

I doubt if a dealer would consider taking it it trade. He'd have to put the money into fixing it and try to sell a brand that isn't one of the big three.

The first question is how much did this machine cost you initially? If less then $10K, I think I'd consider parting it out. It's built by Iseki (at least the engine was)...you might get $2K for the engine alone. You could also put this machine on eBay and other auction sites.
The problem with rebuilding it is that $3K Minimum. I've a bad feeling the could rise rapidly once they tear into the tractor.

If you can afford to get another tractor, or you can live without this one for up to several months, the Vo-Tech idea would be the cheapest. You could still have a couple thousand in parts costs alone.

Good luck to you in your decision!

 

[scott_vt]

Afternoon Steve,
Sorry to hear about all the problems your havin with that tractor !

How much do you have in that thing allready ?

Did the rest of the tractor operate allright ?

Is the motor good and strong ? If $3000 would get you back in operation I think thats a viable alternative to forking out real big dough for another machine. Maybe its worth asking this dealer what he would give you for it as is towards another machine on his lot ? Im just thinkin out loud here.....

 

[RonMar]

I imagine a good chunk of that bill is labor. As mentioned a college or high school votech class would save you a large chunk of that if they were willing to take it on. I would think this one would have potential for a teaching project as it would be a complete disassembly and re-assembly into a new case which would give a good view into how things work together. I helped to overhaul a dumptruck and two tractors as well as several lawnmowers and outboards when I was in high school shop. All done in class with parts provided by the owners.

If you can't find a cheaper labor route, and you are not prepared to take on the learning as you go and do the work yourself(don't blame you as it will be pretty major), your only option to recoup something might be to put an additional 3K into it.

i hate it when that happens...

 

[Fishguy]

I have spoken with the dealer that has my 1230 and it's not sounding incouraging. I'm about convenced to part it out myself. He is saying it could now take up to 4000 to replace the cracked clutch housing and get the thing up and running again.
Without you guys trying to reel yourselves in a good cheap deal, I need some advice on asking prices for the components.
It's a MF 1230 4wd w/HST, roughly 730+ hours, turf tires, and bush hog 1846QT loader. The sheet metal, other than the front grill boarder, is in good condition but needs paint. The motor is strong and just had a full servicing in January.
I'm fixing to go out of town for the weekend (daughters wedding), so I won't be able to answer any questions or posts until Sunday evening.

Go easy on me,
Steve

 

[WayneB]

Steve, sorry to here about your tractor problems. You might be able to look around and find another 12xx series tractor without a FEL and buy it and then take your loader and mount it onto the purchased tractor.

I noticed this on on Tractorhouse.com and it is really inexpensive (if good) only problem is it is located in California so add 600 to a grand to get it home!
MASSEY-FERGUSON 1225 For Sale at TractorHouse.com

I am not sure if I would sink $3 or $4 k into the tractor. Then again I am not sure how easy it is to part something like that out and sell the parts.

Wayne

 

[sandman2234]

There is no way I would sink $4K into that machine, if another one could be purchased for around $6K. I would drain the fuel, spray all exposed metal and stash it in the back of the shop/barn or utility shed.A loader could be moved easily enough, and you won't regret spending the money on the spare parts the first time you need something (unless it is the original part that is broken, YIKES) It would pay for itself in the long run as spare parts and parts for sale as people NEED them.
Trying to part it out when someone doesn't need it won't bring nearly as much money, for them to store it on their shelf. Let it be known that you have parts by holding an auction for a small part and mentioning you have other parts on ebay, maybe once a month, so you can stay within the closed auction search criteria. Just a thought...
David from jax

 

[Soundguy]

Shazamm! Sorry to hear about your ordeal. But... I've saved this message to my computer..I'll use it as yet another reason as to why I won't own an HST tractor yet.. 4 big ones for hte housing? yeah buddy!! I can get a tranny casting for one of my old fords for cheaper than it will cost to ship it...

Soundguy

I have spoken with the dealer that has my 1230 and it's not sounding incouraging. I'm about convenced to part it out myself. He is saying it could now take up to 4000 to replace the cracked clutch housing and get the thing up and running again.
Without you guys trying to reel yourselves in a good cheap deal, I need some advice on asking prices for the components.
It's a MF 1230 4wd w/HST, roughly 730+ hours, turf tires, and bush hog 1846QT loader. The sheet metal, other than the front grill boarder, is in good condition but needs paint. The motor is strong and just had a full servicing in January.
I'm fixing to go out of town for the weekend (daughters wedding), so I won't be able to answer any questions or posts until Sunday evening.

Go easy on me,
Steve

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Did the dealer have any idea on what caused it to break. Is this common. I would be afraid of fixing it because it might break again. I have seen tractors on E-bay that don't run go for a good price. List it with a reserve. It it doesn't sell, part it out.

 

[Jstpssng]

Did you have comprehensive insurance on the tractor? No, I'm not suggesting you burn it, but they may pony up on the repair bill.

A couple years ago one of our company trucks "developed" a bent frame; no idea when it happened but insurance covered all but the deductible.

 

[shvl73]

How much would the housing cost to buy? Is it a project you'd be up to tackling yourself, maybe with someones assistance?
Maybe this is a bad idea but, thought I throw it out there.

 

[RoyJackson]

Did you have comprehensive insurance on the tractor? No, I'm not suggesting you burn it, but they may pony up on the repair bill.

A couple years ago one of our company trucks "developed" a bent frame; no idea when it happened but insurance covered all but the deductible.

You're suggesting insurance fraud.

 

[Fishguy]

How much would the housing cost to buy? Is it a project you'd be up to tackling yourself, maybe with someones assistance?
Maybe this is a bad idea but, thought I throw it out there.

SHVL73,
This would most likely be the way that I will end up going. The dealer is saying that the hard part will be getting the casing.
If anyone knows a good used parts supplier, I'm listening.

Steve

 

[BillyP]

Shazamm! Sorry to hear about your ordeal. But... I've saved this message to my computer..I'll use it as yet another reason as to why I won't own an HST tractor yet.. 4 big ones for hte housing? yeah buddy!! I can get a tranny casting for one of my old fords for cheaper than it will cost to ship it...

Soundguy

Did I read something wrong here or is a clutch housing the same as a HST housing?

 

[Jstpssng]

You're suggesting insurance fraud.

Only if he lies about what happened. Obviously SOMETHING unusual caused it to break, even if he doesn't know what.
It wouldn't cost anything for him to ask, assuming it's insured.


Same thing happened with the truck I mentioned; no known accident but it was wearing tires badly. The bent frame was diagnosed when it went in for an alignment. We were going to trade the truck "as-is", until someone checked and found that it was covered by insurance.

 

[WayneB]

Hey Steve check this link out as this guy have a 1250 that he is parting out maybe the housing is the same?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/96841-massey-ferguson-1250-a.html#post1109484

Also check out 66gladiator as he has a couple MF tractors that they are going to part out.

Wouldn't it be sweet to find it right here on tractorbynet!

Wayne

 

[Soundguy]

Did I read something wrong here or is a clutch housing the same as a HST housing?

Ok. I don't own an HST.. but that's what I took it to mean.. IE the part between the engine and the rear diffy...

Soundguy

 

[BillyP]

Ok. I don't own an HST.. but that's what I took it to mean.. IE the part between the engine and the rear diffy...

Soundguy

I have a HST but mine doesn't have a clutch