Purchased 1984 Ford 555A TLB

[weathda]

That last part is the hardest....

When things warm up I'll put it to work and will post results. Buying these old machines is a risk. Hoping this one works out.

Hope so too. Sounds like it's going to be a good one. It was two years ago looking at the 445...can't believe it's been that long. I have some pictures of it in this thread. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-owning-operating/359385-ford-445a.html

I have written a number of posts on just that. You have to show her how it will both earn and save money over the length of ownership and then likely be sold for equal or more than you paid for it. If you are a careful shopper and decent mechanic it's no problem. So, it will pay to own it and that argument will hold water. You are just saving for the future of the family and retirement and that's exactly what she's trying to do. You're both on the same page.

You've convinced me!

Give her a shovel and see how fast you get a backhoe

That might work. Unfortunately, I'm the type to give her a hard time for spending $$ on a curling iron and the next day come in and say, "honey, I'm thinking of buying a backhoe". I have an uphill journey.

 

[sixdogs]

Since you brought it up I can now add that a couple hundred dollar bills in a thoughtful card will seal the deal. Just get the buyer to take $200 less, give it to the wife and you're good to go. Grease the palm and all will be well.


Let me add to make her a partner. That 100% works. Do a big job for hire and give her a multi hundred dollar bonus. After that, your next tractor will already be in the barn .

 

[rkidd]

Looking good Richard. It will be a capable machine working around the farm for sure. Pretty reasonable cost to get her back in good shape for sure. Should last a while in that shape.

 

[ovrszd]

Let me add to make her a partner. That 100% works. Do a big job for hire and give her a multi hundred dollar bonus. After that, your next tractor will already be in the barn .

Here in Missouri we call that being a "smoozer".

 

[ovrszd]

Looking good Richard. It will be a capable machine working around the farm for sure. Pretty reasonable cost to get her back in good shape for sure. Should last a while in that shape.

Thank you. We'll see when Spring gets here.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Afternoon Richard,
Wow that is one nice machine for the money ! I could have a bunch of fun here digging out all those bones in my field
that seem to pop up every year !

Good luck with your new machine !:thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

Good Afternoon Richard,
Wow that is one nice machine for the money ! I could have a bunch of fun here digging out all those bones in my field
that seem to pop up every year !

Good luck with your new machine !:thumbsup:

Thanks Scotty,

We'll give her a test in another month or so. Sure wish you'd change that Avatar!!!!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

That is a nice looking machine and if like us you may start it up more often than the other tractors. 8 years ago we bought a worn out 1983 JD 310B but it starts and runs well. Sub $10K backhoes are worth having around we have found. We did add a cheap weld on thumb that was well worth the cost.

We cleared a lot of ground the first few years we had ours. You will have a blast this summer. Actually early spring we found some kinds of tall trees would just push over even without cutting the roots on one side.

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks Gale.

Yep, I've got my sights on some large cedars scattered within my oak timber at the farm for starters.

Gonna install a longer driveway tube and remove a large elm stump here at home before hauling to the farm.

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks Gale.

Yep, I've got my sights on some large cedars scattered within my oak timber at the farm for starters.

Gonna install a longer driveway tube and remove a large elm stump here at home before hauling to the farm.

Just so you know, we are going to need pictures of these efforts so well can follow along. I think this thread has some of us thinking about buying something similar and the more we know about it, the better.