Repair or Replace

TunaSquat · Apr 13, 2017

Coyote machine said:
BTW, Welcome to TBN! Your question is a good one for a newcomer to the site. There are a LOT of knowledgeable people here to help you....
And, to get perspective shop around for a used tractor in the 50HP range and see what they bring in your area. The thinking is with tractors they don't depreciate like cars do, so they're actually more expensive to buy used than an equivalent car might be. Why? Because tractors last a LONG time- assuming they are maintained, and they go hours, not miles, which is less wear over time, to some extent. And they're usually built like tanks, so they can and ought to last a very long time, in most instances.
By looking at what the used tractor market is you will gain knowledge you don't currently have, and may decide to buy used, and possibly restore the old tractor too, but for different reasons, and for possibly different uses.

Having someone else do a restoration for you can work, but you still need to know what to expect from it and what it's going to cost, UP FRONT. This is where lack of experience on your part could get you in deeper than you thought you'd want to go - time/money.
Talk to lots of people in your local area. Chances are you can find some good info and make your decisions based on what you find.

Understood, I'll start asking around.

DJ54 · Apr 13, 2017

I'm pretty sure the 6000's only came with a Select-O-Speed transmission. Being parts are either really hard to find, or just plain not available anymore would be my main concern. It may be OK for a #3 tractor for light duty work, but don't know that I'd want to depend on it for my #1 tractor, simply because of that tranny. Years ago, there were more than several around this area, and now, I'd say it's been 35 years since I've seen one, anywhere.

Maybe Soundguy will pop in here and see this, and give you more info on them. Just hate to see you put a chunk of money in it, and the transmission have pups. JMO...

kthompson · Apr 13, 2017

It should cost little to get it ready to try to see if it will crank and if does how it runs and operates. I would for certain go that far and then you may decided okay it will run but it will only be a memory lane use tractor. But you can spend $10,000 even $30,000 on used tractor to find out it is going to cost a good bit for needed repairs.

MossRoad · Apr 13, 2017

TractorData.com Ford Commander 6 tractor information

TunaSquat · Apr 13, 2017

DJ54 said:
I'm pretty sure the 6000's only came with a Select-O-Speed transmission. Being parts are either really hard to find, or just plain not available anymore would be my main concern. It may be OK for a #3 tractor for light duty work, but don't know that I'd want to depend on it for my #1 tractor, simply because of that tranny. Years ago, there were more than several around this area, and now, I'd say it's been 35 years since I've seen one, anywhere.

Maybe Soundguy will pop in here and see this, and give you more info on them. Just hate to see you put a chunk of money in it, and the transmission have pups. JMO...

Yes, it does have the Select-O-Speed. Never have my dad any trouble but doesn't mean it won't start now.