What to do with wrecked tractor?

[kark77]

I have a New Holland TT55 with 222 hrs that rolled down a hill into a tree and broke in two at the oil pan. Hood, radiator, front engine housing all damaged.The front axle, including the support that bolts to oil pan is good.

It had a model 7308 loader that looks ok, even though the bucket is bent.

Trying to figure out what to do. I'd like to recoup as much as I can as insurance didn't cover parking brake failure, only theft, fire, etc.

Parts will cost several thousand as the oil pan alone is $970.00.

I have a salvage offer of $2850. Paid $12,500 for it, a year and half ago.

Should I part it out myself?

Any thoughts on what the best course of action would be appreciated.

 

[sandman2234]

If you have the mechanical knowledge and time, I would definitely consider buying it and looking for the parts used, from people that had similar bad experiences. Paying $900 for an oil pan, not easy, but maybe a used one can be found for $5-6 and then on to the next part.
As far as the loader, if it bent the bucket, what makes you so sure that it didn't "tweak" the loader arms? People that have bent loader arms will tell you that it didn't look like they were bent, but when set on level pavement, they show "out of level".
Look it over extremely carefully, because if you buy it, you will own all of the problems.
David from jax

 

[jonyyuma]

Surely you can buy a used oil pan for it? But as dave said , better look real deep into it as to the status and ability to repair it?I read it as you already own it..Myself I Definitely would try to fix it. Prices have gone up a lot on the replacement tractor now..

 

[ak9]

kark77
I 'd be carful not to leave it to close to a conveint spot that scrappers won't grab it and scrap(STEAL IT ) @ 14$ /100 lb. ... just sayin
ak9

 

[RoyJackson]

Have you replaced the machine? If so, I suggest parting out would be your best option. Rebuilding it, especially if you cannot do the work yourself, may cost more then the tractor is worth.

TBN has a Private Party ad forum...you can post there if you want to part out the machine.

 

[grsthegreat]

If insurance paid for the tractor, at least you're covered there.

Have you replaced the machine? If so, I suggest parting out would be your best option. Rebuilding it, especially if you cannot do the work yourself, may cost more then the tractor is worth.

TBN has a Private Party ad forum...you can post there if you want to part out the machine.

roy, he said his insurance didnt cover it.

 

[RoyJackson]

roy, he said his insurance didnt cover it.

OOPS!!!!
I edited my post...

Thanks, Greg!!

 

[grsthegreat]

Im not sure why insurance wouldnt cover it....but what do i know

 

[RoyJackson]

Im not sure why insurance wouldnt cover it....but what do i know

Well, if it was a "parking brake failure"...might have been a warranty claim. But if it was a "failure to use the parking brake", it's operator error.

Maybe the OP will elaborate, but I'm not going to hold my breath...

 

[teg]

If you have the space and time... also if you think you can handle the hassle of dealing with several dozen people over a year or so... I think you can make more money selling parts off, then sell it for scrape. Can you haul it to a scape yard?

PS. Sorry to hear about your lost... I will be setting my parking brake more often!

PSS. Got photos???

 

[monckywrench]

Parts will cost several thousand as the oil pan alone is $970.00.

New or used parts?

Posting clear pics of the damage on Photobucket or similar would let the gurus (I ain't one!) give you more info.

Since you own it, and parting it out is a bunch of work, it could make sense to gradually work on it yourself. If you know someone locally who can provide the "knowledge" while you turn the wrenches and get filthy, that's a way to save money.

You could be unconventional and post ALL the pics online so you can get forum advice on each stage of the repair. Every repair is "one piece at a time" so don't be easily intimidated. Once you learn, that is more independence and personal "ammo" you have.

Is the oil pan a weldment or a casting on that machine?

 

[KYErik]

"rolled down a hill into a tree and broke in two at the oil pan"

It almost sounds a little like the whole tractor split in half. But that seems unlikely if a front end loader frame spanned this area.

 

[Scotty370]

My 'bet'.........a one and done poster!

 

[teg]

My 'bet'.........a one and done poster!

Your on... Really hoping to see some "action" photos... (he was back online @ 4pm)

 

[kark77]

I guess from bouncing down the hill the loader bucket was bouncing too and was up as it hit the tree.

The brakes were always stiff and and seemed like they were glazed. They would grind sometimes about the time the tractor stopped. Not metal on metal but that glazed type of thing.

So, I was coming out of the back field and got off to open a gate. Had my back to the tractor and undoing the chain when something hit my leg and knocked me on my butt. Then the rear tire hit me in the shoulder and pushed me aside.
Watched it go down the hill just wishing it was all a nightmare.

I had set the parking brake but I guess I didn't give it that last click. I know now I should have put my bucket down and should of got the brakes fixed.

So learn from my mistakes and be careful out there.

 

[racekid]

My 'bet'.........a one and done poster!

you need to pay up

 

[ihuntbear]

i would fix it...but thats my 2 cents

 

[Bob77064]

kark77, I am glad you were not on it when that happened.

 

[brin]

Kark - this is just my opinion without seeing the tractor in person...that might change everything I say here...

The $2K you were offered is not enough to even pay for the tires and wheels..so I would not accept that at all...If you have the time and the patience as well as a shop to put your tractor up on stands..then I would take my time and slowly find the part I needed to rebuild it...if you are patient and search the internet..ebay etc. you will find deals on the parts...if you do not have the skills...there are lots of folks who do that are looking for work...part or full time...you should be able to find a mechanic that will come to your location as you find the parts and work for you putting it back in shape...check Craig's list for a mobile tractor mechanic if all else fails...parting it out requires the labor to take it apart piece by piece and deal with each buyer and haggle and that is time consuming and not pleasant...good luck in what you decide...but I would hang in there.

 

[Deere Dude]

Seeing that, I know what I have to do everytime I get off my tractor on a hill. I feel for ya, man. I was getting very lax at that uphill from a pond.