[AT] Looking at a New Tractor

[Mike Sloane]

$3000 is a good price on a Ford 800 with a loader, assuming that 
everything is in good shape. I assume that the Wagner has a crankshaft 
mounted hydraulic pump. When trying out the loader, the boom should go 
up smoothly and relatively quickly. I would say that the pump is most 
likely of all the parts to be a problem. Sloppy valves are also pretty 
common, and expensive to replace. The 800 series Ford is a very solid 
machine. The 860 has the advantage of a 5 speed transmission with the 
3rd and reverse being opposite - very good for loader work. All of the 
other 800 series models are 4 speed.

Unless the tractor has power steering, you are going to find the 
steering very stiff. Also, without a substantial counterweight, you 
aren't going to have much traction on the rear tires. The counterweight 
will also help with the steering.

I built a counterweight for a similar Case 430, using a plastic 55 
gallon drum filled with scrap iron and bolted to a three-point drawbar. 
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/case_430_ck/t_case_new_counterw-1.html>
Contrary to popular belief, cast iron and steel is much heavier than 
concrete. Use a plastic barrel, as a steel one will just rot away in time.

Mike

Tim Nobles wrote:
>   But have recently run across a Ford 800
> with a Wagner loader.  Other than usual question/concerns (brakes, tires, 
> clutch etc), anything that I should be looking for when I go check this 
> tractor out?
> 
> I just want to move alittle dirt once in a while and be able to pick up 
> plows etc.  The guy is asking $3000.  Any and all comments welcome.
> 
> Thanks
> Tim Nobles
> tnobles at netsync.net 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> 
>