[AT] Ford 861

[Spencer Yost]

I recently added a new tractor to my shed:  A Ford 861 diesel.  The serial number has been etched by battery acid but it was represented to me as a 1958.  From the parts catalog and various parts numbers I can tell it is definitely one of the earlier ones. 

I needed a work tractor and since I sold the Oliver, I did not really have one.  I have never been a Ford guy but this thing has the convenient foot print of a red belly but twice the power, live hydraulics, and a two stage clutch.  The vertical 5 speed shift is a little different but otherwise any red belly owner would be hard pressed to see any difference from the seat(and the fact it has the Rest-O-Ride seat)

I bought a shaver HD8 post driver from craigslist and added a remote hydraulic kit and used it to drive 225+ posts over about 7 weekends, including some pretty big locust corner posts.  They both did great.

I really like this thing but never heard much in the list about these 800 series diesels.  Anyone else own one?

Spencer