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Farmall 400 vs. 450

T

TxMDTA

New User
I am looking at buying a Farmall 450 gas out of the barn. How do I know it is not a 400 with a white grill? Serial number tag indicates a 1957, but it could be a 1955 400. Steering wheel is like an "M", rear wheel castings are like an "M". It has the cutout for the tach., but key is located on the panel. Owner states it has power steering. From photos it appears to have the smaller capacity gas tank. Does anyone know what casting codes are on a 1957 model?
 
First check for me would be to make sure it has a C281 engine and not a C264. You are correct in your thoughts on a 400 with a white grille. Lots of 400"s out there with a white grille and 450 emblems.
 
As Rick says, check the engine for a casting number of C264 or C281 and that will tell you the whole story as to what it is. The 450 has the bigger engine but side by side they do pretty much look the same. A number of years back a friend got a 450 but up till I saw the engine size casting I was not sure what it was
Hobby farm
 
The fast Hitch on a 400 will have a hydraulic cylinder on the front right side under the torque tube that tilts the FH sockets, lifting the implement higher in the back (useful).
Tyhe 450 has a Kinda useful draft control Handle on left rear, and no front hitch cylinder. JimN
 
Thanks for the response guys. I knew the 450 has the larger engine displacement of 281, but I did not know it was marked as c264 or c281. Where do I fingd this on the block?
 
Thanks Jim. Unfortunately the tractor is not equipped with the fast hitch. I does have the triple spool hydraulics, but only with a standard drawbar.
 
This sort of thing bothers me somewhat. I know a guy that pulls at the fair who has a 400 thats painted up as a 450. I understand its his tractor and he can do what he wants with it, but why do it? Similar to the older Olivers (77s & 88s mainly) being painted green and white. I see that all the time around here. If I want a 770 or 880, I'll get one, rather than painting one of the older ones incorrectly.
 
Some don't care, some don't know any better -- and earlier when the 350/450 appeared dealers encouraged farmers wanting a repaint to use the red/white scheme.
 
There is a casting # by the cult bracket on upper front end of tractor that will tell whether 400 or 450. Eng block could have been replaced earlier. Also, fuel tank is larger on a 450. Will check with local expert on casting # tomorrow.
 
Some dealers did repaints on tractors to signify that the tractor had been up graded. 400 to the 450 colors. The M and Super M would have white paint on the lower half of the sheet metal lines. It's how it rolled off the assembly line, but that may be part of the tractors history.
 
Guess I never lost any sleep over my Red and White 300. Dad painted it in 1966. And I painted it red and white again in 1990. Tractor looks better when painted red and white. Wasn"t for show anyway.
 

An M's rear wheel castings have 6 lugs and use drop-center rims. If that's what this tractor has, it's got the wrong wheels period.

It should have 8 lugs and double-bevel rims. They look similar until you stand back and count the number of holes.

A 450 will only have the plastic steering wheel with the center cap if it has power steering, which was still optional at least on early 450s.
 
I must say that this tractor has me perplexed. I only have photos of it so I have not been able to check casting codes. The serial number tag on the bell housing indicates 35XX. Doing some research, it would make it an early 1957 450. But it could also be an early 1955 400; which still may have the "M" style wheels. But, by the photos, it does have the white grill, and faded white side panels. It has one 450 emblem. It does have the cutout for the tach, or the tach has been removed at one time. I did not know that the 400 came with that option. Also the key start on a 450 is to the left of the tach below the instrument console. This tractor doesn't have a place for it. It has been rigged up on the instrument panel.
Nonetheless a 400 would make a great tractor to restore and use on the farm, but I own two Super M's with the same engine displacement. The 450 I understand is a great tractor to own with the additional power and options. Everyone I have spoke with states it is one of their all-time favorite tractors to have.
 
(quoted from post at 10:36:01 08/18/08) I must say that this tractor has me perplexed. I only have photos of it so I have not been able to check casting codes. The serial number tag on the bell housing indicates 35XX. Doing some research, it would make it an early 1957 450. But it could also be an early 1955 400; which still may have the "M" style wheels. But, by the photos, it does have the white grill, and faded white side panels. It has one 450 emblem. It does have the cutout for the tach, or the tach has been removed at one time. I did not know that the 400 came with that option. Also the key start on a 450 is to the left of the tach below the instrument console. This tractor doesn't have a place for it. It has been rigged up on the instrument panel.
Nonetheless a 400 would make a great tractor to restore and use on the farm, but I own two Super M's with the same engine displacement. The 450 I understand is a great tractor to own with the additional power and options. Everyone I have spoke with states it is one of their all-time favorite tractors to have.
Click to expand...
I tell you what - if I wanted a 450 and all I had was photos and I could not tell from the photos whether it was a 400 or a 450, then I'd stop right there. Then, I'd either make arrangements to go look at it, or I'd start looking for another 450.
Some folks say, "Study long; study wrong". But, I say you'd better study all you can when buying an old used tractor. Even then, they can still "bite" you. mike
 
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