Checking FWA

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

So if I go look at a front wheel assist loader tractor on the dealers lot,how can I make darned sure it doesn't have a broken axle or something else wrong in the differential? Keeping in mind that there's no snow here in Michigan right now.

I'd sure hate to pay good money for something,then get out in the mud in the spring trying to load manure and find out it's not right.

The tractor's a 1973 model,so pretty sure thay're not going to offer anything but a tail light warranty on it.

GarrettFields · Jan 20, 2013

I would lift the front axle off the ground with loader and at see if the wheels turn. No load, but you will know if it engages. To try it under load I would try to find something heavy enough to pick up with the loader that would crack the back tires off the ground, and try to move then. That would tell you that the loader is stout and the FWA works.

chevytaHOE5674 · Jan 20, 2013

If it has a loader put something in the bucket and then let the clutch out in reverse kind of sharply and you will most likely get rear wheel spin. Now engage the FWD and do the same and you should notice the difference.

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

Trouble is,what are you going to put in it or lift on a dealers lot? Shove it under a new tractor or something and they're not likely gonna like that too much.

RodinNS · Jan 20, 2013

I'd probably open the level/drain plugs on the planets and the front differential. Check for filings... or oil.

Broken axle shafts wouldn't be the top thing on my mind really. That should be simple enough to see if it pulls anyway. Most of them... when you make a hard turn will bind a bit and scuff the tires. Often if you release the FWD while making a turn you'll feel it drop out...

Rod

Tx Jim · Jan 20, 2013

I second what Rod stated. Put it in 4WD with a hard turn and it should kinda hopalong

John730D · Jan 20, 2013

If the dealer won't let you take it home and demo it, find another dealer.

Talk to the previous owner. If the dealer won't provide that information, find a different tractor.

Keep in mind that tractor is 40 years old, and is parts and service available?

chevytaHOE5674 · Jan 20, 2013

Heck both of my MFWD loader tractors just the weight of the loader is enough to get the back end light in reverse.

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

That was the only thing I could figure. Didn't know but what I might be having a brain fart and be overlooking something.

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

The dealer's 100 miles away. Never dealt with them before. Doubt they're gonna deliver it for a test drive. It ain't like it used to be when there was a dealer in every town.

As far as parts availability,everything but a few of the FWA parts,that's why that particular area is something I want to check for sure. It's a Fiat/Oliver/Cockshutt 1365. And before anybody gives me the whole buy a Deere garbage,click the link and scroll down. It's rated very good as a FWA,excellent as a two wheel drive.
Import tractor list

jm. · Jan 20, 2013

As a dealer I get ask that question a lot. We usually take them around back and put the tractor in reverse. Push down on the loader with the bucket as flat as we can and back up. You can demonstrate that at least nothing is broken if ONE wheel turns. Very likely both will not turn. Off course it also helps that we have or keep a stock pile of gravel and if is not one we have worked a week cleaning up I just let them run it in the gravel pile. I can get rather rude when I see a prospective customer jerking the clutch or what I call mistreating a unit. I,ll ask them is that how you treat your tractor at home. After years you learn how to pick out the crazies.

Animal · Jan 20, 2013

If they would not put it in the air for me to check, I would insist on a written guarantee, maybe stop by your lawyers office on the way out of town to look at it and see what he thinks

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

Ya,I don't want to go in there raring around on things or treat them like criminals and not trusting them. They're an Agco dealer that's been around for quite a while,but I know they can't guarantee every 40 year old tractor that they sell either.

Traditional Farmer · Jan 20, 2013

I have a 1365 2WD and a 4WD,they are really good tractors.The frontend is heavy built.Unlike many older USA built 4WD tractors any part for the the tractor is a available at Import Tractor in Canada and they are the least expensive parts around about 1/2 most any other tractor.

JD Seller · Jan 20, 2013

If they have a loading dock just back up the grade. If it is in two drive the back tires will slip some. Then put it in FWD and try the same things. Or come down the grade and hit the brakes kind of hard. If the FWD is working the tractor will stop quick. If not the rear wheels will slide.

Traditional Farmer · Jan 20, 2013

I'll also add that they were basically the same tractor as the Long 550 and 560 models and most parts will interchange.The Longs were built in Romania the Olivers and MMs in Italy.

RGMartin · Jan 20, 2013

Steer it to the left and brake it to the right... Then apply full left brake, and steer it to the right. Will give you a good idea of what is going on.

rrlund · Jan 20, 2013

Gotta hand it to you,some of you are starting to give me some good tips. Thanks.

RodinNS · Jan 20, 2013

I don't think I'd put too much stock in that page...
Everything on it is in some form of Fiat pedigree, largely of the same design.
Fiat's are OK... They're not of Ford/Deere/IH stalk in the utility department as far as I'm concerned. With those three you got some cushion in the dessign more often than not. On the Fiat you'll mabey get 'enough'. Granted, they're a good bit better than the eastern bloc garbage.

I can't say that I've looked at the parts availability for them either but it's something I might be a bit concerned about...
I guess if it works for what you want that's all that matters.

Rod

LAA · Jan 20, 2013

If it is anything like the Fiat Hesston FWA my Wifes Uncle had it is next to indestructible, he farmed and skidded pulpwood with it for years with different Knot Heads driving it with very little problems other than flats, limbs through the radiator etc. I will be polite and just say the tractor got ''minimum'' maintenance.

Traditional Farmer · Jan 20, 2013

The 1365 is just as capable as any US built tractor of its era 4 speed with high/low range,
Live PTO,power steering,some have extra creeper gears,3rd and 4th gears are synchro so they can be shifted on the go,start easy,easy on fuel and Import Tractor has any part on it at very reasonable prices.

Checking FWA

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