Ooo! Bigger Than An M!!

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

Just poking around on CL...(seems to get me into trouble a lot...)

See an add about 3 1/2 hours away for a Farmall 400 Diesel. Says that it runs and drives very strong, and may have a front loader that goes with it. No pictures, but it says "New Paint".

Wanting $1500 for it?! That is cheaper than several M's that I have seen, and it sounds as though it is in better shape than most?

The only thing is that he says that the PTO just stopped working, and he hasn't torn into it to see what happened. I assume that may have something to do with a failed TA? Maybe?

What do you guys think? Should I pursue it? I have been saving up for an M, and I could easily buy it for $1000, but am not sure I should do more than that? (may be worth it, but I can't do it)

Anyone use/like them? Bryce

Larry NEIL · Feb 3, 2015

Sounds too good to be true! Definatly needs to be seen and heard before putting any $ to it

rustyfarmall · Feb 3, 2015

"New paint" will hide a multitude of sins. Approach with extreme caution.

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

My thoughts too.... Need to see some picture of it, THEN go hear it run, and see it drive!

Will probably be puffing white smoke!!!

DeltaRed · Feb 3, 2015

You will love it!It will have more 'modern' equipment/accessorys than the M.The fuel economy will be unbeatable.Not really much bigger than your M.That gas start diesel is the coolest thing you ever saw. But engine parts are expencive and from my experience,hard to find. They are known for cracking heads.That happens from improper startup and (mostly) cool down.Check it over well.It it is 'up to snuff',go for it!BTW,This weekend I hope to buy a 450Diesel at the local consighnment sale.

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

I know that the 450 replaced the 400, but what is the difference other than the white grill?!?!

They are pretty good on fuel huh? That's good I suppose... Any hundred series tractor like that is very rare around here, have never even see a 400 anywhere around here before! Super excited, hope to talk to the guy...

Bryce

Dave H (MI) · Feb 3, 2015

REALLY expensive tractor for parts. Not a beginner tractor to work on. PTO may be simple fix or expensive to repair. Parts are a bear to find and can cost when you do find them. The start on gas/switch to diesel engine needs careful operation. I was given half a dozen differing opinions on how to start and stop these engines when I asked so suggest you get a manual and read it before you run it.

Brent Zappe · Feb 3, 2015

I had looked at one here in Riverside Ca.The tractor need every thing. Engine work and body work, paint and etc. The owner was stuck on a price of 2000.00 as it was. I looked at a tractor that was not even running and needed back tires. When he asked me if I wanted it for that price I told him he was to high that it was only worth a 1,200.00. If this tractor is true it sounds like a good deal but be carefull that it is not just a sand and paint job I have seen those.

Brent Zappe · Feb 3, 2015

I would like to say that there is ton of Farmall M runing around. Farmall Made alot of those tractors. I should know I have one FArmall M cotton picker.

55 50 Ron · Feb 3, 2015

"around here" is where Bryce? A 400 diesel would be nice. As others have said, approach with caution which I think you are the type who will.

Ron

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

North Idaho, Sagle actually.

Very few M's are around, and it is VERY rare to see a hundred series! There was a nice 200 with a loader on CL about a year ago.

The problem is, where I live, "big" tractors for us are Farmall H's, 30 horse is pretty big!

Now, you go South 2 hours to the real farming country, and M/SM/SMTA are their little tractors!! A buddy of ours has 830 JD's, TD-14 Cats, just HUGE stuff, but that is normal for them.

This tractor is a little farther South, and a little East, and it is right in the "big" farming country... Seems like big tractors are worth a lot up here, and little ones are worth a lot down there... Just supply and demand I guess!

dej(Jed) · Feb 3, 2015

Every 400 D I have run seemed lazy in comparison to an old M.
I know there are a few guys who like them. They are also hard to get parts and they are pricy to maintain. Just an old MD in my experiences.

formenwhogrow · Feb 3, 2015

Starts on gas, switches to diesel = PIA
Now, find a 400 gas, now you're talking. That series of Farmalls were my personal favs for looks. Love that chrome lettering against the all-over red.

DeltaRed · Feb 3, 2015

The 450 had a 'bigger' engine.281 vrs 264.A few more 'ponies'. 450 had a modern 'rubber' steering wheel/plastic center insert/cap;white grill;factory tach......several other small 'improvements'.Other than that,not much difference.The diesel will use 1/3 the fuel as a gas tractor.Now....what about 'your' tractor? Wide or narrow front? TA?LPTO?Fast hitch or drawbar?.............

Leroy · Feb 3, 2015

Next door neighbor had one. When out plowing you could see that black smoke rolling for a mile or more. As heavy as any coal fired steemer. Could not see thru the smoke. He had a 2 row mounted corn picker on it. After he passed the family was trying to finnish up the harvest picking the corn. The tractor cought fire and burn't, went for scrap. Picker only slightly dammaged and insurance repaired picker and it was sold at his estate sale but tractor was long gone. Pulled John Deere 4-14" plows with it, would have covered more ground in a day if he would have stayed with a 3 bottom.

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

No idea on the answers for any of those questions!

The ad just says runs strong pto quit working, may have front loader, fresh paint.

No pictures, nata!

Soooo, I e-mailed him looking for some pictures and just tried calling him, no go on either so far....

Will post some pictures on here as soon as I get them.

I didn't realize that FH was an option, but after looking on tractor data, there is one with FH and one with an H/M looking drawbar... Special option with a special price huh?!?!

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

Thats kind of what I thought, I would imagine that one of these could really rip 3 x 16's through the ground...

They made mounted plows for these bigger ones didn't they? FH 3 or 4 bottoms?

Mike M · Feb 3, 2015

May as well not even send any pictures if he does as the last guy did ! LOL. He could show a picture of anything.

DeltaRed · Feb 3, 2015

It could probably pull 4 in some conditions.You are better off with 3.Here in my area,a M;400;450....will only pull 2!Plus,the bigger the plow/wider implement,you are going to have LESS seat time.Unless you are so big that 1st is the only gear that will pull it.Then you are pulling the guts out of it.Then you will spend your seat time FIXING instead of DRIVEING.Better to have a "too small" than a too wide implement.

Nebraska Kirk · Feb 3, 2015

$1500 for a good RUNNING 400 diesel is a very good price, even if the PTO or TA does not work. PTO not working would have nothing to do with a bad TA. It could be as simple as out of adjustment or it could be the lining is worn out on the drive band. A new band is pretty expensive, but good used ones can be found a lot cheaper.

Shoot, just a new piston/sleeve kit for a 400D is $1500....

DeltaRed · Feb 3, 2015

Kirk,Where do you get OH kits for MD/400? I need one
but cant seen to find any. Acctually,I think a good
used sleeve will get me going.

Eldon (WA) · Feb 3, 2015

(quoted from post at 08:28:37 02/03/15) Just poking around on CL...(seems to get me into trouble a lot...)

See an add about 3 1/2 hours away for a Farmall 400 Diesel. Says that it runs and drives very strong, and may have a front loader that goes with it. No pictures, but it says "New Paint".

Wanting $1500 for it?! That is cheaper than several M's that I have seen, and it sounds as though it is in better shape than most?

The only thing is that he says that the PTO just stopped working, and he hasn't torn into it to see what happened. I assume that may have something to do with a failed TA? Maybe?

What do you guys think? Should I pursue it? I have been saving up for an M, and I could easily buy it for $1000, but am not sure I should do more than that? (may be worth it, but I can't do it)

Anyone use/like them? Bryce

Why not drive a little further and get this one....pay for my fuel and I will pick it up for you

http://boise.craigslist.org/grd/4839888213.html

Bryce Frazier · Feb 3, 2015

Ohh that might be a hair too far!! Nice tractor though...

Kind of excited to see what this one is going to look like!!

Was actually thinking of trying to convince you to get it for me!!! I am not sure how wide these things are, but I can only get 80" on my trailer, any wider and it will fall off the edge of the deck!

Wonder what it weighs.... Must be around 8-9000 huh??

Eldon (WA) · Feb 3, 2015

(quoted from post at 13:00:08 02/03/15) Ohh that might be a hair too far!! Nice tractor though...

Kind of excited to see what this one is going to look like!!

Was actually thinking of trying to convince you to get it for me!!! I am not sure how wide these things are, but I can only get 80" on my trailer, any wider and it will fall off the edge of the deck!

Wonder what it weighs.... Must be around 8-9000 huh??

Could be a bit heavier than I thought....
http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/3/2/326-farmall-400-dimensions.html

State of Jefferson · Feb 3, 2015

I agree with Eldon. I'd drive a few extra miles and
get the one that you know works. I don't think you'd
hafta do much to spend $500 in PTO repairs.

I know my gas SMTA weighs right at 7000lbs with one
set of rear weights and a 3 point. I think the
wheels would have to be set in pretty narrow to fit
on an 80 inch trailer.

Ben

Nebraska Kirk · Feb 3, 2015

(quoted from post at 13:35:41 02/03/15) Kirk,Where do you get OH kits for MD/400? I need one
but cant seen to find any. Acctually,I think a good
used sleeve will get me going.

Weber's have piston/sleeve kits listed

http://weberstractorworks.com/

I guess the price has gone up.... they are $1650 now I see... I think you can still get individual new sleeves through CaseIH.

oldtanker · Feb 3, 2015

If you get it be careful of the head cracking issue. You crack the head you are SOL on new, NLA. Good used is hard, very hard to find.

Rick

Ron Muhlenkamp · Feb 3, 2015

I bot a used 400D about 8years ago. Use it for plowing 3-14 FH in clay soil, disking, 10 ft. Wheel disc, and hauling wagons. It' s made to be started in the morning and run all day. Some what involved starting procedure. If you buy it let me know, and I'll give you the details. Good on fuel. The LPTO is a bolt on package on a live shaft that bypasses the tranny. Mine smokes big time on gas startup and if I lug it, so I don't.

C. Amick · Feb 3, 2015

I would rather have the 400, if both tractors were in comparable condition. You could easily rack up a lot of money in parts for the 400. though.

DAVISFARMS · Feb 3, 2015

BRYCE,I lurk here and read a lot of post and for a young man you sound a lot like myself at your age.So here I go step up to modern FARMING and get your self a 3010,3020 diesel and roll on.I am a DEERE man only so biased I am ,also ran a shop for 7 yrs and farming got in the way so only work on my stuff,rebuild and play with new gen Deere and 2cyl.

The Dukester · Feb 4, 2015

I've never owned one but from what I've seen through the years (I'm 80) most gas start Farmall and McCormick-Deering diesel tractors were sort of hard steering dogs compared to their same size gas models. Some did fairly well that had been 'tricked up" a little, but sooner or later the heads cracked unless the operators were very careful with them.

Ooo! Bigger Than An M!!

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