Ford 876 4WD

A local jockey has a fair looking Ford 876. Curious to hear from guys who have been around them. I have done a little research, but I don't know too much about them...I've been around green and red ones. I went and looked at it the other day: Fair rubber 60-70% Goodyear 20.8 R42 duals; greaseable steering and pivot pins; 4 hyd; they put in a new cab kit (sloppyish job); needs new headliner; AC seemed to work. I think the engine was a L10 Cummins. It started good and was dry underneath. It runs like a top. I did drive it around the lot...not sure if I was doing something wrong or what. I thought it was hard to shift. The range gears (R-1-2-3) seemed hard to find/feel and the speed gears (1-2-3-4) were hard to get into gear. Also I could shift the 1-4 lever up on the go but I couldn't shift down. Does anyone know if this is normal with these rigs or was it operator error? I guessed I can't shift ranges on the go but I figured I should be able to shift the 4 speeds on the go. Do I have to stop before I shift? As I said I know nothing about these tractors. Overall it seemed like a decent tractor. I did think it was a bit rough riding, but the only other 4WD I've been in is a JD 9220 which is newer. The paint wasn't bad, the rims had been repainted but that don't bother me.

Just looking for someone who know about these things to tell me something about them. Want to know common problems; what to look for; ease of maintenance and operation; parts availability (there is a few New Holland as well as one Versatile dealer around me); things of that nature. If I'd buy it, it wouldn't be worked that hard. We have a 30' sunflower mulch finishing tool and a 24' salford VT tool, a 9 shank chisel plow, possibly borrow a landoll 6 shank disc ripper (might be a load). I know our tillage tools are probably too small for a 280 hp tractor like this but it would give room to grow. I'd prefer something red or green because that's just what I'm used to, but I'm willing to try something new. Not sure if a 4WD is even the route I'm gonna go, but I seen it the other day and it sparked my curiousity. If anyone has any idea what this thing might be worth let me know! They have it listed for just under $35000.

I welcome any thoughts on the matter...I am looking for cheap horsepower but nothing too big as we don't farm that much ground.

Thanks in advance and to all my fellow farmers: Stay safe out there!

You might get a better response down on the Ford Forum.

'"I thought it was hard to shift. The range gears (R-1-2-3) seemed hard to find/feel and the speed gears (1-2-3-4) were hard to get into gear. Also I could shift the 1-4 lever up on the go but I couldn't shift down. Does anyone know if this is normal with these rigs or was it operator error?"

It's a big 'ol hard shifting RED Versatile painted "Ford blue".

NO powershift or synchro here, they are not meant to be shifted "on the go" and normally don't need to be because of their impressive HP and torque.

Parts availability is through FIAT/dba CNH rather than Buhler Versatile/Combine Factory Rostselmash, the current owner of Versatile.

https://en.rostselmash.com/company/about

Can you find out the previous owner, and talk to him,thats what i like to do !!

I know nothing about them specifically, but it certainly should fall into the category of "cheap dumb horsepower". How long has the jockey had it? He most likely got it from someone who sat on it for sometime, and is probably hoping to double his money. If he has had it for a few months he is hoping to move it this spring at a good profit. If not, the price will probably drop dramatically come June 1.

The Versatiles were a good tough simple tractor...but he's asking too much.

Ben

I owned a 875 for many years. On shifting those old Versatiles they were meant to be put in gear in the morning and taken out at lunch time. 835-895 Versatiles had 855 Cummins. I was disappointed when the newer series went with the L10 Cummins. Sure not the same.

Lots of those around here in Western Canada as they were made here. The next model up which was the 936 had the 855 rather than L10. Hoping to add one of those tractors to my farm soon.