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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Buying Old

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GB

11-19-2003 18:32:22




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I guess what I'm looking for are tips to buying a good antique tractor. What are some things to watch out for. I know to look for good straight tin and so on, but I don't know many "oh, that's not good" type of things to look for.




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rustyfarmall

11-20-2003 06:36:33




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 Re: Buying Old in reply to GB, 11-19-2003 18:32:22  
The radiator should be full of clean anti-freeze, and the crankcase should be at the full mark, or just slightly below, and should not have a milky appearance, likewise the transmission and rear end oil. If the hydraulic fluid is separate from the trans., check that also. Bring along a good bright flashlight, and take a look in the fuel tank, it should appear clean and bright. Rust and other crud can be dealt with, but it's better if you don't have to.

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Kelly C

11-20-2003 06:04:11




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 Re: Buying Old in reply to GB, 11-19-2003 18:32:22  
Of the 10 things you find wrong with the tractor when you buy it. There will be 10 more things you find after you get it home.

I start with the assumption that I will have to fix, leaks, seals, Wireing, Starters, all fluids, Clutch and brakes ect ect.

The tractors I buy must start. Shift into all gears. Not smoke. No broken frame members/ welds.
Tires and wheels must be usable.Basicly all major components must function.

I then set my max price range for this and go lookin.

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Mike M

11-20-2003 05:45:23




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 Re: Buying Old in reply to GB, 11-19-2003 18:32:22  
Some of the best tractors I have came from the original owner or someone who owned it for a while. They seem to have had better care cause the owner planned to keep it not just turn it over for a quick buck. Sometimes you can get some
honest history on the tractor. I have always stayed away from freshly painted tractors. If you can work it in the field hard before buying this would be great as it will show up things that you would never find out just driving around the block.

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dhermesc

11-20-2003 06:08:40




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 Re: Re: Buying Old in reply to Mike M, 11-20-2003 05:45:23  
I agree with Mike, the best tractors are bought at farm sales where the owner was at least somewhat active (ei the farmer hasn't been dead for 10 years before the widow sells out). Some bargains can be found at consignment auctions but be VERY wary when looking over machinery.



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Mike M

11-20-2003 10:04:38




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 Re: Re: Re: Buying Old in reply to dhermesc, 11-20-2003 06:08:40  
I like to buy before they have a auction.When they are downsizing or upsizing or just plain tired of it. It seems like you will pay more if it goes to auction.I always hear about the good deals ,but they don't seem to happen at the sale I go to ?



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steve

11-19-2003 19:35:41




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 Re: Buying Old in reply to GB, 11-19-2003 18:32:22  
--old tractors have leather oil seals- they leak
--final drive gear lube was never changed- normally old, dirty, and gooey.
--transmission shift boots always leak rain water into oil if tractor sets outside
--battery - generator cables rot at the ends causing high resistance and poor cranking, starting
--rear rims with calciuim inside usually have had leaks onto the rim and cause rustout
--40 year old radiators can be plugged or leaking
--motor oil should be up to full and not black
--just a few things to look into

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gene b

11-20-2003 04:31:34




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 Re: Re: Buying Old in reply to steve, 11-19-2003 19:35:41  
EXCELLENT those are the simple things. Now when we get it to run find valves are bad. No one has changed oil or filter wiring is screwed up doesent charge on and on. Big thing is having a heated shop and some good wrenches and knowlege of how an internal combustion engine operates. There is lots of pride in getting one to start and run like it was when it left the factory. GOOD LUCK there is lots of good help on this site.

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