We went and picked up the "new" tractor today. A 1962 Ford 861 Diesel. Purchased in Hannibal, Missouri new off the lot with power steering, Live PTO and external hydraulics. The 860's and 960 Powermasters were the largest most powerful Ford tractors you could buy that still came in the old red and gray color scheme, after these "01" series models Ford went to the Blue and White scheme. 48 horse power off the three point, 60 HP engine output and supposedly rated at a maximum 1200 pounds lift from the three point but I don't plan on ever testing the seals that high myself.
On the way home with her we stopped a couple of times to check the tie down straps and at each point we had an audience coming to check her out. Two gentlemen even told me Ford never made a diesel before 1965. They were really surprised when I told them they actually made an LP version of the "01" series as well.
The LP version is next on my list :)
Finding an old reliable diesel tractor around here is next to impossible. Finding one you can drive on to the trailer and drive off for under $2500.00? Well I couldn't turn that deal down. I could more than likely turn around and resell her right now as she sits for double the money. I haven't seen a small diesel go for less than 4K in years and those were in much worse shape and much harder to find parts for.
She has some rust but nothing that can't be fixed. The Red paint on the body parts tends to fade and rust faster than the gray so most of the red is gone. There is one lug on the back right side rim that is broken off and the starter button was replaced without removing the panel so it has to be twisted with a pair of vise grips sometimes.
Other than that she runs like a friggin top. Starts right up, I have even personally seen her start at under 15 degrees without being plugged in only waiting about 30 seconds for the elements to heat up. The seat has been bounced around in so much that I am going to have to figure something out because I am much longer legged than the former owner and it's damned uncomfortable for me to operate her as it is. The throttle also tends to power down from the vibration so I held her back with a bungee cord.
I plan on slowly getting her repaired, repainted and cleaned up. Compared to how much use she has been put to on a regular basis this place is going to feel like a retirement home to her and she even has her little sister to share the duties with.
Tomorrow I will begin trying to figure out how I am going to stick her into the barn.
Keep Prepping Everyone!!!!
One suggestion:
ReplyDeleteModern diesel has less lubricity than older diesel due to the removal of the sulfur.
Make sure you add something like HOWES to keep the lubricity up in the diesel you burn in the "New" tractor....Some folks add motor oil to do the same thing. Either way, if you don't, you'll likely kill the injection pump as most of the older units required the lubricity from the diesel to keep the parts lubed.
(and ALWAYS keep a spare fuel filter on hand). .
B - Thanks for the tip about the fuel treatment I would have never thought of that. I am not afraid to admit that I am a rank newby when it comes to diesel anything so I appreciate all the tips I can get!!!
DeleteI guess you will be making biodiesel before long. That looks like it will take over the heavy work for the 8N, good deal.
ReplyDeleteSf - Well I admit part of my plan was to have a small tractor in gas and in diesel. I figured the diesel tractor was a bit more down the road yet though. I never dreamed I would come across a deal like this one.
DeleteHow much more of a pain would getting red dyed(no tax) agri-diesel?
ReplyDeleteOdy - Oh I can get dyed diesel less than 2 miles away at the little filling station down the road. The local farmers usually just drive their rigs down there to fill up as it is and rarely have the big tanks like they used to have these days. I haven't seen an actual fuel delivery truck in years come to think of it.
DeleteAs far as the no tax route though I think that requires me to get a special stamp in Missouri if I am not mistaken.
Deleteall i can say is that your new little tractor puts those tractor girls to shame! congrats on your new tractor, buddy!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
Kymber - Thanks!!! Although I must admit those tractor girls are nice to look at :)
DeleteWife's dad had to replace the clutch on his last year, (similar model Ford). He acted like it was a tough job ??? And felt lucky he found a replacement do close by.
ReplyDeleteHave you sourced a replacement for this?
Matt
sorry for the typo
Deletes/b "so close by"
Matt - Well I cannot actually speak to the 861 now. I can say we have had an 8N in the family for well over 50 years and never had an issue finding any part for them. There is a used tractor place up the road about 30 miles that has so many old parted out Fords it's like a restorers wet dream but the New Holland dealership in the nearest city can still get new parts as well. Last time I was in there for the 8N the parts guy told me they could still order an entire old Ford tractor in parts if they wanted to it would just cost ya about 50K.
DeleteI would also add that these old Fords are restored so often you can find just about any part ya need for them online too. You just have to pay a bit more.
DeleteCongrats buddy, she's a beauty. Would you paint them both the same color???
ReplyDeleteRob - Oh I wouldn't paint em any color but original myself. Of course then they would still be the same color scheme though. Ford used Red and Gray until the early 60's then did a few Red and Buff colored ones while starting the Blue and White at the same time.
DeleteI prefer the Red and Gray myself.
This 861 needs a new front medallion though the one she had is missing.
Hey, my new Ford planter sure would look good hooked up behind her, especially after they both have new paint jobs!
ReplyDeleteSD - I think those 309's were being sold not long after the early to mid 60's. If I remember right they were the White brand just bought and sold by Ford since I don't think Ford made any of their own implements. Just curious though what plates did ya get with that planter?
DeleteThe only thing I got were the ones inside the hoppers, they were some size of corn plates because there are still a few seeds in the holes in the plate. I will have to keep a lookout for additional plates. You are right about Ford not actually manufacturing the units, there were several different manufacturers over the years. The first year of sale for the 309 was 1959 according to the literature I have found.
DeleteYou make me laugh Preppy. You always seem to have a little more to do than you have time but you seem to be like me in that you can always find something else to add to the stack. Congratulations - looks like an excellent deal!
ReplyDeleteTB - Well in all fairness I had a partner in crime on this one. My Dad happens to be as fond of these old Ford tractors as I am. He was a big pusher in me getting this tractor too and went up with me to load it etc. Even partially financed it to be honest and it was his idea I didn't even ask it was part of his sales pitch to get me to do it.
DeleteAnd really this tractor isn't a time sink either it will actually save me some implement switching as well :)
DeleteThat's my story and I am sticking to it.
Who am I to contest a well thought out plan?
DeleteWhat a beaut! I bet you're chuffed with this. there' slots of old boys around here that love their vintage tractors and during the summer there's shows all over the place and ploughing matches during the spring and autumn. My neighbour has got an old David Brown match plough with about 100 different weights on it to adjust it every way from Sunday, they love it over here!
ReplyDeleteKev - I love the old tractor shows around here. I have not had the money to devote to making my work tractor a show girl though so I haven't joined em. I almost bought one of those old farmall round balers that made the small round bales the size of normal small squares. I decided against it since I don't know enough to keep it working though.
DeleteYep, that one's a keeper. Well done!
ReplyDeleteRP - I hope so. My only concern is that now I am rapidly approaching my limit on maintenance and upkeep both in time and money.
DeleteThought I'd stop over from Kenny's. Have a '57 International 350 Utility myself.
ReplyDeleteWisco Dave - Glad to have ya stop by!!! Your one of my blogging Heroes!! Those old internationals were some real work horses too. Don't see too many of them around here cause we are so close to Deere land though.
Delete