Looking at a tractor for property, this one seems great shape.

What to look for when testing , etc.

Are these good ? Can get parts ? Easy to work on ?

Believe they're the 800 series, good tractors.
I still have a mid 50s 640.
Both work above their respective HP numbers.

Tons of parts available, reasonably priced.
Make sure lift works, check for leakdown, PTO, etc

Ok thanks

Is that one a “live” PTO?

I dont know what that means

Is it a four speed, select-o-speed, or five speed?  They are great little tractors and have enough power to pull a 6 ft pasture mower with ease.  The 5 speed is the preferred model it will work at a decent pace and not beat you up from running in to fast a gear.  Answers will vary on hp from 48-62.  I would think they are around 48-50 horsepower in all honesty.

The 5 speed transmission is a swing shift pattern on a vertical shaft.  Reverse and 2 or 3 are on the same level so they can be the most used or worn gears.  Parts can be found and they make great little tractors. My dad had one when I was a kid.  He recently found a 1958 model in good shape and bought it.  I have a 641 we restored about 14 yrs ago. If I had my choice I would get one of the 800 series with the 5 speed transmission in a heart beat.

Live pto means the the pto shaft will continue to run when the clutch is stepped on.  Non-live pto will stop turning when the clutch is stepped on.

Ad says “4 speed slip clutch”

Good ?

Live PTO or not is important. You don't want the mower blades stopping every time you push in the clutch.

Attached File

Going tomorrow to check it out.

Old guy says its model 601

Has over ride clutch on brush hog [ can someone explain this to me ]

Is 4 speed, not select o drive

Says smokes a lil on start up but goes away once warm

Converted to 12v w/ gm one wire alternator

Says once you lift brush hog, will stay [ not bleed down ]

Will deliver it 2 hours away for me :)

Thts all info i have right now.

You just don't push in the clutch unless you mean it.

Some of those little Ford's had a two stage clutch too.

Don't know Jack Schmitt about tractors. But the old dude at work did. I'd show him all the local ads and auctions on utility tractors for his advise.

$2800 is big bucks for me.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you typed, but if $2,800 is more than you're willing to pay for a tractor (I'm not saying this particular tractor is or is not worth that), you're gonna be pretty limited.  They are out there though.  I guess it depends what you need it to do for ya.

$2800 with updated electronics and brushhog is not omg money.

Guy already sold it anyways,

I did pay more, $3900. Added a Woods 6 ft. finish mower and installed turf tires. But, didn't waste the $2800 on a tractor really not suited for mowing.

I have the previous gen ford tractor... same engine as the 601 I think... mine leaks and smokes but runs like a champ.. it does more than I thought it would. Most Parts are available at tractor supply. You can order anything and most of it is relatively cheap.. I think the only thing I’ve had to change in 10 years was the starter gear.. the only part I think that is expensive or hard to find is the steering box.. of course make sure the tires etc are good