Low hour Ford 4600

[sawtooth]

Guys I'm considering buying a "supposedly" low hour Ford 4600. Apparently, it was used in a very small field to mow a couple times a year over the past 25 plus years. For the past 3 years it has just sat in a barn and has not been cranked. I have not looked at it yet in person but will do so in the next few days. Here is what I know so far. Less than 2000 hours, supposedly has original paint "i will verify" but looks like it OEM everything in pic. Looks to have lightly worn replacement tires which works out about right for tractor hours. From pics has about 30% wear on knubs of brake pedals and 60-70% wear on clutch pedal. Pedal wear seems about right for flat land and small acreage operation. Looks to have all original components including muffler, decals, sheet metal, seat, tach etc. I have tons of old literature / pics on these tractors so can get very detailed with them. Again this is going from only pictures but I'm well above average in picking out this stuff as I am constantly scouring the net and local papers for these tractors and accessories. Yes i have a problem "LOL". Once I see the tractor I will be able verify if the hours are close or not. Unless it was used just for PTO power to run another device it should be no problem for me to verify this. Anyways, the only thing is that I'm a little worried about is that i'm not sure what to look for regarding a tractor sitting for a long time having internal engine rust, bad seals etc. Can anyone provide me with some tips on what to look for, test or check etc? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jimmysisson]

Stuff you know but might not see if you're enthusiastic. Stuck clutch or brakes, battery, dried tires belts hoses, cooling system crud, mice in the wiring. I would not think of internal rust, depending a bit on climate and barn conditions. Seals can go any time and aren't stressed by sitting, unless a shaft gets rusty.
Maybe something broke is why it got parked? Any chance of interviewing the operator?
Good luck anyway, those are good old units.
Jim

 

[Bigfoot62]

I have a 2600 diesel that's 32 years old and has only about 2000 hours on it. I know that's accurate, since I've had the tractor for the past 29 years. (It had 125 hours on it when I got it)
Really, for just occasional use by a homeowner, the hours sound about right. I know of tractors that don't get nearly that much use.
As far as what to check for, just ask to start it and operate. (with something on the PTO, if possible) I'm sure the battery is totally dead, but you don't need a good battery to start it. Just hook it to the back of your truck and pull-start. Get it rolling, then pop the clutch. Put the transmission in 3 or 4 high range, that will make it easier to pull. Of course, check the oil level and air up any low tires first. And, don't forget to push the kill knob in before you try to start it.

The x600 series are some of the best tractors ever built. It should be fine.

If you do buy it, change all the fluids and filters before working it. (including coolant)

 

[sawtooth]

I just looked at tractor. Overall seems nice for age. Couple question: tractor has sit for several years. Engine cranks well and runs smooth. One thing is that white smoke comes out when reving engine just for second then clears. Comments? Also what tire brands came on these when new?

 

[Jerry/MT]

White smoke generally indicates unburned fuel on a cold engine. Does it do that when at operating temperature? At operating temperature my 4610 shows a momentary bit of black smoke (and that's normal for an accel). Since it clears up it doesn't sound to me like a problem.

 

[sawtooth]

Yeah even warm it does it. So heres more info. As the story goes this tractor had a freeze plug go about 10 years ago due to lack of antifreeze as it only had water in it. So to replace plug you need to split tractor i guess. Anyway worried it overheated on him and did some damage. Tractor has been in storage for several years so i know fuel is old too. I also noticed coolant was very low and it overheats after a bit. Thoughts? Again oil looks great and no signs of water.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Any water on the block maby behind the starter. Expect to at least replace the head gasket.
I would run from this machine, unless you get it for near scrap cheap. If the block is cracked they are difficult near impossible to fix correctly the liquid sealers work but always leak some.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Yeah even warm it does it. So heres more info. As the story goes this tractor had a freeze plug go about 10 years ago due to lack of antifreeze as it only had water in it. So to replace plug you need to split tractor i guess. Anyway worried it overheated on him and did some damage. Tractor has been in storage for several years so i know fuel is old too. I also noticed coolant was very low and it overheats after a bit. Thoughts? Again oil looks great and no signs of water.

There is a core plug on the back side of the head or the block as I recall. Start it up without the rad cap on and look for bubbles in the coolant.That's indicative of a head gasket leak.
Since you say it instantaneous and clears up after an accel, it sounds like the fuel air ratio during the accel is too high so you're getting some unburned fuel. What's the airfilter look like? Is it clogged?

 

[sawtooth]

The air filter didn't look all that great so i would say there is some restriction there. Not obviously clogged but not very clean either. Unfortunately i left and didn't add coolant to check for bubbles so not sure on this now. Long drive too so going back to is out unless I buy it. How many of these tractors end up with cracked blocks? A head gasket is not a issue to me but cracked block is scary. I really liked the tractor though as its got original weights front and rear, flat top fenders, and spin out rims. Original paint is good and spin out rims are in great shape as they don't have ballast (no calcium worries). Front end is very tight showing limited wear and rear lift works great with no hiccups. Overall its one of the better condition 4600's I've seen. If it wasn't for the low coolant issue i would have bought instantly. Has Armstrong front tires and Firestone rears. I don't think Firestones came on them as option so am sure there not the originals. With close to 2000 hours i wouldn't expect them to be originals anyway.

 

[LD1]

how much are they asking?

 

[sawtooth]

how much are they asking?

$8000 but he probably will take a little less. Not alot less but maybe 7500. Well worth money unless has cracked block etc.

 

[Soundguy]

way too much...

 

[sawtooth]

way too much...

How much you thinking? Around here in NC that seems the going rate. Im open to suggestions though.

 

[LD1]

way too much...

Agreed.

Tractor house has them 4000-6000 or so with ~2000 hrs. One in TX for 4500 with only 1100 hrs....And at a dealer to boot.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/li...ontains&bcatid=464&Pref=0&scf=false&HDROR=asc

With the known coolant issues, I'd say 4k is top of the mark. And if a cracked block....scrap price, maybe a tad more.

 

[Soundguy]

4600 PRICE IN THE SAME RANGE AS 4000'S ( sorry caps ) here.

I usually see 4xxx in the 4-6k$ range.

and one with a possible issue? way lower.

I bought my 4600 needing lift repair, fender welding and a power steering leak fix, needing grill, paint and body work, muffler..e tc.. for a bargain basement price of like 3000$ but it started and ran good., had good tires., came with a free 6' beater mower that also needed welding and leak fixes and lubing...

 

[sawtooth]

Thanks guys. So I visited Tractor House and to be honest none of those tractors are comparable to what I'm looking at. Most have been repainted, have missing components or look to be in worse to much worse condition. The tractor i'm considering is all original with most of the upgrades from OEM front and rear weight sets to spinout rims. Rims barely have any rust and have never seen ballast so calcium is of no worry. The guy that owns it is a collector of sorts and has many old trucks, tractors, cars and stuff that dates back to the 40's or earlier. This isn't a junk collector either i'm talking about high end collector with his barns being organized and cleaner than most peoples homes. So the tractor is definitely somewhat special but the question is how much special and why is the coolant low. The engine runs awesome. Very very smooth, sounds great and hardly any smoke except for split second whitish smoke color when you hammer it. Sounds like this could be caused by old fuel, cold engine etc but who knows. The tractor has set for several years so theres no telling. BUT as you guys have mentioned there could be big issue related to the low coolant. Just hate to let it go not knowing because everything else is in great shape. Not sure I mentioned it before but its a SU model which seem to be harder and harder to come by especially in top condition. Going to try though and see if he will work with me more on the price. Based on what i'm seeing 6K is the going price for the better tractors on tractor house. Those looking to be of somewhat lesser quality than what I'm looking at so may go just a tad higher. If he bits I'll fill the reservoir with coolant and run it to see what happens.

 

[LD1]

The coolant issue scares me. Without knowing why its low, or where the leak is coming from, no way would I offer 6k+ even in the condition you describe.

The 4600 isnt really a "collector" tractor. So IMO, Things like the spin-out rims mean little unless you plan on working it as a row-crop tractor.
And when you see a tractor like this http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=6299377 setting on a dealer lot that looks mint, has spinouts, etc, for only 6500, I would like to think a guy could waltz in there with 5500 and take it home no prob.

You are talking about spending MORE money, for a tractor with a known issue. But hey, its your money, and if you want it, get it. But personally, he is about 2x's too high and I'd walk.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Old iron with 50+ HP starts getting outside of the high demand tractors. They are on the big side for a few acres especially with a FEL and too small to pull any of today's implements. If they are on a farm, start and run they may be keepers but dealers would prefer to sell tractors with a margin of a few $1000's not a few $100's.

Like in used RV's. etc old used stuff is VERY hard to finance so cash can get you a lot of old iron sometimes. Sick old iron is called scrap iron in these parts. A solid 4600 with good tires might work for another 20 years needing only fluids and a battery from time to time. Most are going to see 50 or less hours per year going forward.

I saw a nice 3000 that was priced at $6500 a couple years ago for sell by the same second owner who got it from a neighbor that bought it new for about $4000 last month. It was his pride that he was keeping for his own use. He is a trader and may be getting out due to health, etc but I was shocked at the price. Retiring folks around here are selling more toys than they are buying.

Old iron from the 70's-80's seem to be in a dead spot at this time. Actually 800's are getting cheaper. Maybe people need money to pay the increases in health insurance.

 

[sawtooth]

No disrespect intended but the tractor in your pic is a pig with lipstick. I see these all the time. Dealers do a fast paint job to cover issues and problems/wear. To the average buyer the new paint looks good but the hidden issues normally start to show soon after purchase. Most of these tractors have high hours (may show different) and worn and beaten but look ok on surface. If you look closely in pic you see overspray on tires, missing cover in front of shifter, look to be wrong fenders or maybe they just forgot to put all the lights back on, no roll bar, no weight set front or rear, wrong muffler, no front bumper. And this is just what i get from the picture and from one side of tractor. My bet is once you drive it you will find its not tight and or other issues as well.

 

[LD1]

No disrespect taken. I am just giving you my opinion. Not many 30-40 year old tractors are perfect. But are you worried about functionality/reliability?? or are you worried about everything being original?? Cause the 4600 isnt really a "collectable"....yet anyways.

Personally, I would rather have a tractor that looks like h3ll but is a good runner and reliable, than a tractor that has mechanical issues but is fine cosmetically, which is what it seems you are describing.

Again, this is just my opinion. Its hard to evaluate a tractor over the web. You asked for opinions, I have given you mine. You may end up with a tractor that looks parade ready but has a cracked block and be out $7500. Or it may be something simple and no major harm done. I dont know, I'm not there. But either way, I wouldnt pay 7500+ unless everything about the tractor was perfect. which it appears it isnt