Sell at a loss now or later

[SmithwithFord1700]

We have a Ford 1700 tractor. One axle has broken while were were using the loader to move stone. I am not planning on keeping the tractor for 20 years so the 2K-2500 price tag seems steep, and we are not sure I would get any more out of the tractor sale if it was fixed. It seems that either way we stand to lose a few thousand dollars. Any advice for amateur owners who had no business buying used? Thanks.
:confused

 

[airbiscuit]

If it's the front axel, maybe you can find a used (salvage} axle.

 

[bspeedy]

We have a Ford 1700 tractor. Evidently the axles were welded and one has broken while were were using the loader to move stone. I am not planning on keeping the tractor for 20 years so the 4-5K price tag for repairs for both sides (total) seems steep, and we are not sure I would get any more out of the tractor sale if it was fixed. It seems that either way we stand to lose a few thousand dollars. Any advice for amateur owners who had no business buying used? Thanks.
:confused

As you know, that tractor is probably not worth a 4-5k repair. Hard to believe that it would be that much. 1700 Ford axles are a known weak point.

Some sites that may or may not be helpful:


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-ag-tractors/356444-iso-new-used-ford-1700-a.html

Ford 17 Tractor Axle Front 4wd Compact Tractor SBA32631521 | eBay

If I were in your situation, I would probably remove the broken part and take it to a machine shop. They may be able to pin and weld the broken part, or they may be able to manufacture a replacement cheaper than a new one.

Not sure the condition of the unit or what you paid. I have a Ford 1700 4wd with 1850 hours and no loader in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. I believe it is worth about $6k. Your tractor could be worth between 2500 and 7500, depending upon it's condition and hours (in proper operating condition). Immobilized by broken front axles, you may be able to get $1K to $3k for it. Post a few pics of the repair and the overall condition of the machine. Advice on this is dependent upon the condition of the tractor.

I'm sorry this Ford let you down. My experience with the Ford xx00 series compact tractors has been very good. I've been running them / owning them most of my life. They are typically very reliable. Your Ford may have some life left, maybe not. Pics will tell a lot.

 

[SmithwithFord1700]

I think it would have been a great tractor, but we had sunk too much money already into it. The hours are 1850. It worked really well for what we needed until the wheel fell off. Photos are at this post

Ford 17 tractor with loader - farm & garden - by owner - sale

I will take a look at the links you sent. I am aware of both the replacement kit and the machine shop option, but we would have to hire someone to do the labor. Thank you.

 

[SmithwithFord1700]

Also, I have to talked to Vion Precision machining already so that is an option. Thanks for the links though. The tractor is 4WD by the way.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I'll give you $1000 for it as is. Then your out the headache :laughing:

 

[TheMan419]

I think the answer is always you need to know the numbers. What would it sell for as is vs what would it sell for fixed up (and don't forget to net out the cost of repairs) to see which is a better deal for you if you are intent on selling it.

When you say you sunk a lot of money into it was that one large repair that should last years or have lots of little things been going wrong that have added up to a lot of money? If it is lots of little things it may be time to cut your loss and move on to the next tractor.

 

[Stimw]

Hard to tell from pics but it looks like it was welded before. ???

 

[airbiscuit]

They may have a used axle for you ....


Long Lane Tractor
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022
Phone: (717) 400-7080
OR: (717) 367-8610

 

[airbiscuit]

A new axle on Ebay is $1,025

 

[4570Man]

Have you got a picture of the back side of the wheel? That doesn't look like promising conditions for a repair.

 

[square1]

Mine broke exactly as yours did. Had it machined, drilled, pinned, welded, and faced (trued face of flange to axis of axle) 3 years ago. Cost < $300 but I did the disassembly and reassembly. It no longer gets 700~800 pound logs chained to the bucket it but works well for everything else i.e snow removal, bucket full of wood, carrying saws & tools into the wood lot,... everything but maxing out the FEL capacity. I've accumulated some tools and changed some technique so the 3-point does the heavy lifting now.

I have the prints and specs for the original axle if you're considering having a new axle made. PM me and I'll get them to you.

The replacement axle Ford introduced as a cure for this issue in 1979 ~ 1980 (I could never pinpoint the time or serial number the fix was implemented) is oversized in diameter. It is not a one part swap. It involves several components and is quite pricey!

If it's a strong runner and mechanically sound other than the axle you'll have no trouble selling it as a parts tractor, but $3500 is steep in that condition. If repaired (it looks in better shape than mine) I'd guess it would bring in the $6~7k range very easily.

 

[bspeedy]

Doesn't look like a bad machine overall. Has some desirable features - loader, 4x4, rops (rops was not standard on those). 1900 hours is not too many if well kept. i don't love that it has been repainted, but it looks nice enough. I agree that it is a 6-7k tractor if repaired. I think it's worth 2000 to 2500 as it sits. The loader should be worth 1000 to 1500. If you can't disassembly it yourself, you are really at the mercy of someone's shop rate for the teardown and reassembly.

 

[bspeedy]

Also has rear wheel weights - a nice option. Grille is not all bashed up like most. Bucket is in good shape. I'd fix it, but I can do the teardown / assembly myself. If you absolutely can't, or if there are other issues that you haven't mentioned, OR if you just want out of it because you're ticked off... I'd advise you to take 3 grand if someone offers it to you. That's a fair deal for them and really not too bad for a broken tractor. If you lived closer, I'd probably be dumb enough to try it myself...

 

[Wolfy]

The Ford 1100 to 1900 2wd and 4wd series were all great tractors. Only the 4wd 1700 had the weak front axle, which was resolved for late 1700 and all 1710 tractors. A lot of great advice has been given. I think fixing it and selling it will net you more profit than selling as is. Another option would be to find a solid 2wd axle and install that.