Buying Advice Advice on 1980 Ford 1500

[t5stein]

Hello all,

First time poster here. I recently bought 10 acres, 3 grass and 7 wooded. I am looking for a tractor that can do some of the heavy lifting around the homestead. I am looking for something that can work with mowing attachments, a snow plow/thrower, and garden tiller to start with. Other attachments may come in handy in the future. The problem is that I do not know a darn thing about tractors. A private owner near me is selling a 1980 Ford 1500 with 72" mower attachment and 2 stage snow thrower for $5000. Is that a good price? If I were to go look at it, what should I keep an eye out for besides the standard working/not working and leaks? I'm hoping to buy used so I don't have to drop $15k on a new one. Any advice any of you may have would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.

T

 

[Btown]

Is it four wheel drive and does it have a front end loader. Also how many hours and what kind of shape is it in. All of this reflects price. I had the next size up a 1700 and now a 1920. They are good tractors.

 

[CDennyRun]

Btown nailed it. Look for jimmy rigged things like bypassed switches, and botched wiring. Check the hydraulic lines, tire condition, fluids, ask how was it stored (indoor or out, was it winterized properly etc.), service records would be a huge bonus. If it's a high hour machine ask if the clutch has been replaced.

These are amazing old tractors, and will last forever if taken care of.

Good luck!

Chris

 

[t5stein]

Btown nailed it. Look for jimmy rigged things like bypassed switches, and botched wiring. Check the hydraulic lines, tire condition, fluids, ask how was it stored (indoor or out, was it winterized properly etc.), service records would be a huge bonus. If it's a high hour machine ask if the clutch has been replaced.

These are amazing old tractors, and will last forever if taken care of.

Good luck!

Chris

Talked to the owner today. It is 2WD. "Not very many" hours. He did not give me a number. Stored in a barn over winter. The pictures do show very little rust, if any. Decent tire tread. It comes with a 72" finish mower and snow blower. No bucket. Is $5000 a fair price for that package? I'd obviously like to talk him down to $4500-$4750 if possible. I have not seen it in person yet. I am checking it out tomorrow evening.

 

[Btown]

http://m.tractorhouse.com/Results?i...rerName=ford&modelName=1500&modelSearchType=4 Here is a list currently for sale on tractor house. I think the price is ok with the implements. You can bring cash and make a offer and see how it goes.

 

[CDennyRun]

That's not a terrible asking price. I would say $4500 would be more reasonable. It depends on what you need. Having a front end loader is such a valuable thing, and you're going to need it for your application. 4wd makes your tractor 4 times more useful in this compact tractor category. I guess it really boils down to what you need. Here is a link to a 1500 4x4 that has some rust, but comes with a rear blade, brush hog, and FEL for $5900.

1979 Ford 15�� Stock: 35932 | Scholten's Equipment

For what you need the tractor for, I would not skimp on this purchase, and get a very capable tractor (4wd with FEL). If you feel like you really don't need all that, and you like the one you're talking about, make sure you don't pay more than $4500.

Chris

 

[silvertramp]

I won't even consider a tractor without 4wd or a FEL.

 

[bspeedy]

Condition is everything with used equipment.

I personally would not want a 2wd tractor if the word 'snow' is in the conversation. Friend of mine sold a Ford 1700 in great shape with 1100 hours for 5500 last year. It was 4wd and really nice. I'd pay a few hundred more and get 4wd.

I have a Ford 1700 4wd with 1800 hours that has been in the family for 30+ years. It's a great machine.