Ford 545C, Older

[farmtime]

I'm looking at an older Ford 545C with 4 in 1 Bucket and a 3 Pt Hitch. 2wd.

Would anyone know the power at the PTO?

Comments from anyone who is familiar with this machine, would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

My 1989 Ford literature says 67 gross hp and 62 SAE net hp, but no word about PTO hp. However, PTO hp is usually 10 hp less than the SAE net hp. In other words, around 52 PTO hp.
These industrial tractor loader are stout tractors that run & run. The loader capacity is 5,000 lbs. to full height! Breakout force of 8,500 lbs. It will lift a house! Take note that this tractor weighs all but 9000 lbs. in 2WD form, around 9600 lbs. in 4WD form. Do not attempt to tow with a 1/2-ton pickup!
If you buy this one, get some earplugs because the Ford three-cylinder diesels are rather loud. But, loud in a good, manly way. In short, I'd buy one if it fit my needs.
This class of tractor has become extinct. None of the major manufacturers have something that compares with a good, old-fashioned, industrial tractor loader.

 

[jinman]

Farmtime, are you sure the 545C has a PTO? Some of the industrial tractors don't have them. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif That could be why PTO HP isn't listed on the resource EquipmentJunkie uses.

 

[_RaT_]

John Deere 210 is more or less in the same industrial class. The 545 is super landscaper tractor because of their saddle type construction. They stick to hills like very few others can. They indeed fit the profile of an industrial tractor/loader. When I was last at my NH/Kubota dealer last year, they had a brand new 545 sitting in the yard (at least I think it was) I know it's been replaced by the LV 80.

 

[Woodbeef]

There are still industrial/landscape loaders available. Terex,Case,New Holland,Deere still offer them.

 

[spencer200]

The LV80 has been discontinued all ready because of numerous problems. This will not be produced by New Holland.

 

[_RaT_]

They are certainly having some issues trying to keep up with technology. The NH dealer I know mentioned NH has a ways to go on the industrial hoes. I rarely see a new NH industrial hoe.

 

[farmtime]

E/J
Thanks for the specs. It does have a PTO.

Rat
It's a price point thing, I'd like a L35, but the money is an issue, with very few around these parts.

How would you compare this machine to the L35 & 48?

The 2WD is an issue, but I get the feeling I can work around it and get my dream machine in the future, after getting some experience at moving rocks and knocking down trees.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

The L35 weighs 5997 lbs. with a backhoe.
The L48 weighs 7760 lbs. with a backhoe.
Comparably equipped with a Ford backhoe option, the 545C would weigh about 11,500 to 12,500 lbs., depending on the backhoe chosen.
In short, the 545C is a Belgian workhorse, the Kubota L35 & L48 are both Morgans. Not every farmer wanted to follow a big, slow workhorse around the field one hundred years ago. Many preferred the versatile Morgan. But the Belgian could do what no Morgan could...heavy work.
One thing to keep in mind, the L35 has the GST transmission and the L48 is a hydro. These transmissions will make them more nimble to use in addition to their smaller size.
I am personally a fan of the Ford for the reasons that I mentioned in a prior post. They are machines that will run for hours. I still see 40-year old Ford tractor loaders working all the time. There is a local garden center that was using one, day in and day out. Rumor has it that they were closing in on 20,000 hours. Also, don't forget that the Ford 545C has depreciated somewhat and it will lose less of its value over time.
Most importantly, the tractor that you buy is the tractor that YOU will have to be happy with operating...bottom line.

 

[_RaT_]

I've run many of the older Fords with 2WD. Quite frankly, I am either unimpressed with them anymore or so spoiled by 4WD that it just puts the ball in the compacts court. The 545 4WD was a large saddle tractor with a huge rear end and lots of everything. It was awkward until you got familiar with it, then it was fine. I've only driven the 545 in 4WD. For a bullet proof small industrial loader, it was superb. 2WD drive though, that just would not interest me. I have a 2WD tractor now, an International 454D. I know it's limitations.