Hesson 566

[crashz]

My father is considering buying a Hesson (Fiat) 566. I looked at it this afternoon, and it looks like a 25 year old tractor that spent its life outdoors. Needs front tires. Has 4x4, loader and rear remotes. Has a canopy mounted on posts that are not ROPS. It has about 7K hours on it. The tractor is at a dealer, and they have replaced a front axle seal and the clutch. They want $11K for it.

My father has an older Ford 550 2wd. Its sole purpose is to mow the fields (~22 acres) with a 10ft rotarty cutter. Its been a good tractor and he has had some bodywork done and painted it a couple of years ago, so it looks good with shiny paint and new tires (R1s). The Hesson would replace the Ford.

My father seems to want a tractor with a loader and 4x4. I really see no point to it. He has a full size 4x4 backhoe (Cat 416) and two wheel loaders (Cat IT12 and Hough 65). We don't need another loader. And other than the farily steep slopes, there realy isn't any need for 4wd for the mower.

I feel that he should spend a bit more and buy a cab tractor if he wants a new tractor. He has bad allergies and a cab machine with AC is more important than a loader, in my opinion. 4wd may be a bit safer on the slopes too.

I'm curious to see if the TBN members have any experience with Hesson tractors and would have any suggestions for a suitable cabbed tractor, preferably used.
Thanks,
Leo

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Fiat is the owner maker of the New Holland (Ford) and Case IH as well as some other brands. Ive seen some drove some and was impressed. I like the bigger ones. that one is possibly over priced maby 3500 to 5500 if it was in great mechanical shape. Fiat parts probably wont come from CNH dealers.
I would probably check the dealers or craigslist for low hour trades. Theres a lot of good high end equipment on the market for many reasons.