Low hour Ford 4600

[sawtooth]

LD1. I agree my friend. Maybe I should just walk away. I guess I was hoping there was a easy way to identify a cracked block etc so i could make a definitive decision. Leaky head gasket does not really concern me as its a easy fix. Maybe coolant leaked from hose or radiator. Or maybe cracked block. Just wish I could find out for sure. Like i say everything else is awesome. Just hate to walk away not knowing I guess.

The other thing is that your looking at this from only a functionality perspective. I know I have a problem (lol) but Im also looking at it from a collectors stand point. No these are not really collector tractors to most but i prefer the untouched originals with the extra options that are hard to find. Again my issue to deal with and I do appreciate everyones input.

Gale, yes your correct these tractors no longer bring the premium prices as they did in the mid 2000's.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I agree.. $4k or so or walk. No way I'd pay over $6k for good running, good looking one much less one that threw smoke and leaked coolant.

 

[sawtooth]

Ok heres a couple more that look good but there higher in cost. They are 6-8 years newer but still high. $9000. First one looks to be repainted. Im going to check it out tomorrow. Again around here there are no GOOD 4600's or 4610's in the 4 or 5's. Where are you guys located that are finding good ones that cheap? I may need to move. Lol

 

[Midniteoyl]

You need to move,,, just looked for a 3000 that would go for around $3500 here.. in fact, one like this with brush hog and loader (bad cylinders) just sold for $3000 down the street..

1974 FORD 3000 DIESEL

 

[sawtooth]

You need to move,,, just looked for a 3000 that would go for around $3500 here.. in fact, one like this with brush hog and loader (bad cylinders) just sold for $3000 down the street..

1974 FORD 3000 DIESEL

Yeah raleigh just down the road from me. Heck $3000 here will barely get you a decent Ford NAA / Jubilee around here. If your looking for Ford 10 series you might find just the frame minus engine and wheels for that price. LOL!!!

 

[LD1]

Well, if you are a collector, the sky is the limit price wise. Just depends on what you want. I understand wanting one that is untouched, but that is rare on a 30+ year old tractor. Heck, my 7 year old tractor that I bought new has been modded to suit my needs.

I agree about the coolant. Not knowing is the biggest question. IF tractors in your area bring them prices, then you would know better than the rest of us. And 7k+ may well be a deal, IF it didnt have a cracked block or head. But that is a big IF, and I dont like gambling with my money. Weather you do is up to you. It could be the deal of the decade for you, or the biggest mistake. Either way, there is lots of risk involved.

 

[Midniteoyl]

What $6000 or so buys here.. ford back hoe

 

[LD1]

What $6000 or so buys here.. ford back hoe

Thats about what one would cost here. I hate those front buckets on the 550 and 555's. Not all were like that one, but alot I see are. No depth/volume at all in those buckets.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Ya.. saw some 3400's that way.. think they called it a 'light material' bucket..

 

[LD1]

Usually the "light material" buckets are bigger to haul more of the "lighter" stuff:confused3:

Just look at the difference. The one looks like it can haul about double of that smaller bucket. The smaller one almost looks like a dozer blade or something??? It does have me curious what its intended purpose is??

http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9415593
http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9371781

 

[LD1]

Usually the "light material" buckets are bigger to haul more of the "lighter" stuff:confused3:

Just look at the difference. The one looks like it can haul about double of that smaller bucket. The smaller one almost looks like a dozer blade or something??? It does have me curious what its intended purpose is??

http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9415593
http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9371781

 

[Midniteoyl]

Usually the "light material" buckets are bigger to haul more of the "lighter" stuff:confused3:

Just look at the difference. The one looks like it can haul about double of that smaller bucket. The smaller one almost looks like a dozer blade or something??? It does have me curious what its intended purpose is??

http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9415593
http://www.machinerytrader.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9371781

I see what you mean...

My 730 loader pdf calls the little one a 'light material bucket', then 'standard material' then 'stockpile'.. :confused3:

 

[Soundguy]

the loosing coolant.. the white smoke.. and the overheating really concern me.

and now to hear it is a super utility model with the ugly weak front end. it's even less attractive.

201 engine from a 4600, front end from a 3000 and rear end from a 4600.

this thing is getting worse every time i read the thread.

whoever said a 4600su is a collector tractor wants your money bad...

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.

 

[Soundguy]

and it's a SU model.

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

 

[sawtooth]

So I drove the 1988 4610 SU today. He's asking 9k for it. It cranked fast but ran rough. Lots of sign of wear and tear. Definitely not a 9k tractor. Looks like it had radiator issues and battery had totally destroyed battery box. Steering felt loose, damaged tach, clutch felt funny like not engaging correctly on and on. So going to look at another tomorrow.

 

[sawtooth]

the loosing coolant.. the white smoke.. and the overheating really concern me.

and now to hear it is a super utility model with the ugly weak front end. it's even less attractive.

201 engine from a 4600, front end from a 3000 and rear end from a 4600.

this thing is getting worse every time i read the thread.

whoever said a 4600su is a collector tractor wants your money bad...

Sorry soundguy as I missed your post. Yes sir its an SU model which is what I need. No the front end is not as stout as the standard 4600 but handles and turns way tighter circles. This is what I need and want for working in tight spaces. I'm doing food plots for deer and turkeys and normally mowing and disking in tight quarters. I'm a part time farmer and Ford tractor nut I guess. The front ends are plenty stout for what I'm doing. They suck for front end loader work but they weren't designed for that application. Here in NC they can bring a premium due to small farms. Out west they are considered junk I'm sure.

 

[Midniteoyl]

You should get tractors from here in the Midwest and take them back to sell.. would be a money maker..

 

[Soundguy]

well, you know your area, .

good luck.

Sorry soundguy as I missed your post. Yes sir its an SU model which is what I need. No the front end is not as stout as the standard 4600 but handles and turns way tighter circles. This is what I need and want for working in tight spaces. I'm doing food plots for deer and turkeys and normally mowing and disking in tight quarters. I'm a part time farmer and Ford tractor nut I guess. The front ends are plenty stout for what I'm doing. They suck for front end loader work but they weren't designed for that application. Here in NC they can bring a premium due to small farms. Out west they are considered junk I'm sure.