Might buy a 961--looking for advice.

[sixdogs]

I have been looking for a 900 series Ford and have been referred to a guy that has a 961 diesel for sale. While I have not seen it yet, the photos are impressive and since he is an older guy that is retiring, I know a little of the history of where it came from. It appears to be in excellent condition.
Actually, I was looking for a gas engine since I figured to be more reliable? No plans for the tractor other than to collect it and maybe light use. While I am tractor savvy enough to spot most problems, are there any comments on what negatives to look for on this 961? Is the diesel considered reliable? Anything else that might help? Any thoughts on pricing or a range of prices?

 

[jeff pk]

I would stay away from it if it has a Select-O-Speed tranny. Just reading Ford tractor forums I've noticed many posts that involve problems with that tranny. Too complex maybe...

 

[Soundguy]

I would stay away from it if it has a Select-O-Speed tranny. Just reading Ford tractor forums I've noticed many posts that involve problems with that tranny. Too complex maybe...

He said it is a 961.. why would you think it has an SOS tranny? SOS models would be a 971 or a 981.

961 is a 5spd manual gear trans with a live pto via a 2 stage clutch.

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

in the pre 65 models I would also 'prefer' a gasser. However of the 59-64 diesels, you have the 144ci and the 172ci. the 961-D would have had the 172ci diesel. of the 2 it is easier to get parts for. the 144 is getting spendy to repair. Assuming the engine was not swapped for a 144, I would not be afraid of a decent running 172 diesel.

the dual clutch is a nice feature on that 961.. live pto.

very capable tractors. i collect ford rowcrops. have single wheel, dual wheel narrow, and factory dual wheel wide fronts.

a 01 series will have the 2 piece pedistal in front.. a big plus.

is the one you are looking at single / narrow or wide?

check the usual stuff. make sur eit starts good cold and hot.. see if ti charges.. etc. look for leaks.. etc.. check for oil in water.. water in oil.

since a diesel.. it will have a 12v gen from the factory.. another nice plus. the genny are robust.. and at 12v already.. it's almost modern.

I have a 950 I stealth converted to 12v using a gen off a diesel.

when servicing, don't neglect draining and filling the drop gear boxes as well, when you service the rear diff.

if you have any questions.. post away. rowcrops are fun and easy to work on. I love all mine.

soundguy

I have been looking for a 900 series Ford and have been referred to a guy that has a 961 diesel for sale. While I have not seen it yet, the photos are impressive and since he is an older guy that is retiring, I know a little of the history of where it came from. It appears to be in excellent condition.
Actually, I was looking for a gas engine since I figured to be more reliable? No plans for the tractor other than to collect it and maybe light use. While I am tractor savvy enough to spot most problems, are there any comments on what negatives to look for on this 961? Is the diesel considered reliable? Anything else that might help? Any thoughts on pricing or a range of prices?

 

[jeff pk]

He said it is a 961.. why would you think it has an SOS tranny? SOS models would be a 971 or a 981.

961 is a 5spd manual gear trans with a live pto via a 2 stage clutch.

soundguy

Just showing my lack of tractor knowledge...

 

[sixdogs]

Thank you Soundguy for the good advice. These have always appealed to me as have the 500,600 and 800 offset high crops and now is a good a time as any to collect one or more. The price is right, easy to maintain and actually a pretty modern tractor. This one's a WFE and is owned by a retired guy that apparently used it for parades and such. I have not seen it yet but will verify the correct engine as you mentioned and check out the rest. Anything fishy and I walk away.
I'll have to determine if he was a savvy mechanic type of collector and restorer or a hapless tinkerer with ill-fitting pliers and a can of 3 in 1 oil. I'll see it later this week. Thanks again.

 

[Soundguy]

take pics. I've learned that unless the owner was a 'ford' person.. most people mis-ad fords pretty badly.

ps.. the 501 series was the offset, and there was a hi crop model.. but it was extremely rare, if a true hi crop and not a flipped axle mod..