Greetings from a long-time lurker, first time participant. I've learned a lot from this forum over the years and now, with some free time thanks to retirement, perhaps I can contribute a little.
A little over twenty three years ago my new Ford 1510 tractor with 770B loader was delivered to our farm back in Indiana. I could smell the new paint burn off the manifold when I first started started the engine. My wife named him "Henry".
Henry served faithfully on our horse/sheep/goat farm prior to our retirement to the Sunshine State. He now lives the good life along with Mrs. purple95 and I.
He mucked out stalls, moved and spread manure, pushed snow, bush hogged pastures, plowed a large garden, helped build a garage and remodel our barn, dug post holes, mowed eight acres at a business we owned, and did all the other things one might expect on a small farm; and did them well. He sadly but honorably dug graves for several pets and animals buried in the animal cemetery in the back pasture.
I had several attachments back in Indiana but sold them all except a complete set of turf tires and a Ford brand finish mower. I've installed the turf tires since coming to Florida. The Ag tires are taking up a lot of room but I hesitate to sell them. Someday I may try to do some paid finish mowing to help feed the hobby and so will probably keep the finish mower as a backup to our JD 455.
Life is much easier for Henry now. He helps with yard work, tree trimming, and of course just lifting and moving stuff about. He is currently helping us build a deck on the rear of the house and just finished moving a load of sand for this project. Those of you who have FEL's know the many and varied uses of a good tractor/loader combo. Sometime I use him for chores that might be better done with the 455 and lawn cart or a wheel barrow or whatever. But what would be the fun in that? If God had intended for me to work that hard, He never would have invented hydraulics.
Other than a recall in 1986 for an o-ring issue in the transmission, there have been absolutely no remarkable issues with the tractor. He has received better than book schedule preventative maintenance and regular cleanings, washings, and waxings. Other than some good 'ole character marks from jobs well done, he looks, runs, and performs as well as the day he was driven off the truck in front of the barn.
At one point, I had Henry sold before leaving Indiana. The plan was to put a FEL on the 455 for use in Florida. I just couldn't do it. It was like abandoning an old friend and I just couldn't walk away from him. This was not the first time sentiment has influenced decisions for me and it wont be the last. I think we tend to get that way in our golden years.
I have no questions or earth shattering wisdom to contribute right now; perhaps later.
I would like to mention however that I regularly see threads questioning the purchase of these older Ford tractors, their capabilities, and current pricing information.
I can't really help on the pricing info as I've done no current research; Henry is not for sale. But his VALUE, at least to me, is immeasurable. I think Henry is testament to how well a tractor can serve and retain its value if given proper care and not abused. He has never once failed at any reasonable task I've asked of him. If in the market for a CUT, I'd buy a tractor like Henry in a heartbeat.
A friend recently asked if I'd trade Henry even up for a new similarly equipped tractor, I told him I've have to get back to him on that.
During some recent routine maintenance, I found an old mouse nest under the plastic cowling covering the gear range selector shift lever. It must have been left over from this spring's crop of mice. I hope momma mouse and the babies loved Henry as much as I do.
Thanks for listening to an old man go on about his beloved tractor. If you have questions about a 1510, I might be able to assist.
Cheers,
dan
A little over twenty three years ago my new Ford 1510 tractor with 770B loader was delivered to our farm back in Indiana. I could smell the new paint burn off the manifold when I first started started the engine. My wife named him "Henry".
Henry served faithfully on our horse/sheep/goat farm prior to our retirement to the Sunshine State. He now lives the good life along with Mrs. purple95 and I.
He mucked out stalls, moved and spread manure, pushed snow, bush hogged pastures, plowed a large garden, helped build a garage and remodel our barn, dug post holes, mowed eight acres at a business we owned, and did all the other things one might expect on a small farm; and did them well. He sadly but honorably dug graves for several pets and animals buried in the animal cemetery in the back pasture.
I had several attachments back in Indiana but sold them all except a complete set of turf tires and a Ford brand finish mower. I've installed the turf tires since coming to Florida. The Ag tires are taking up a lot of room but I hesitate to sell them. Someday I may try to do some paid finish mowing to help feed the hobby and so will probably keep the finish mower as a backup to our JD 455.
Life is much easier for Henry now. He helps with yard work, tree trimming, and of course just lifting and moving stuff about. He is currently helping us build a deck on the rear of the house and just finished moving a load of sand for this project. Those of you who have FEL's know the many and varied uses of a good tractor/loader combo. Sometime I use him for chores that might be better done with the 455 and lawn cart or a wheel barrow or whatever. But what would be the fun in that? If God had intended for me to work that hard, He never would have invented hydraulics.
Other than a recall in 1986 for an o-ring issue in the transmission, there have been absolutely no remarkable issues with the tractor. He has received better than book schedule preventative maintenance and regular cleanings, washings, and waxings. Other than some good 'ole character marks from jobs well done, he looks, runs, and performs as well as the day he was driven off the truck in front of the barn.
At one point, I had Henry sold before leaving Indiana. The plan was to put a FEL on the 455 for use in Florida. I just couldn't do it. It was like abandoning an old friend and I just couldn't walk away from him. This was not the first time sentiment has influenced decisions for me and it wont be the last. I think we tend to get that way in our golden years.
I have no questions or earth shattering wisdom to contribute right now; perhaps later.
I would like to mention however that I regularly see threads questioning the purchase of these older Ford tractors, their capabilities, and current pricing information.I can't really help on the pricing info as I've done no current research; Henry is not for sale. But his VALUE, at least to me, is immeasurable. I think Henry is testament to how well a tractor can serve and retain its value if given proper care and not abused. He has never once failed at any reasonable task I've asked of him. If in the market for a CUT, I'd buy a tractor like Henry in a heartbeat.
A friend recently asked if I'd trade Henry even up for a new similarly equipped tractor, I told him I've have to get back to him on that.
During some recent routine maintenance, I found an old mouse nest under the plastic cowling covering the gear range selector shift lever. It must have been left over from this spring's crop of mice. I hope momma mouse and the babies loved Henry as much as I do.
Thanks for listening to an old man go on about his beloved tractor. If you have questions about a 1510, I might be able to assist.
Cheers,
dan
