Old rusty Ford 545c industrial tractor 4x4 what do I need to know?

[p0opstlnksal0t]

I am will soon be checking out one of these in 4wd but it looks a little rough. Owner says everything is in good working order. All gears work, reverser, brakes etc. No leaks that he is aware of all hydraulics function. Says he thinks it's a 1980. The research I'm seeing looks like it might be newer bit that tells me the guy might not know what he's talking about...

What things should I look for and check?

 

[mike48130]

From what I have seen, all these share a similar engine design that started in the 70's. They made improvements and upped the power over the years. I think the 4x4 is somewhat rare for these machines. At least I always see them in 2wd. TRACTORDATA.COM says 1990's, and it weighs almost 9k. The loader can lift 5k. It is a beast of a machine. I think if it all works good, and the price is right. You need to make sure it all works.

Is it the power reverser? I know on the earlier versions people would pull that trans and put the manuals in. Parts are harder to find for them. Not sure about the 90's era.

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

i think the 545D is power reversing but not sure about the 545c?

I found this link about the 545D but the "D" is the newer setup and probably has many differences from the "C"

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/390937-ford-nh-545d-industrial-tractor-7.html

 

[mike48130]

Tractor data shows 3 trans options for the C. 2 have the torque converter. Looks like the same as the D.

 

[mike48130]

From the one cab picture, it looks like the basic manual trans. No reverser shift lever like shown on the page above.

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

the owner told me it is a "torque converter" transmission but i didnt find out how many gears i see there is a 4-4 or an 8-8 i will find out which converter trans it does have.

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

maybe a better pic would help?



Found another one online its 2wd though. it looks different than the blade style knob shown sticking out of the steering wheel on the pics of the one im interested in...

199 Ford 545C Front End Loader/ Only 57 hours Online Government Auctions of Government Surplus | Municibid



ehhh... found another picture. it doesnt appear to have that reversing lever.


https://api.autoconx.com/image/12018752/?index=5&w=850

https://api.autoconx.com/image/12018752/?index=6&w=850

https://api.autoconx.com/image/12018752/?index=4&w=850

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

what are the pros/cons of not having the power reverser versus the manual reversing tranny?

 

[p0opstlnksal0t]

I was told today that the unit has an 8x2 torque converter transmission. I don't see this transmission available based on research. I've got a serial number but can't decode it. Owner says it looks like A405103 I think I need the actual model number though.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

If that's old and rusty, I don't know what you'd call the machines I've been seeing online.. But compared to ones I've been looking at, the condition of that one might be called "pristine," lol.