Used Tractor Purchasing Advice

bfa1509

Hi,

I am looking to buy a used tractor from a proper contractor. Although I am no stranger to the use and function of tractors, I have never bought a tractor before. I really want to have a knowledgeable mechanic examine the machine before I buy.

I was wondering if any mechanics offer this kind of service where they will travel to examine a tractor for a certain price. If so, what kind of money would a mechanic look for? (I assume it largely depends on how far they have to travel)

I am in Galway and the contractor is in the Tuam area.

Are there any crucial pieces of information that are essential to have when buying a used tractor? (I know year, hours, prior users, master cylinders, brakes, clutch and PTO are probably the most important)

X6.430macman

Theres alot of contractors that are pretty hard on tractors and put alot of hours up. How big of a yoke you on about buying??

Bullocks

Do you mean a contractor or tractor dealer ? Do you know any local tractor mehanic to you ? Id say most of them would take a look with you if you knew one and I'd reckon the price could vary alot , some mightn't charge at all

bfa1509

Bullocks wrote: »

Do you mean a contractor or tractor dealer ? Do you know any local tractor mehanic to you ? Id say most of them would take a look with you if you knew one and I'd reckon the price could vary alot , some mightn't charge at all

I meant tractor dealer sorry. I don't know anyone who would do it for free...
I was hoping there would be one near the dealer who does this regularly as a standard service for a fixed price.
I think it would be best if I didn't know the person. As if the tractor turned out bad then that could cause trouble between us (not that I would hold it against anyone!!)

bfa1509

X6.430macman wrote: »

Theres alot of contractors that are pretty hard on tractors and put alot of hours up. How big of a yoke you on about buying??

I need one for lifting round silage bales and pulling trailers of turf + other typical farm duties (topping, rolling, fertilising etc). So I was looking for a 2WD maybe 50-60 BHP. I was thinking of getting a Zetor 5211 or 6340 as I have experience using these and they are relatively easy to repair. I have a budget of €8-12k ( I would prefer closer to €8k but will fork out more if worth it)

cjpm

If I was looking for a tractor for that type of work i would buy a 7000. 90 Hp, good on diesel. You'd sell it again for the same money in 10 years!

bfa1509

cjpm wrote: »

If I was looking for a tractor for that type of work i would buy a 7000. 90 Hp, good on diesel. You'd sell it again for the same money in 10 years!

Interesting choice. The farm isn't all that big but I do wonder whether I would need a more powerful machine. There is a really steep hill declining onto a main road that I would have to overcome with a trailer of turf on the back. Maybe a 7000 would be more suitable for this. Zetor's brakes leave a lot to be desired.

greenpetrol

bfa1509 wrote: »

I meant tractor dealer sorry. I don't know anyone who would do it for free...
I was hoping there would be one near the dealer who does this regularly as a standard service for a fixed price.
I think it would be best if I didn't know the person. As if the tractor turned out bad then that could cause trouble between us (not that I would hold it against anyone!!)

Wouldn't be getting anyone near the dealer to be checking the tractor ! Those in the business all know each other best get someone local to yourself ! Donedeal couldl save you 2k over a dealer! Bring a man to check it throughly! ! Unless your buying new !dealers arnt much better

jimmy G M

bfa1509 wrote: »

I need one for lifting round silage bales and pulling trailers of turf + other typical farm duties (topping, rolling, fertilising etc). So I was looking for a 2WD maybe 50-60 BHP. I was thinking of getting a Zetor 5211 or 6340 as I have experience using these and they are relatively easy to repair. I have a budget of €8-12k ( I would prefer closer to €8k but will fork out more if worth it)

For comfort with handling bales, I think i'd be looking for something closer to 70 hp, like a 7211, available @ €5-7k would be grand and they have a comfortable cab too compared to many other tractors in that price range. Granted they have their faults but they are generally a good runner and easy & cheap to repair.

Maybe a MF 290, there's a thread on here about them at the moment, they would prob be a bit more expensive and have less creature comforts.

In any case beware of tarted up piles of crap you can get in some dealer's yards. Buying off done deal might get you something cheaper than from a dealer but carries the same or even more risks. If you are not that confident, buy off a reputable local dealer, you might even get a 3 month guarantee.

You are right to bring a mechanic with you to look over the machine, there must be someone local you can ask, even a local farmer who has/had the same tractor previously / good with machinery / has good experience of buying/reviewing tractors.

Have you moved into the area recently or new to farming?

bfa1509

jimmy G M wrote: »

For comfort with handling bales, I think i'd be looking for something closer to 70 hp, like a 7211, available @ €5-7k would be grand and they have a comfortable cab too compared to many other tractors in that price range. Granted they have their faults but they are generally a good runner and easy & cheap to repair.

Maybe a MF 290, there's a thread on here about them at the moment, they would prob be a bit more expensive and have less creature comforts.

In any case beware of tarted up piles of crap you can get in some dealer's yards. Buying off done deal might get you something cheaper than from a dealer but carries the same or even more risks. If you are not that confident, buy off a reputable local dealer, you might even get a 3 month guarantee.

You are right to bring a mechanic with you to look over the machine, there must be someone local you can ask, even a local farmer who has/had the same tractor previously / good with machinery / has good experience of buying/reviewing tractors.

Have you moved into the area recently or new to farming?

I've been in Galway all my life. I have an old Zetor 6211 that I used for years when I was younger but then I went off to college and abandoned the farm. The old Zetor (1987) isn't faring too well.

I have a job now though so want to buy a reliable machine that makes working around the farm easier.

I know of plenty of people around who are into tractors but I don't know them well enough to trust them or ask them to come with me to look at a tractor (I don't really see anyone anymore since I work all week).
I'm still in my mid 20s so making informed decisions is difficult enough...

I took a look on donedeal and although they look very pretty on the outside, I have no idea whats going on on the inside. At least the dealer that I have been speaking to says that he replaces the cylinders, brakes etc if needed before he sells.
He seems honest enough (even though every tractor he has is a "fine clean tractor not a bother")

Just for reference he is looking for €8500 for an 87 Zetor 5211, €10,000 for a 1991 Zetor 6320, but says he can negotiate.

blue5000

bfa1509 wrote: »

I've been in Galway all my life. I have an old Zetor 6211 that I used for years when I was younger but then I went off to college and abandoned the farm. The old Zetor (1987) isn't faring too well.

I have a job now though so want to buy a reliable machine that makes working around the farm easier.

I know of plenty of people around who are into tractors but I don't know them well enough to trust them or ask them to come with me to look at a tractor (I don't really see anyone anymore since I work all week).
I'm still in my mid 20s so making informed decisions is difficult enough...

I took a look on donedeal and although they look very pretty on the outside, I have no idea whats going on on the inside. At least the dealer that I have been speaking to says that he replaces the cylinders, brakes etc if needed before he sells.
He seems honest enough (even though every tractor he has is a "fine clean tractor not a bother")

Just for reference he is looking for €8500 for an 87 Zetor 5211, €10,000 for a 1991 Zetor 6320, but says he can negotiate.

8.5k for a 30 yr old zetor. I am sorry I am being blunt but I think you should keep looking. I know it's hard buying your first tractor. There must be someone locally or an uncle or cousin in the family that knows a bit about machinery and you can trust.

Find 3 for sale in roughly the same area, look on websites for the dealers locally, ring them they might have something else not on the website yet or coming in as a trade in.

Secondly, find someone to take with you and take a day off to go look at them, you don't have to buy the first one you see. Test the hydraulics, fusion bales are getting heavier all the time, not far off a ton in a wet year. The only good thing about a zetor IMHO is the cab, loads of room for used bale wrap and the dog.

X6.430macman

Bad hydraulic output is one thing that drives me insane

White Clover

bfa1509 wrote: »

I've been in Galway all my life. I have an old Zetor 6211 that I used for years when I was younger but then I went off to college and abandoned the farm. The old Zetor (1987) isn't faring too well.

I have a job now though so want to buy a reliable machine that makes working around the farm easier.

I know of plenty of people around who are into tractors but I don't know them well enough to trust them or ask them to come with me to look at a tractor (I don't really see anyone anymore since I work all week).
I'm still in my mid 20s so making informed decisions is difficult enough...

I took a look on donedeal and although they look very pretty on the outside, I have no idea whats going on on the inside. At least the dealer that I have been speaking to says that he replaces the cylinders, brakes etc if needed before he sells.
He seems honest enough (even though every tractor he has is a "fine clean tractor not a bother")

Just for reference he is looking for €8500 for an 87 Zetor 5211, €10,000 for a 1991 Zetor 6320, but says he can negotiate.

Op, I have a couple of Zetors, including a very good 7211 that I bought in the last year which cost less than half what you're being quoted for the 5211.
Both tractors that he is selling you are way overpriced.
cjpm made a very good suggestion above.
Buy a good 7000, look after it and keep it housed when not in use, including every night. It will never depreciate.

bfa1509

blue5000 wrote: »

8.5k for a 30 yr old zetor. I am sorry I am being blunt but I think you should keep looking. I know it's hard buying your first tractor. There must be someone locally or an uncle or cousin in the family that knows a bit about machinery and you can trust.

Find 3 for sale in roughly the same area, look on websites for the dealers locally, ring them they might have something else not on the website yet or coming in as a trade in.

Secondly, find someone to take with you and take a day off to go look at them, you don't have to buy the first one you see. Test the hydraulics, fusion bales are getting heavier all the time, not far off a ton in a wet year. The only good thing about a zetor IMHO is the cab, loads of room for used bale wrap and the dog.

Thanks for the useful advice. I am open to other makes other than Zetor but since I have used 2 in the past that have lasted for years, I tend to want to stick to them. Also, I find that the amount of people that swear by Zetors far out number those who criticise them.

If I was a full time farmer with loads of land I would definitely fork out and get a 4WD non-Zetor. But since I'll only be using it every now and again 7-9 months in the year, you can't beat a Zetor in terms of cost, ease of repair and availability of parts.

bfa1509

White Clover wrote: »

Op, I have a couple of Zetors, including a very good 7211 that I bought in the last year which cost less than half what you're being quoted for the 5211.
Both tractors that he is selling you are way overpriced.
cjpm made a very good suggestion above.
Buy a good 7000, look after it and keep it housed when not in use, including every night. It will never depreciate.

I like to hear this advice. It puts a bit more detail on the map of unknown waters I find myself in.

I think I will avoid the dealer I was in contact with. I lost confidence when he told me that one of the 'perfect' tractors he had, had 3 previous owners.

cjpm

bfa1509 wrote: »

Thanks for the useful advice. I am open to other makes other than Zetor but since I have used 2 in the past that have lasted for years, I tend to want to stick to them. Also, I find that the amount of people that swear by Zetors far out number those who criticise them.

If I was a full time farmer with loads of land I would definitely fork out and get a 4WD non-Zetor. But since I'll only be using it every now and again 7-9 months in the year, you can't beat a Zetor in terms of cost, ease of repair and availability of parts.

A 7000 would beat it in terms of ease of repair and availability of parts.... Simply because they almost never break down in the first place!

jimmy G M

bfa1509 wrote: »

Just for reference he is looking for €8500 for an 87 Zetor 5211, €10,000 for a 1991 Zetor 6320, but says he can negotiate.

Way over-priced. You should be able to get a 5211 for €4.0k and up to €6k at a dealer. 7211 around the same price as the 50hp 5211 and better able to cope with round bales, so i'd be forgetting about a 5211, only a 3 cylinder and short wheelbase.
No real idea on the price of a 6320 (4 cylinder aprox 65 hp) but again would seem to be €2k-€3k overpriced?

tomwaterford

bfa1509 wrote: »

I like to hear this advice. It puts a bit more detail on the map of unknown waters I find myself in.

I think I will avoid the dealer I was in contact with. I lost confidence when he told me that one of the 'perfect' tractors he had, had 3 previous owners.

If his old tractor was 20 odd years old....three owners wouldn't be that unusual??

bfa1509

tomwaterford wrote: »

If his old tractor was 20 odd years old....three owners wouldn't be that unusual??

It's probably not unusual but the more prior owners the higher likilihood that one of them was an A-hole to tractors!!

White Clover

Op, if you do consider a ford 7000, the original engines in these were a weak point and prone to going porous. You would want to be sure that it has been resleeved before buying.
Every make of tractor will have weak points.

Would the person that has serviced or done repairs on your 6211in the past be willing to go with you?

Another option would be to get your 6211 refurbished. What kind of order is it in at the moment?

bfa1509

White Clover wrote: »

Op, if you do consider a ford 7000, the original engines in these were a weak point and prone to going porous. You would want to be sure that it has been resleeved before buying.
Every make of tractor will have weak points.

Would the person that has serviced or done repairs on your 6211in the past be willing to go with you?

Another option would be to get your 6211 refurbished. What kind of order is it in at the moment?

Would a Ford 7000 be very difficult to come by if they are so popular?

Now that you mention service or repairs, I think I have a neighbour who may have done repairs on the Zetor years back when I was a wee lad. He went off to Austrailia though but I think he may have returned. I could ask him if he is back.
I can't get the 6211 refurbished I'm afraid. It's not currently in my possession.

Bullocks

bfa1509 wrote: »

Would a Ford 7000 be very difficult to come by if they are so popular?

Now that you mention service or repairs, I think I have a neighbour who may have done repairs on the Zetor years back when I was a wee lad. He went off to Austrailia though but I think he may have returned. I could ask him if he is back.
I can't get the 6211 refurbished I'm afraid. It's not currently in my possession.

If you have 8/12k to spend on a 2wd tractor there is great choice without having to go back to a ford 7000 .
Have a quick look on done deal within that price range and see what looks suitable

tomwaterford

Bullocks wrote: »

If you have 8/12k to spend on a 2wd tractor there is great choice without having to go back to a ford 7000 .
Have a quick look on done deal within that price range and see what looks suitable

Surly pick up a 2wd fiat 100/90....I passed up one in VGC for 2.5K not so long ago
Needed a clutch and few wiring bits done to it (would've done it myself)

tea_addict

a zetor 9520 is a good 2wd , there are a few on done deal right now , breens in cashel have one

great engine in those zetors

White Clover

Bullocks wrote: »

If you have 8/12k to spend on a 2wd tractor there is great choice without having to go back to a ford 7000 .
Have a quick look on done deal within that price range and see what looks suitable

That's true bullocks. For that money you would get a mint case 856xl or 844xl, Mf 398, Ford 6810 or 7610, all of which would hold there value well and would be well capable of a days work. Oh and alot more comfortable than a 7000.

bfa1509

Thanks Bullocks, tomwaterford, tea addict and White Clover for the advice and suggestions.

I saw a nice Ford 7610 on donedeal. It was just put up today. 1989, 6000hrs.
Seller was a dealer on the other side of Galway but not too far. I gave him a call and he wouldn't give me a quote or tell me what work was or will be done on it before he sells. All he said was the standard "everything is perfect, no problems whatsoever" and said I would need to come and see it to get more information.

There were other private sellers of Ford 7610s, one in Laois (1990 for €9000) and one in Cork (1988 for €8500). So I can assume that the dealer will look for €10-12k for the 1989.

The Zetor 9520s are getting me excited. There is a nice one in Roscommon (1995) but it has 4700hrs on it so I assume the brakes, clutch and water pumps could be on the way out. Unless they were replaced and now the dealer could look for a small fortune for it.

I did a search based on my budget on Donedeal but nothing jumped out at me and I'm sure I missed out on many as most don't put the pricing up. I'm surprised at the amount of tractors going up everyday though. Maybe my rose among the weeds will pop up yet

cjpm

If you get a 7610 make sure you don't get the Rubik's cube gearbox!! Series 3 are a great tractor.

bfa1509

cjpm wrote: »

If you get a 7610 make sure you don't get the Rubik's cube gearbox!! Series 3 are a great tractor.

Are those the ones that double shift? I remember getting the old Zetor stuck in reverse the odd time. I just had to open her up and knock back it into neutral with a screw driver.

quietsailor

bfa1509 wrote: »

Are those the ones that double shift? I remember getting the old Zetor stuck in reverse the odd time. I just had to open her up and knock back it into neutral with a screw driver.

Rubiks cube 'boxes were the column mounted gearboxes. They had some gear positions that were hard to change into and people didn't like them as a result.

Unless you are lucky and find a "one owner from new" tractor with someone who liked this setup and knew how to change the gears properly it would be best to avoid them as most drivers weren't careful with them.

bfa1509

[/QUOTE]Rubiks cube 'boxes were the column mounted gearboxes. They had some gear positions that were hard to change into and people didn't like them as a result.

Unless you are lucky and find a "one owner from new" tractor with someone who liked this setup and knew how to change the gears properly it would be best to avoid them as most drivers weren't careful with them.[/QUOTE]

Right. I see why that would be unpopular. The seller doesn't have an image of inside the cab so I would have to ask him.

Apart from the puzzle gearbox is there a consensus that the Ford 7610 is a fine tractor?

cjpm, lets say in a theoretical world a ford needed replacement parts or repair, would it be difficult/expensive?

White Clover

bfa1509 wrote: »

Rubiks cube 'boxes were the column mounted gearboxes. They had some gear positions that were hard to change into and people didn't like them as a result.

Unless you are lucky and find a "one owner from new" tractor with someone who liked this setup and knew how to change the gears properly it would be best to avoid them as most drivers weren't careful with them.[/QUOTE]

Right. I see why that would be unpopular. The seller doesn't have an image of inside the cab so I would have to ask him.

Apart from the puzzle gearbox is there a consensus that the Ford 7610 is a fine tractor?

cjpm, lets say in a theoretical world a ford needed replacement parts or repair, would it be difficult/expensive?[/quote]

The 7610s that you are looking at are all Super Q cab models which have floor Change gears to the right hand side.
The series 3 were the best of them. These are identified by having a ribbed engine block. They are a good tractor but there is nearly always an oil leak somewhere on them. Just make sure the engine is sound. Its their weakest link.

bfa1509

White Clover wrote: »

The 7610s that you are looking at are all Super Q cab models which have floor Change gears to the right hand side.
The series 3 were the best of them. These are identified by having a ribbed engine block. They are a good tractor but there is nearly always an oil leak somewhere on them. Just make sure the engine is sound. Its their weakest link.

Some good tips there, thanks. Probably not ideal to have the engine as the weakest link but if it has seen 5000+hrs its unlikely that the engine will show any problems at this stage?

bfa1509

White Clover wrote: »

That's true bullocks. For that money you would get a mint case 856xl or 844xl, Mf 398, Ford 6810 or 7610, all of which would hold there value well and would be well capable of a days work. Oh and alot more comfortable than a 7000.

Well lads. Thanks for all the help. I've done a lot of research since I last posted. I have decided to move away from the Zetors and have my heart set on a Ford 7610 (Thanks White Clover). There was a nice one available in Galway last week but I missed out on it. I was sickened.

There's a Ford 6810 available right now. It has the AP cab but apparently it got the "floor change". What does this mean exactly? He told me the gears are on the floor between the legs so I assume thats it. Is this much worse than the super Q cab?

He assures me that it has the newer engine model. So can I be certain that the block is not porous or suffers from bad blow back?

It's a 1990 with 6000hrs. The seller is looking for €12k but is willing to drop closer to €11k.

I set myself a goal last week that I would have a tractor purchased within a fortnight as the fields needed rolling. The recent rains bought me time though. Would I be stupid to miss out on this opportunity?

White Clover

bfa1509 wrote: »

Well lads. Thanks for all the help. I've done a lot of research since I last posted. I have decided to move away from the Zetors and have my heart set on a Ford 7610 (Thanks White Clover). There was a nice one available in Galway last week but I missed out on it. I was sickened.

There's a Ford 6810 available right now. It has the AP cab but apparently it got the "floor change". What does this mean exactly? He told me the gears are on the floor between the legs so I assume thats it. Is this much worse than the super Q cab?

He assures me that it has the newer engine model. So can I be certain that the block is not porous or suffers from bad blow back?

It's a 1990 with 6000hrs. The seller is looking for €12k but is willing to drop closer to €11k.

I set myself a goal last week that I would have a tractor purchased within a fortnight as the fields needed rolling. The recent rains bought me time though. Would I be stupid to miss out on this opportunity?

Just to set the record straight here Bfa, I wouldn't be a big ford fan 😉

On the 6810 you're talking about, that particular gearbox is bombproof. Hard to know with the engine although the ribbed block models were least likely to go porous.
One thing about that particular tractor that is putting me off is all that fresh blue paint. Its even on the steering wheel and the hand throttle!.
Those AP cabs were notorious for rusting so all that paint could be hiding the truel condition of it..

quietsailor

bfa1509 wrote: »

Well lads. Thanks for all the help. I've done a lot of research since I last posted. I have decided to move away from the Zetors and have my heart set on a Ford 7610 (Thanks White Clover). There was a nice one available in Galway last week but I missed out on it. I was sickened.

There's a Ford 6810 available right now. It has the AP cab but apparently it got the "floor change". What does this mean exactly? He told me the gears are on the floor between the legs so I assume thats it. Is this much worse than the super Q cab?

He assures me that it has the newer engine model. So can I be certain that the block is not porous or suffers from bad blow back?

It's a 1990 with 6000hrs. The seller is looking for €12k but is willing to drop closer to €11k.

I set myself a goal last week that I would have a tractor purchased within a fortnight as the fields needed rolling. The recent rains bought me time though. Would I be stupid to miss out on this opportunity?

An AP cab with floor change is the old style gearbox shift pattern from the 70's. There is no horror stories attached to it like the rubix's cube gearboxes. Just to check that it works like any other gearbox.

The cab will have a much lower level of comfort though - are you happy with that?

Bullocks

bfa1509 wrote: »

Well lads. Thanks for all the help. I've done a lot of research since I last posted. I have decided to move away from the Zetors and have my heart set on a Ford 7610 (Thanks White Clover). There was a nice one available in Galway last week but I missed out on it. I was sickened.

There's a Ford 6810 available right now. It has the AP cab but apparently it got the "floor change". What does this mean exactly? He told me the gears are on the floor between the legs so I assume thats it. Is this much worse than the super Q cab?

He assures me that it has the newer engine model. So can I be certain that the block is not porous or suffers from bad blow back?

It's a 1990 with 6000hrs. The seller is looking for €12k but is willing to drop closer to €11k.

I set myself a goal last week that I would have a tractor purchased within a fortnight as the fields needed rolling. The recent rains bought me time though. Would I be stupid to miss out on this opportunity?

I don't mind any type tractor but don't rush yourself to buy anything especially over getting rolling done .
Have you upped the budget aswell ?

Sam Kade

cjpm wrote: »

A 7000 would beat it in terms of ease of repair and availability of parts.... Simply because they almost never break down in the first place!

Apart from the engines going porous :rolleyes:

blue5000

bfa1509 wrote: »

Well lads. Thanks for all the help. I've done a lot of research since I last posted. I have decided to move away from the Zetors and have my heart set on a Ford 7610 (Thanks White Clover). There was a nice one available in Galway last week but I missed out on it. I was sickened.

There's a Ford 6810 available right now. It has the AP cab but apparently it got the "floor change". What does this mean exactly? He told me the gears are on the floor between the legs so I assume thats it. Is this much worse than the super Q cab?

He assures me that it has the newer engine model. So can I be certain that the block is not porous or suffers from bad blow back?

It's a 1990 with 6000hrs. The seller is looking for €12k but is willing to drop closer to €11k.

I set myself a goal last week that I would have a tractor purchased within a fortnight as the fields needed rolling. The recent rains bought me time though. Would I be stupid to miss out on this opportunity?

By this stage 1990, ford had the porous problem sorted by using a special water filter which stopped corrosion. Make sure it's still on that tractor. Another + is the 6810 will have a rotary fuel pump instead of an in-line one. They are easier on fuel and much better to start. Cab won't have a completely flat floor, and as already said look out for rust.
Best of luck.

http://www.hiltonmachinery.co.uk/product/used-ford-6810-series-3/361.html Red filter over front wheel in this link is the water filter.

bfa1509

White Clover wrote: »

Just to set the record straight here Bfa, I wouldn't be a big ford fan 😉

On the 6810 you're talking about, that particular gearbox is bombproof. Hard to know with the engine although the ribbed block models were least likely to go porous.
One thing about that particular tractor that is putting me off is all that fresh blue paint. Its even on the steering wheel and the hand throttle!.
Those AP cabs were notorious for rusting so all that paint could be hiding the truel condition of it..

Well spotted. I wouldn't have noticed all that unnecessary paint only for you said.
Have you had bad experiences with Fords before or do you just have preference for other makes?

quietsailor wrote: »

An AP cab with floor change is the old style gearbox shift pattern from the 70's. There is no horror stories attached to it like the rubix's cube gearboxes. Just to check that it works like any other gearbox.

The cab will have a much lower level of comfort though - are you happy with that?

Very useful info thanks. I can't tell if I would be happy with a much lower level of comfort as I don't have much to compare. The cab on the zetor was huge but it was kind of hard to see out of. When you say comfort do you mean space, ability to see around the tractor, available windows to open, low roof? Or a combination of all of the above?

Bullocks wrote: »

I don't mind any type tractor but don't rush yourself to buy anything especially over getting rolling done .
Have you upped the budget aswell ?

That's true but the rolling usually signifies the start of the summer's work for us, and there is nothing worse than not rolling the fields on time! I am sort of hurrying to get one before I need to rush to get one. But there seem to be around 30-40 tractors going up on donedeal per day so maybe I should take my time and wait for a beauty.

I haven't upped the budget. I would ideally like to spend €10k but would spend up to €12k if it is really worth it.

blue5000 wrote: »

By this stage 1990, ford had the porous problem sorted by using a special water filter which stopped corrosion. Make sure it's still on that tractor. Another + is the 6810 will have a rotary fuel pump instead of an in-line one. They are easier on fuel and much better to start. Cab won't have a completely flat floor, and as already said look out for rust.
Best of luck.

Thanks, I find this kind of info very useful.
I found a thread on 6810s on a lesser british website...;) Apparently the Ford 6610s were getting complaints as they were leaving the factory underpowered and the manufacturers were struggling to tune the pumps to rectify the problem. So what they did was relaunch the 6610 as a 6410 and derate the 7610 to fill the gap between itself and the 6410. They called this model the 6810.

I might go and see the 6810 tomorrow and check out the potential issues mentioned above.

kevthegaff

Is it me or the price of 20-30 year old tractor Are f""kin mad

bfa1509

kevthegaff wrote: »

Is it me or the price of 20-30 year old tractor Are f""kin mad

Tractors are funny things. Unlike cars, they are built to last forever. As long as you look after them properly, they will. It's not unusual for a 20-30 y.o to work like a dream around the farm. Hence the high value.

Another reason for the high costs is that they don't really make 2 wheel drive tractors any more as most farmers want the pull power of a 4 wheel drive. Hence, 2WDs are in high demand for a number of reasons (lower turn radius, cheaper tyres and less things to go wrong)

That's why I started this thread; it's tough to pay so much for something that could have a very interesting/disturbing past!

9935452

bfa1509 wrote: »

Thanks Bullocks, tomwaterford, tea addict and White Clover for the advice and suggestions.

I saw a nice Ford 7610 on donedeal. It was just put up today. 1989, 6000hrs.
Seller was a dealer on the other side of Galway but not too far. I gave him a call and he wouldn't give me a quote or tell me what work was or will be done on it before he sells. All he said was the standard "everything is perfect, no problems whatsoever" and said I would need to come and see it to get more information.

I went to see a tidy 8145 zetor for 10k a while back.
dealer said more or less "everything is perfect, no problems whatsoever" brakes done new hydraulic pump. been thru the workshop
on inspection,
clutch slipping,
power steering not right(no oil to start with, then it never came right with oil and blew it out in the yard)
thermostat was removed,
suspected something wasnt right inside the front axel,
bottom of mudguards rotton and bonnet starting to rot.
front of mudguard had been replaced by a folded plate welded to the cab
windscreen cracked in 2 and scratched from bad wiper blade,
Half the lights and indicators not working
Nearly everything in the cab was seized, hand throttle , multipower lever, pto lever, 4wd cable etc. Rough loader

Not impressed. The funny thing is its sold now so someone believed him or he fixed the things in my list

cjpm

9935452 wrote: »

Not impressed. The funny thing is its sold now so someone believed him or he fixed the things in my list

Someone just chanced it i would imagine. If the dealer fixed all those things he'd never sell the tractor at a profit

9935452

cjpm wrote: »

Someone just chanced it i would imagine. If the dealer fixed all those things he'd never sell the tractor at a profit

Quite likely . i think my problem with it is he was asking a premium for a tractor that looked tidy and was rough. Realistically in my mind worth 5 or 6.
In comparison 2 years back a friend bought a 10145 off him for 7, another tidy tractor nearly new tyres good tanco loader which coincidently got parked up fairly soon after with injector trouble.
I think i should stop looking at tractors in his yard .

trabpc

Ive a late 91 ford 6810. Great tractor. Got her 4 yrs ago. Very clean. Paid12k. 9k hours on it.no rust which is unusual for the Super q cab. 4wd and much easier to start than older 6610. Im told i can turn pump up same as 7610 to 103hp but the 92hp i have is just fine. Not hard on diesel either. Digital dash can give a litte botger but easily sorted.

Bass Reeves

Even the engine in the series 3 Fords can and do go porous. Impossible to get heads for these fords. Even with the water filter it is an issue. If you have a good one let the water out and refill her with undiluted coolant and never again put water in her. One thing about Ford tractors a lot were virtual contractor tractors for the start of there lives in the 90's.

With what you are doing OP any good 70HP+ tractor will last you for a few decades.More than likely any tractor you buy will have a few flaws and over the first 2-3 years you will have to put a bit of money into it. Unless you need 4WD i be sticking with a 2WD tractor. It will be easier to come across a clean and they are cheaper to run. dare I say a 2WD MF 390 can now be got for 10K. Fairy easy to come across ones with less than 6K hours. Biggest fault with any tractor 20+ years old is starting them I be putting a hi-speed starter in them if I bought one.

Here is a tractor if she is straight and kept in a shed will last 30 more years.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/massey-ferguson-690/11953022

She should be well within budget. Put an electric fuel pump in her and a hi-speed starter and she will run forever if you service her once a year.

However if you could increase your budget to 15K and above you open up a huge variety of 2WD tractors and some very new one. Often these have very low hours and dealers will often give very good warranty's not the usual 300 hours or 3 months. I know a lad that got a 12 months warranty or 300 hours on such a tractor as he explained to the dealer he hardly did 200/year. Some thing like the case or New Holland below

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-cx-70/11798241
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/1996-new-holland-5635-only-3400-hours/12075339

You would even pick up a 4WD with a loader
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/1996-new-holland-5030-c-w-loader-15995/11270742

and you would have a good pick of 00 and newer zetors.

bfa1509

Hello,
I don't plan on sharing my experience with every tractor I view but I just thought I would give an update on the 6810. I took a half day today, viewed the 6810 and went window shopping around a few different dealers.
The seller was up front in telling me before I viewed that a few small things needed to be fixed. He assured me however that there was no rust on the cabin and also that it was a ribbed engine block and there was no current or potential porous issue.
When I viewed the tractor, it wasn't as clean as I was expecting but maybe it was as good as you can get.
(I don't seem to be able to post images yet) . Is there any way I can show images without getting banned?

Firstly, I took it for a test drive on the road and it did feel nice to drive. The engine had a good uniform sound, there was no excessive smoking and it didn't conk at low revs.
Ah, the joys of a 2WD, I was easily able to lock the wheels and pull a tight U turn on on the main road.
The cab was a bit of a let down (AP cab with floor change). There was in fact rust all around at the seams, if you looked closely. The seller had a job letting down the pick up hitch as the handle had broken off. It was difficult to pull the handle to raise and drop the arms. The spool valves were leaking oil but I was assured that they would be replaced. The latch on one of the doors and latch on back window was faulty but seller said he could fix. The back wheels had cracks all over (in the threads not on the walls). All the blue paint that White Clover mentioned would truly knock the eye out of your head.
It was a Series 2 Ford. I got images of the engine but can't tell if its the ribbed block model. It did not appear to have the water filter that blue5000 mentioned but the seller assured me that he put a gallon of antifreeze in with some water.

Would I be mad if said I still want the tractor considering all these issues? Or should I turn on my heels and find a cleaner tractor like the Massey that Bass Reeves mentioned?

blue5000

I had a look at it, series II didn't have a 6810 in their lineup. That tractor might be something older, 5610 or 6610 with 6810 decals. Did it have a turbo?

bfa1509

The seller claims its a 4 cylinder turbo on the ad. I couldn't tell when I saw it but I did take pictures of some of the codes on the block


He showed me a tax slip and it was registered as 1990. Maybe it wasn't a 6810. He had a brand new ford sticker on it with 6810, which means nothing really...

blue5000

I have never seen a 2wd 6810 with the AP cab, that's not saying they don't exist, but they are rare. It's possible that the nose cone, with the series II sticker, is a replacement from an earlier tractor. Does the engine number match the tax slip? The engine number is on the right hand side below the injector pump. I've a 6410 engine from 1989 and it starts E2009** 6 digits, I'm not putting up the last two digits here.
It should have the XX ribbed block. No water filter, is not good. Either it's an older engine, or somebody took it off. It should also have a turbo. Turbo series III ford engines have heavier components inside to take the extra HP.
I wouldn't be too worried about leaks on the connectors, they all did that anyway.

It has a few 'issues'. It probably is a good tractor, it will probably do all the jobs you want it to do. I couldn't see on the pics, but it should also have an assistor ram on the left lift arm.

Bass if a contractor had an early 90's 2wd tractor it was probably only spraying or spreading fertiliser, most likely this was on a stock farm with a front loader. Sorry for the long post and I'm not trying to put you off.

selectamatic

Blue has covered nearly all there with that post but the telling thing about all responses about the 6810 you're interested in is that many feel "it will do" is that really good enough for an 11k 2wd tractor? I'd bet a db995, mf165 or ford 4000 would do just fine for you aswell but cost a fraction of that 11k and they wouldn't be far off in comfort levels either given that it's an AP cab model.