1410 Opinions

I've got a 78 1410 4WD with a 65 loader that's leaking oil from just about every gasket on it. The turbo failed and was removed a few years ago, but I did find a new to me turbo recently that I could get for
cheap. It also has significant gear wear in the transfer case for the 4wd (can really feel it when changing direction). It does start in freezing temps and runs smoothly once it's started (especially
considering there's no turbo on it). The hour gauge is broke so I have no idea how many hours are on it. It's on a hobby farm, so it maybe sees 25 hrs a year. I'm trying to decide between a total rebuild,
just fixing the worst gaskets and transfer case, or cutting it loose and getting something else. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Not a tractor I would want to spend a lot of money on.

because of the specific issues, or because of known issues with 1410s? I guess my question is more around the general reliability of the model. Thanks for your input!

They did not have a good reputation back in the day when they were newish, the engine was de-rated slightly in the 1490 tractor the model which replaced it in 1979. I know the crankshaft and main bearings were increased in size from the 1210/12 tractors which along with the 990/5/6 tractors were pretty reliable units, their 3 cylinder tractors were just about bullet proof. You may even struggle to get parts for the MFWD, do you have a Carraro or David Brown front axle fitted? As for oil leaks, it is a David Brown and it is what it is, with very careful assembly you can make these tractors reasonably oil tight. Problem is you have multiple issues with your tractor, which could cost quite a bit to put right, on a tractor which may not have a very good secondhand value. Leaving the turbo off may not be a bad idea if the tractor is starting and running acceptably without it fitted, and if you do not require the extra power. Check on parts availability and cost before making your decision. I think their smaller tractors were great, and I have had some in the past and they have been good reliable tractors that performed well, the 885 was my favorite, it would do just as good as our Massey-Ferguson 168, but without all the breakdowns, they had syncro gearboxes which our Masseys did not, and a superior gear selection too with 12 properly spaced gears.

a 1410 with MFD is a highly desired and useable tractor, myself I would do the needed repairs and run it another 40 years DB's are Great tractors we sold dozens of 1412's back in the day along with all other DB;s as well, even if you put 5 grand in it you are still far ahead of any thing you can replace it with as far as I am concerned
cnt

Are there any specific problems that prevent you from continuing to use the tractor as-is? At 25 hours per year you won't wear it out anytime soon. It may last another 20 or 30 years as-is. Those tractors don't have a high resale value. If you fix it up you won't increase it's value by much unless you add new tires and you won't recover the cost of new tires either. I wouldn't stick a ton of money into it unless there is an immediate benefit to you.

Thanks for the insight guys. I think I'll forgo the total overhaul, and start picking off the immediate problems until I get something I can live with. I think if I can get rid of the majority of the oil leaks and maybe get the 4WD fixed, the rest of the issues can be the next guy's problem when I'm done with it in 20 yrs

Probably doesn't have the Carraro front end. Front end parts will be very costly, or unavailable.

Otherwise, Worth fixing.

how do I differentiate between the front ends? Is it as simple as looking for a name stamped on it somewhere?

Why don't the English build computers?..... They can't figure out how to make them leak oil!

I would put plastic sheet over parking space and use as is, you could even place diapers under other leaks for the hours you need it to perform. At 4$/gallon for oil you can not do much repairing and nothing will increase resale value by more than repair cost.
Rob