farmall 450 diesel - what do you know about them?

michaelr

Member
I like the classic farmall lines, but kind of want some of their strongest modern stuff. Have played with M's, H's, F20's. I am thinking of stepping up to something with live pto and live hydraulics, power steering, etc. Only real thing I can see myself doing with farmall is: putting a loader on, back blade, shredder, sickle mowing, pulling wagons. No tillage, or for that matter any field work. Just utility work, no row crop, etc. What can you guys tell me about 450 diesels.
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farmall 450 diesel
 
I've seen some real nice 450D's at tractor shows, Never owned one. Since the tractor is not running I think the first question is do you have some mechanical skills to work on it. They are a more complicated engine since they start on gas and switch to diesel. I've seen on here where parts are available but expensive, depending on what you need. Lots of those old tractors ended up with cracked heads so that could be an issue. Other guys will have a lot more input on them.
 
At 1750,I'd buy it .Take a chance.(a 450D is one of my 'dream/bucket list' tractors)They were extremly easy on fuel.Prone to head cracking if not shut down properly,lots of power.That one has a Swarts front.OK,but not as 'valuable' as a 'factory'.The missing muffler and starter makes me suspicious....
 
I have put an engine kit in a farmall M before. Sleeves, rings, pistons, rod and knuckle bearings. But that was a gas tractor. I am not familiar with diesel engines. I don't mind it being a fixer upper, as long as it just needs a tune up to get it running. Is there special tricks to getting a diesel running, that has set dormant for 10+ years?
 
If the 450 and MD have been sitting a long time you may have to clean out the diesel system including disassembly of the injection pump which may be best done by an experienced diesel shop. Get them running on gas first and that will tell you a lot. Sticking butterfly valves in the intake manifold are a common frustration in starting until you get them right. I don't know how much you are farming but I would not hesitate to use an MD or 450 for tillage. The MD did have a problem with head cracking because of inferior iron and a complicated casting. I think IH had corrected that by the time they got to the 450. Avoid overheating and let them cool down at idle before shutting down.
 
Baisic oh is just like a gas tractor.Read and do by the book.The injection system is more complicated.Again,read the book.To start a diesel.Simply refresh fuel and filters,bleed system as go.But,I've seen Diesls that have sat as long or longer that started right up with nothing done but hook jumper cables to.Starting the gas side is more complicated.Service it as you would a gas tractor.Pull valve cover to check for possible stuck valves.BTW,I have a stuck MD.This winter it's comming apart.So I get to learn,too!
 
I am close to those two tractors and if u are patient u can buy a running 400d or 450d for between 2000-30000 I have them come in few times a year I sold a good running 450d with narrow front for 1600 and was way better shape than that one.
If you have to have that one check all fluids and have the seller pull start it may require a shot of either in air cleaner if it runs price is ok not great if it doesn"t run walk away.
 
Look on ebay they have a running 400 diesel in better shape than that 450d 1850 starting bid I believe and has factory wide front!
 
He asking $1750 for it, I'd offer him $1250, if he complains tell him you'll give him 1750 when its running.

Personally I wouldn't be too interested in it - especially for what you said you would use it for. Diesels are expensive to get running and without a fast hitch you are looking at an add on 3 point (more dollars).

If I were you I'd look at something like this:

http://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/grd/4624850360.html


The 300 gets GREAT fuel economy and with the fast hitch you can buy 2 point equipment to do the chores you have in mind. Already has the loader (though its bigger than you might need).
 
I have a 400D and like it. As already said the fuel system up to the pump will need to be disassembled and cleaned and new filters put in.

Also a high probability the fuel pump seal will leak into the reservoir for the injector pump. The injector pump has its own oil reservoir seperate from everything and fuel leaking in will dilute the oil and cut it's lube ability. It has a check cock on the side, open it and see what comes out. If nothing then crack the drain plug on the pump and see what comes out.

Make sure rack inside pump is not stuck prior to starting.

I like mine and they are very interesting but I would like to hear one run before committing to a price much above what it weighs. There is potential for problems that could lead to significant financial discomfort. Of course diesel parts are worth more and the WFE boosts the value. I think an even grand is more in line, at least in this region that would be fair.

When I bought mine it would not run on diesel but I did get to drive it around on gas and check everything out. It had been sitting for a couple of years but had been stored inside. I dropped the oil pan and cleaned the fuel system and it was good to go.

Lot of iron that thing. It's a five main block.
 
If you want an IH diesel , skip the 450 and get a 706, parts are getting expensive and hard to find, I think the 450 diesel was a one and only.
 

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