601 Workmaster

I went to look at the 601 today. It is a model 621-S ser # 47782. 1958 I guess. The picture always looks better, but the metal is straight. It did not smoke, and went through the gears. It was a little hard to get out of gear at first, but got better. Tires are good but a little weather checked. Better than my 8n, which never needs air. The pto worked and held the 4 ft Howes rotary cutter fine without bleeding down. The front end looked good, for having a loader or something on it at some time. Front tires really good shape. No obvious leaks. According to the model,it is not supposed to have pto and 3 pt, but it does. It did have a big 10" weld on the rear of the tractor, but the weld looked good and was painted with the rest of the tractor. The guy said he has had it about 2 yrs, and no problems. The brake pedels seem to go pretty far down compared to my 8n, but it did have brakes. It turned over slow , but started right up. It is 6 volt, so that my be why. I have a 6 volt AC b, and it turns over fast. By the way, the cutter that goes with it is in pretty good shape. I think I could get $350 to $400 for it, as I have one. That would bring the tractor down to about $2600. The tack says 980 hrs, but probably turned over. not sure. The whole tractor has been painted, and probably rebuilt at some time. Does anyone have a picture of what a Sherman trans on a Workmaster is supposed to look like? I guess the hole on the left side was where part of it or all of it was. Maybe some of it is there, as some kind of thing is under the seat. It would be nice if it could be easily put back.
Ken
workmaster

Was the weld on the rear axle? With the obvious signs of formerly having a loader I'll bet that tractor is a beater. I wouldn't pay half of what he's asking.

Couple of things - The hole on the left side of the tranny case is where the shift lever of the Sherman once was. There is no other way to easily tell that it's equipped with one. The low brake pedals may indicate the lining is worn, fairly common with a loader tractor as are the missing headlights and truck tires. The 6v tractors usually do crank a little slower and when fully warmed up may not start easily. If everything is clean and tight they should be OK though. That 10" weld if it is on the axle housing would be cause for some concern. Finally, it is not too uncommon for tractors that didn't originally have a hydraulic lift and pto to have it added later. I have one like that. -Will

The weld is on the housing for the big rear end gears, just above the PTO, and below the seat, a little off to the left.

That weld would be a deal breaker for me.
There's lots of them around. I suggest you keep looking.

I can not even figure what would have caused a crack like that. It seems to ride OK. I did not get a I have to have this tractor now vibe.

(reply to post at 22:30:44 10/28/13)

Click to expand...

There are better tractors out there...

Here is one
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/grd/4135997723.html

Another

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/grq/4157477874.html

Here is what I like (860 and 861). 5 speed and live PTO
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/grd/4146667558.html

And for $1600 more you get substantially more tractor...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/grd/4152002116.html

That took me less than 5 minutes to find some other options. Don't be dazzled by fancy paint, you can always do that to one of these ones in need of paint. Some lookalike they have been painted a couple times.

So my advice is go for a 8xx or 4000 series. More tractor, same size. 5 speed and live PTO are nice to look for also.

Oh, if you don't need a adjustable front and don't mind the ugly, this my be alright also. Price sure seems good...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/grd/4104529872.html

I'll wager that, if you start comparing date codes, you'll find that the trannie and the tractor aren't the same age. I'll bet the machine orginally had a Selectospeed transmission that was replaced by one from a 621 that didn't have hydraulics and/or PTO. The chap who sold the 4-speed doubled his money by separating the Sherman.

And, I'm with the others, repaired differential housings don't come with $2,500 tractors.

Good luck.

Ray

(quoted from post at 06:53:37 10/29/13) I'll wager that, if you start comparing date codes, you'll find that the trannie and the tractor aren't the same age. I'll bet the machine orginally had a Selectospeed transmission that was replaced by one from a 621 that didn't have hydraulics and/or PTO. The chap who sold the 4-speed doubled his money by separating the Sherman.

And, I'm with the others, repaired differential housings don't come with $2,500 tractors.

Good luck.

Ray

Click to expand...

I don't think the PTO from a S-O-S would work with a 4 speed transmission, so if your theory is correct, then they had to hunt down a PTO add-on kit for the 621 trans also, or else the PTO shaft on the back of the tractor is just for show.

I agree with the others. the weld is bad news.

might have been just a drawbar machine and they ripped the rear out.

unless you see the sherman in the bellhousig.. don't bet on it.

what's the think unde rhte seat you sepak of? hyds or?

pic would help.

In any case.. it is not a 2500$ tractor.

I'd pay 1200 maybee.. MAYBEE

there are better ones out there..

I was looking for a tractor to replace my 8n, with a few more features. I have a JD 870 with front loader. I will look at the Ford 4000. That is the problem with being retired, and to much time on my hands. Should just stay with my 8n, I am just tired of having to engage the pto when raising the brush hog to get it out of the shop. I made up my mind yesterday I did not want the 601. Thanks for the links. I know about not being fooled about a paint job. My 8n does not look perfect, but it does the job.

Here is a picture that was linked to me from the Ford 4000. I guess it is something for hyd, not Sherman. Since my 8n does not have it, I was not sure.

no pic

Sorry

hyds on top cover.

nowthen. you have an aux post tranny... what's printed on the coverplate?

I was just showing what was on the 601 yesterday with a picture of this other tractor. I am not looking at the 601.