900 trike - common probs/issues to look for in a non-running

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I'm thinking of upgrading from my 9Ns to a 900 that's for sale near me. Its in a barn, flat tire, says needs restored, not running - looks like it's been parked 10+yrs. What do I need to look for with this? Is it 6 or 12v? neg ground? common issues to watch for?

Thanks
 
it could be a 900 series or a 901, or heck.. even a mis ID's 4000 4 cyl.

the red tiger engines are pretty robust.

if it's a gasser it may need a tank cleaning and carb rebuild and tune up.. clean electrics, gap points etc.

maybee put some atf downt he plug holes to start oiling the rings.

brakes setup are similar to 8n and up drums. the rowcrops have bull gears, so always have to look for some play and make sure you service the finals.

if it's a straight gear model and not a 971/981 with an SOS.. you can move it without much work. an sos will need the traction disconnect thrown.

personalyy.. I would be smoking it over good if it is a non runner. never know if you are buying a ton of scrap or not.

about the biggest hidden problem on the 55-64 are the possibility of perforated pressure lines in the tranny from the hyd pump to center housing.. usually if water was in the sump.

on the early 900 series with single piece front pedistal.. parts are getting hard top find.. so if the pedistal is shelled out.. i'd look for a newer 2 piece front end and swap that in .. gives you the option of single/dual narrow front or wide front. vs fixed dual narrow front.. or aftermarket wide like a swartz..e tc.

i love the rowcrops. got plenty in the barn. if you have specific questions also, ask away.

non runners are soooo hard to call. with bad tires and non running.. i wouldn't offer much

if it's a gasser it started out as 6v p ground. if it's a diesel it started out 12v neg grnd.
 
Here's what's listed:

Ford 900 Row Crop Tractor, Live Power, Needs Complete Restoration, Asking $1400

I'll try attaching the lone pic.

Looks gas to me with standard trans (not SOS).
mvphoto12719.jpg



I just want something to run moving dirt and firewood, maybe put the FEL from the Ferg TO30 on it?

Thanks SouNd
 
That one I a 5 spd so 950 or 960, clutch looks high enough to be a 960

1400 probably fair I it I loose, I go for 1200 and see.

Fel? maybee. Some trikes run del, but .. Need to be the right type. 900 can run ford 711 & 722 1 arm loaders..
 
If the engine is not locked up could well be an easy fix as in clean the carb and clean the point or replace the points. If it has sat that long I would fill the cylinders with ATF and let it sit 24-48 hours then spin it over with the plugs out so as to free up any rings that will be likely to be stuck. Big question is why was it parked?? Could well be a fair buy or a money pit
 
Would any of my spare 9N/Ferg parts fit it? Rear fenders should work? What about the 12.4/28 tires on the TO30, will that 6hole rim line up if I use the ferg centers?

Any way to check the live hydraulics if it's not running?
 
Inspect the rear rims carefully.

Early Ford PA rims like shown in the picture are not available from any source. Yes you can change centers and use 6 loop rims.

Check to see if the swinging drawbar is included as they are different from those used on utility versions, becoming difficult to find and expensive.

Fenders are not the same as utility models and are very hard to find.

Check to see if the sway brackets, which are unique to the 7/9** tractors are included. They are difficult to find, though rather easily made for someone who can fabricate using 3/8" flat stock.

If power steering, check for rust on the slave cylinder rod.

Dean
 
I would buy it for that.
But try to get it for $1200.
Don't get into a mind set that you have to fix it.
If there is something seriously wrong with it part it out.
Rear lugnuts on a Ferguson are the same as a Ford = 8 on 6". Fenders will fit.
NF aren't the best loader tractors but will still move a lot.
After owning an N this one will be different but still very familiar - not too steep a learning curve.
If you get it running your N will mostly sit in the shed or get sold off. Hundreds are SO much better.
 
As others have said, looks to be an early 960, similar to mine.
Check for play at the rear axle/bull gear and connections.
That's not a deal breaker, but something to fix if loose.

If you get it and decide there's too much to fix, I'll be on the
parts buying list for those fenders! LOL
Other fenders will fit, but the right ones are 7/900 only AFAIK.

Not running you can't check, but one common problem with
the 5 speed is to have it pop out of third gear.
When you drive it you'll see why it is the most used and most
worn. Easy to just push the shifter forward to go forward and
pull it back to go backwards.

mvphoto12732.jpg
 
There isn't much that will interchange. The
fenders will work but will sit higher. The TO30
6loop rims with your center disc will bolt on but
in the photo I see it doesn't have a extension hub
so if your disc is all the way out it will need to
be moved or it might hit the fenders.
I agree with others it's probably a 960 and
probably a 1955.
I would try to air up the tires and try rocking it
back and forth in and out of gear to see if the
clutch is stuck. The 960 has a double clutch which
could get pretty pricey to replace.
You could try the hyd by engaging the 3pt quadrant
lever in the up position and spin the engine. If
you spin it fast enough it should make an effort
to come up. This however is not a real test of the
system.

Kirk
 
buy it

like all these type posts, it really depends on your area.
In my area, a geared 900-901 in the 1000-1500 price range
would be in my yard the next day.
Condition don't matter, I don't need a pic. Fairly complete, I'd own it.
Old tractors are simple things, a bunch of parts bolted together.
Most everything can be fixed. Absolutely unfix-able parts, can be unbolted and a good section bolted in.
If the tools in your toolbox are worn smooth and shiny from your hands, there is nothing on old tractors that is scary.

in my area of $3000+ N's, that is a great deal.
hmmmm...OH ain't that far.....just kidding...good luck
 
That's kinda where I am NNP, only problem is if it's not an easy fix there's a long line of projects in the garage, house and behind the barn that were deals too good to pass up (as the wife likes to point out quite frequently when I moan about not having enough time to get to things)

I appreciate all the feedback everyone - if I can unload my latest 9N project I intend to take a drive with the trailer this weekend.
 

It is hard to tell from the pic but the fenders look very good from here. As said they are impossible to find and much sought after. If you decide to put new ones on you could probably get three times what new ones cost for the old ones.
 
9N went to a new home yesterday.... went to hook the trailer up and the waterpump went on the Dodge - guess I won't make it to look at the rowcrop till next weekend.

How do I tell if it has live PTO? Owner says it's a 5 speed without ps.
 
Well I took the trailer down to check this thing out - sheetmetal is pitted almost through, fenders are crumbling. He'd put oil in the cyls but the motor is locked - wrench turns the crank bolt rather than the crank, dragging it in 5th and the wheels skid. Steering was nice and smooth but the tires are shot, rear rims are rotted at the valvestem - I got him down to $1100 and then I walked away. I would've done it for $700 but he wasn't going that low. "already have an offer for $1000"

I told him I'd think about it. Someone please tell me I did the right thing :)
 
You did. Tires are expensive, fenders almost impossible to find.
With a locked up engine you don't know if the tranny or hydraulics
are any good at all. Basically a parts tractor and the best parts are bad.
Those being the rims and fenders.
 
I was going to go look at that tractor. Behind it, in that photo is a 53 jubilee in the same condition, and he wants $1400 for it, also.


I was planning on coming home with both tractors in a package deal.
 
John, that Jube is in even worse shape. It's more of a rust sculpture in the shape of a tractor. The cast stuff is likely ok but the tins, tires and rear rims are destroyed. We pulled the 900 out with a kubota and towed it around the yard trying to see if the motor would free up (plugs pulled, oiled cyls) and it didn't move. I helped him push it back in under his overhang before I left. If I had a jube or 900 project where I needed hard parts I'd think they'd be ok but for a beginning of a project - I just don't have that kind of time or $$.

Keep us posted if you get em (he's also got a 2 bottom plow - in pieces - he'd throw in).
 
Sounds like I will stay home, then! Well, I have to make a trip out to see Steve Miner so I'll still be out that way. Maybe I'll talk him into buying the pair! haha
 

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