Ford 8600 tractor

M Stepan

New User
what are some cons or issues with this tractor. What are the pro's, resale value what are they going for. thanks
 
M - hopefully, some smarter guys w/better memories will chime in, but here's what I can tell you. The injection pump has its own sump. When you change the engine oil, you need to change the inj. pump oil separately. Holds about a pint, I think. Remove the drain plug and see what runs out. If its mostly diesel or rusty looking water, the pump will need attention in the near future - maybe sooner.

The shift linkage is about 4' long and will need periodic adjustment. When the pivot bushings under the dash wear out, they're expensive to replace if you get them from Ford.

Does it have dual power? If so, check out the shifting. Should be no hesitation when shifting between low and high if everything's tight. If it just has a straight 8 speed transmission, I've found them to be near bulletproof. Dual Power not too problematic either, but you have to split the tractor to overhaul it. Even that's not too hard if it doesn't have a cab.

Check pto engagement. Should engage quickly and stop relatively quickly. The brake band can wear out. Not hard to rebuild a pto either, but also requires a split. Also - look for oil leakage around pto shaft while it's running. That leak isn't too hard to fix if present.

Might also check rear wheels or have someone watch them turn when you take off - make sure the axle doesn't turn inside the wheel center any. I had a 9600 that did that - the u-bolts came loose at one point and I didn't know it. Wallowed the wheel a little. Do make sure u-bolts on axle aren't broken. Breaking them isn't a problem in my experience, but something to look for just to be thorough.

Always, always use Ford brake oil in the brakes. Automotive fluid will swell the brake seals and wear them out. Then comes a rebuild.

Find out as much as you can about the engine from the owner. Has it been rebuilt? Has he kept conditioner in the coolant? These 401's are pretty much bulletproof IF coolant conditioner is kept in them all the time. Otherwise, cavitation is a problem, then it's a major overhaul.

I grew up on an 8000 - still have it (it has finally cavitated after 12000 hrs.) - and just bought a late model one w/dual power for $4000. I live in So. Ill., so I don't know how much you could expect to pay where you live.

I have a 3000, 8700, and TW 35 also. I had a 9600 for 10 years and wish I still had it. I pulled it in some local farm pulls and always did well. The 401 is a strong puller and dependable.

Hope this helps, and good luck.
 

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