I am on somewhat of a tight budget. While I think a Ford 4000 would be ideal I have found a 1958 641 with a loader for $2750 in good working condition. I understand there will be limitations but anything I should look out for or need to know? I'm aware of transmission pto and should have overrun clutch and slip clutch. How important is 12v conversion? One of the big questions I have is why this tractor is so light. I was also looking at an IH 350 that has almost identical dimensions and hp but apparently weighs 1700 lbs more ????? I prefer to have a heavier tractor. It currently has a 55gal drum of concrete on the 3 pt. Tractor will be used mainly for around the house tasks, food plotting and jack pine tree work. HP seems to be adequate for my needs. Any input is appreciated.
- Thread starter nrowles
- Start date
Rustytractorguy
Member
I'm by no means an expert on what options were available for that model, but I wouldn't get a tractor with a loader that doesn't have power steering. So I'd check into that. For the work you describe I wouldn't be too worried about the weight unless you plan on doing a lot of loader work or tillage in your plots. If you don't need a loader much you might be able to tolerate not having PS.
You have to understand that these were Ag tractors and not industrial tractors so they weren't really meant to carry a loader. Kind of an
afterthought to increase sales and make it more of a useful tool for the farmer. The loaders got used and some got beat up and not
maintained.
Because 4 out of 5 loaders I get have cracks in the axle carrier I would look at that first then lower the bucket and if if it has
downpressure I would raise the front end off the ground and check for spindle/hub and axle pin wear, bent radius rods are a good
indication that you axle pin and bushing need replacement. Some bushings may be wore so bad it has eated into the axle. These are not deal
breakers but something to look for and adjust your price accordingly.
With the introduction of the light industrials and HD industrials ford did improve on there front end.
As stated always nice to have power steering.
If you think the 641 will meet your needs then go for it. They are good tractors but if I were only to have one tractor if would be the
4000 or late 801. They will eat more gas but get the job done.
Kirk
afterthought to increase sales and make it more of a useful tool for the farmer. The loaders got used and some got beat up and not
maintained.
Because 4 out of 5 loaders I get have cracks in the axle carrier I would look at that first then lower the bucket and if if it has
downpressure I would raise the front end off the ground and check for spindle/hub and axle pin wear, bent radius rods are a good
indication that you axle pin and bushing need replacement. Some bushings may be wore so bad it has eated into the axle. These are not deal
breakers but something to look for and adjust your price accordingly.
With the introduction of the light industrials and HD industrials ford did improve on there front end.
As stated always nice to have power steering.
If you think the 641 will meet your needs then go for it. They are good tractors but if I were only to have one tractor if would be the
4000 or late 801. They will eat more gas but get the job done.
Kirk
I would assume that you could attach a barrel of concrete to an eleven hole drawbar and when to drop in down all the way will not hit the ground. With your method,without using limiter chains, every time you drop the loader bucket down and move forward you are also scrapping the back with the blade. A friend of mine uses a mower deck for counter weight but his has 4 wheels so it's not digging it.
I prefer wheel weights myself.
Kirk
I prefer wheel weights myself.
Kirk
If the tractor runs good,3 point hitch works, good oil pressure, tires are good, tin is straight, not a bad deal.I have two 601 tractors and one 641. They are great tractors. The 641 has a wide bucket and is the one I use the most. To me, the 12v conversion is ok but not required. It is handy in cold weather for sure.
showcrop
Well-known Member
If you want weight you don't want a Ford. Fords of that time had the highest power to weight ratio of any tractors. During that era, pretty much all loader tractors were two wheel drive with a 55 gal drum full of rocks and old cast iron on the back. Tire condition is a major factor in tractor value. Make sure that the 3 point will hold a load up for ten minutes. Take a compression tester and check engine inside condition.
If it is running good and steering ok, and front axles not falling apart.. 2750$ is good for a 01 with a loader.
You can fill the rears if they aren't.. IF you need to.
As others pointed out.. these aren't heavy tractors. a 8xx weighs only a bit more than an 8n.. virtually same dimensions.. but nearly 2x the hp.
Other tractors like some jd/farmalls had huge cast rear center sections, cast wheel centers, and wheel weights. My farmall H is heavier than any of my 8xx/9xx tractors, though has less hp.
You can fill the rears if they aren't.. IF you need to.
As others pointed out.. these aren't heavy tractors. a 8xx weighs only a bit more than an 8n.. virtually same dimensions.. but nearly 2x the hp.
Other tractors like some jd/farmalls had huge cast rear center sections, cast wheel centers, and wheel weights. My farmall H is heavier than any of my 8xx/9xx tractors, though has less hp.
Don't beat me up here guys. I'm not so brand specific like some of you probably are. You may have input though and I will probably post in the Case sections of the forum as well. I am also going to look at a Case 530. It weighs about a thousand pounds more and 3hp less. $250 cheaper. Seems to be in about the same condition as the 641. Reason I'm looking at this Case is because it is heavier and like Kirk-NJ mentioned I think the Case may get more work done with the loader. I like the idea of the 641 better with the exception of the loader function. The bucket on the 641 is small too, probably because of its limitations. Any thoughts?
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