FORD 2600 - might buy

Hello all,

I am in the process of deciding to buy or not to buy a 1976 Ford 2600 Diesel.
I am aware from some reading on the boards that the hour meters were not the best and most likely the hours being shown are not the actual hours.
Couple of questions for those in the know:
About how long and what is the rough procedure for removing the FEL for paint, I am ok with not removing the entire unit but do want to take the main bucket, arms etc.. off for a sandblast/repaint. I am thinking self etching primer then back to ford blue.
Unit is diesel with what I know as an orchard exhaust, it exits below the tractor - is it an easy change to have it verticle from the hood or is it an entirely different hood assembly? Rough procedure to make it verticle vs the current horizontal?
Any other specific to the FORD 2600 Diesel items I should beware of?
Thanks for the help, have enjoyed the boards here for quite a few years.

If the hood currently has a hole in the top on the left side, either with or without a sheet metal plug in it, then you just need to remove the existing exhaust system, including the manifold, and install the vertical exhaust system that goes up through the hood. If the hole is not there on the top of the left hood panel then you will either need to cut a hole or find a replacement hood panel that already has the hole.

The x600's hour meters are much more reliable than the previous models. My 7600 and 4600 still have their original meters, at 8500+ hours and 9800+ hours, respectively. Not a guarantee the hours are accurate, but more likely. How to remove the FEL depends on what model/type it is. A quick-attach is much quicker and easier to remove than an older 730, 771, or 772 loader, and the procedure is different. To change from horizontal to vertical exhaust, you need a different exhaust manifold and an appropriate muffler. (the oval ones are generally quieter than the round ones...but a bit more expensive. Worth the extra $$, in my opinion.) You also need to cut a hole in the hood (please don't!) or get a different left half with the hole already there. Hoods without the exhaust hole aren't exactly easy to find... I'm sure you could swap for one with the hole. (factory isn't just a hole, either - it has rolled edges) The 2600 is a good, tough little tractor. With a loader on it, I'd be looking pretty hard at the front axle and axle pivot, though. That's a light axle for loader work.

I agree with Fordfarmer that the X600 hour meter is much improved over the 65-75 models. I would be apt to trust it.
I also agree not to cut a hole in the hood. I looked for 2 years for one without a hole before I found one. In fact, I believe cutting a hole should be a criminal act punishable by flogging or going 3 years without the comfort of a woman. Or both.
They are outstanding small tractors.
About the only thing you want to watch for is the water jacket tends to erode into the cylinder walls and causing cavitation.
This can be avoided by adding the recommended coolant treatment which prevents it. It's a small bottle of liquid you add to the radiator. Costs a few bucks at the CNH dealer.
Welcome to the Ford Board.

Thanks for the reply!

Mind you this is not the one we are looking at, it is the twin to the one we are looking at.

This one is at HIGH HILL EQUIPMENT
Atoka, Oklahoma
Phone: (888) 648-9949

That's a lot of loader for that size tractor, not easy to take off or install.

Let's try this......

View from the seat

That looks like a 730 loader. Appropriate for 2600. Not a quick-attach, not easy to remove or reinstall. To take it ALL off would be a real chore. To get the boom and bucket off, take the pivot pins out at the top of the towers and lift cylinders. If you have a sturdy tree branch to hang the boom from, it helps.

Got it, thanks for the input. Does anyone know if the loader has down pressure?

Now, i need to dial in on market value and what this is worth to me. I am east coast and I know ag equipment is a
little less here than elsewhere in the country from what I have seen.
Newer clutch and battery. Will need some attention on one of the loaded rim's as one of the tires is leaking and
probably junked the rim, I'm hopeful but not overly optimistic. Fronts are ok -

Are we talking a 4K$ tractor or a 6K$ tractor here? 1700 hours on the meter and not a lot of wear on knobs, pedals,
cutting edge on the bucket. I do need to check the front end out 100% to make sure there is not a lot of slop up
there, power steering does have a small drip/leak. Paint on the tractor is about a 6 or 7 out of 10 - fine for me -
loader does need to be painted as it is yellow. No major engine leaks and antifreeze looks good. Turf tires -

My use will be for property maintenance, light skidding, bush hogging, grading with blade and possibly york raking.
I have owned an NAA, and a 850 deere 4x4 with a loader in the past. I anticipate about 40 hours per year being put
on the tractor, pretty light use so if it's a good one it will last me till I'm buried or hit the lottery!

Picture shows hyd. lines going to both ends of the lift cylinders; yes, it has down pressure.
Prices vary regionally, and I don't know east coast prices, but... from your description, I was leaning on it being more towards the $6k figure until you said turf tires. As far as I'm concerned, that's the same as saying it needs new rear tires. But they may be OK for your use and soil type. Would be worthless for me.
The 730 loaders (if that is what model it is) were originally yellow. Owner's discretion, if that gets changed.

Yes, that loader has down pressure.

Here in Southeastern PA that would be a $5500.00 to $6500.00 tractor with the loader. Some might list it for more but it wouldn't sell right way. It would be gone the same day at $5500.00 and might take a few days at $6500.00. Without the loader it would take longer to sell even at a reasonable price, but should be worth $3000.00 to $4000.00 without the loader.

Sean is "right on the money" for his values. I am in the same area of the USA. This looks like a nice unit. It should serve you well once you check it out.

WE call that a family loader, as it takes the whole family to take it off , but a very strong one

Sean in PA
fordfarmer
robilmichael
Destroked 450
Ultradog MN
dmb2613

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge, I will let you know how things turn out and get some pics if it is a go. Much appreciated on all the thoughtful comments, again thank you!