Looking to purchase Ford 801 Powermaster advice appreciated

KenB-2N

New User
I have only owned a Ford 2N, and am looking at purchasing a Ford 800 series tractor that came available in my area. It is a Ford 801 Powermaster. The serial number and model is stamped as "841" and the serial number is: 126774
The tractor has been converted to 12 volt, and it does start and runs well, lift is working, pto is working. But I don't know a lot about this tractor. The tach is not working, and I can't tell if the temp or oil pressure gauge is accurate. Doesn't appear to be leaking anything. Seller wants around $3200. Appearance is OK, but certainly not restored. 2 new tires (rear left and front right). The other 2 tires appear OK but old.
One concern I have is that the alternator and belt does not appear to be aligned correctly with the water pump and bottom pulley. The belt doesn't come off, but is not aligned and I'm concerned if that is a major problem. Any other suggestions or areas of concern with this model would be appreciated. This forum has always been very helpful with my 2N, so looking for some pointers and advice here. Thank you.
 

That sounds like an "OK" deal. Oil pressure gauges are usually accurate enough if working. Temp gauges can get off due to rust build-up around the sensing bulb at the back of the head. If you want to assess the condition of the motor see what the oil pressure is when hot, and get a compression gauge to see what it makes for compression.
 
I wouldn't worry about the alternator alignment. Yes, I would fix it with a new mounting bracket but someone probably just threw it together to make it work. If nothing wobbles like a worn water pump, I wouldn't be concerned. Check all the fluids for any milky appearance that will need to be addressed if there is any. That wouldn't be a deal breaker either. I'd get it up to temp and make sure the coolant flows thru the thermostat and no bubbles in the radiator. Although I check that on every tractor I buy now. Don't ask why. It was a lesson well learned. Other then that if everything else looks good and works, the 801's are a solid, stronger tractor. Price sounds fair but I'd work on him some.
 

Location has a lot to do with value.
Around here a 801 with 4 speed trans and trans pto is hard to sell.
851 with 5 speed s are more desirable.
861 with 5spd and live pto bring good money. Similar to what their asking you for the 841.
 
There is nothing real special about those
tractors. Other than they'll do just about
double the work of an N. wink
Seriously though, just having live
hydraulics is a real upgrade.
Price is in the zone for these parts.
I'd be happier to see you get it for under
$3K but... A Sherman would help me cough up
the extra. Does it have one?
Like Tom says, I wouldn't worry about the
misaligned alternator either. I would fix it
of course - when convenient.
Let us know if you get it. We're always glad
to see a fellow get a tractor.
 

Thank you all for the feedback.
The tractor does not have a Sherman.
I think the gentleman selling it may be negotiable on the price. I might be able to purchase it for less. He has an old brush hog on it (5ft) and has it all listed for $3800. But I am not really interested in the brush hog, and he mentioned that he was willing to sell them separately.
It still has points type distributor (has not been converted to electronic ignition). Says he has a new battery and carburetor. The starter button is not functional. It starts by turning the key which is different than my 2N that starts by turning on key and pressing starter button by the shifter.
Oil looked normal, but when I checked the rear hydraulic oil, it appeared sort of 'creamy' color.
Will check the engine running to full temp, but I need some help on what I should do to check this. Do I get the tractor running to full temp and then remove radiator cap while engine running?
 
(quoted from post at 18:34:06 12/30/17) I have only owned a Ford 2N, and am looking at purchasing a Ford 800 series tractor that came available in my area. It is a Ford 801 Powermaster. The serial number and model is stamped as "841" and the serial number is: 126774

It is an 801 series tractor, which means that it is not an 800 series. The 801 series replaced the 800 series at the beginning of the 1958 model year. They actually added the "Powermaster" name during the last 6 months or so of the 800 series production, so there are some "800 Powermaster" models out there as well. 841 is the model within the 801 series. The 4 in the middle means that it has a 4 speed transmission and a trans driven (non-live) PTO. Early 801 series tractors would have had the individual model number on the side of the hood, so it would have said "841 Powermaster", but they changed the stickers at some point so that they all said "801 Powermaster" after a certain point regardless of the individual model.

As others have said, location has a lot to do with what they will sell for. For one like you describe, that price could be reasonable in some places and a little high in others. What really matters is what it is worth to you and to the person selling it. If you're buying it to work it, and everything seems to be in working order, and you have that much money and are willing to spend it then it's worth it to you.
 
The best advice I can give to you if you want to buy a bigger ford tractor than your N then buy one with the 5 speed tranny which will give you live power. you will be glad you did.
 
(quoted from post at 12:22:28 12/31/17) The best advice I can give to you if you want to buy a bigger ford tractor than your N then buy one with the 5 speed tranny which will give you live power. you will be glad you did.

5 spd doesn't mean it automatically has live pto
851 is 5 spd with trans pto
861 is 5 spd with live pto

Grew up on dad's 850 with 5 spd and trans pto.
 

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