I've got two tractors near me for sale and both seem like pretty good deals. I haven't called on any of them yet, so assuming they both run good, what do you all think?

600 - https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/grd/d/1957-ford-600/6371994660.html

800 - https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/grd/d/ford-800/6410590720.html

What's the pros and cons of both? Any thing I should look/lookout for if I go look? I've got an 8n and know those fairly well but don't know much about the hundred series. I know that there's different models such as 640/641s, 841, 861s, etc...how would I tell? They both just say 600 or 800 in the ads.

Any thoughts on either tractor is appreciated.
 
800 has more hp and heavier rear axle than
a 600. Like about 40? vs 34.
Those both look like really good deals to
me.
The 5 sp might or might not have lpto. The
600 looks like it has a 4 sp so cannot
have lpto. Both have live hyds however.
If you are used to an N you won't have a
problem figuring either one of them out.
Both of them are much more tractor than an
N. You would like them.
 

Ultra, the 600 is right down the road from my house and would be easier for me to trailer home. Do you think I would be missing out on anything if I went with the 600 vs the 800?
 
The 600 is 32 horse,4 speed no live power,the 800 is a 5 speed live power 46 horse,if you look on the housing behind the starter there will be the serial # and
the model # stamped there,could be 601,801 etc. this can tell you a little more about it.I would opt for the 800 series with live pto with all things being equal
between the two,tires,sheetmetal,leaks,etc. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
I think I would find out more about them, especially the 800. A question I would ask myself is, what do I plan on using it for. Is the 800 a 851 or 861? The 861 would be a more desirable tractor because of the live pto which is a benefit when using pto driven equipment. With the 851 you would need an override clutch for safety. Check out John Smith's site for info on the 800 series and models. You can also do a further search on this site as many have asked the same question, which is better?
Ford Tractors
 
For that price I would buy both of them. Play with them for a month and make up your mind. Sell the other and probably could make
a buck or three. I know prices are down, but I sold an 860 for three times that a couple of years ago.
 
The 800s had about 40 hp.
It wasnt till the 801s came out that they
put the big carbs on them and bumped the
hp up a few more ponies.
Both the 6xx and 8xx tractors could be had
with 4 sp which only had trans pto. They
both could also have the 5 speed with
either live or non live pto.
I think that 600 has a 4 sp from the
photo.
I would move on those tractors quickly.
Either would be a big upgrade from an N.
 
(quoted from post at 15:29:28 01/04/18)
Ultra, the 600 is right down the road from my house and would be easier for me to trailer home. Do you think I would be missing out on anything if I went with the 600 vs the 800?

The horsepower may never make a difference for you but it could make a huge difference depending on what you may wan to power with it. The condition of both looks similar so I would easily go an additional 100 miles for the 860 if their oil pressure and compression checked out to be equivalent.
 


Several of you still need to learn that hundred series Fords and hundred and one series Fords are two different series. An 800 cannot be an 841, 851, 861 or any other model ending with a 1. It can be an 840, 850 or 860 and maybe a few other designations indicating lack of hydraulics and/or PTO.

The one pictured in the ad is either an 850 or an 860. I don't believe the photo is clear enough for one to say for certain that it has LPTO (live power take off)

If they're still legible and this tractor's components are the ones it came from the factory with, there will either be an 850 or an 860 stamped into the flat spot on top of the bell housing right behind the starter. The serial number will be stamped there as well.
 
Yes both have live hydraulics. Only the 860 will have live pto. Check the model numbers where Larry said.
 
I have a 640. Love it. Also a 960
totally different subject,sorry.
640 is a great tractor. Wife and
kids drive it. Easy to operate.
800 maybe little more power. But
600 still a big step up over N.
Keep us posted on what you do. If
you could afford both......sell
one in spring,make a buck!
 
Of course I would examine both if interested in both.

That said, I can see no reason to buy a 6** series tractor as 8** series tractors can be had for about the same money.

The 860 was rated at 43.04 max belt (PTO) HP in NE test 562, 09/21/55-10/06/55. The 640 was rated at 29.46 max belt (PTO) HP in NE test 560, at the same time. This particular 640 might have been a bit weak, as a 660 developed 32.34 max belt HP in NE test 561 at the same time. An 11-13+ HP difference is huge in tractors of this size.

The 860 also has a live PTO (double clutch) heavier rear axle and wider rear rims with larger tires.

A 640 will outwork a good late model 8N, while an 860 will do approximately twice the work in the same time as an 8N

Both tractors appear to be well kept original survivors and are still 6V.

Dean
 
I have found that old tractors work better and are happier if they have kinfolk nearby to keep them company. They should always be bought in pairs.
 

Well guys, so far bad news. I called on the 600. He actually had 2 600's for sale at that price but both are gone. :cry: Probably should have figured at that price.

I called on the 800 but it just rang and rang and eventually got "this voicemail is not setup"...blah blah blah. My experience is usually when I get this it's never any good. It's either a scam or they don't recognize the number/area code and never answer. I'll keep trying to call today but my hopes aren't too high lol.
 

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