Massey 375??

I posted this over in Tractor Talk and haven't got any advice, thought I'd try here...

I've found what seems to be a decent deal on another loader tractor. 2wd 1987 model, current owner has owned it for 15 years, says the 1800 hours on the clock is right, good tires, 12 forward/4 reverse gear trans, 2 rear remotes, and Massey 236 loader. Tractor has set out some and the finish isn't great(not awful, just not perty either), the loader is hooked directly to the remotes(no control valve on it), the loader cylinders need to be rebuilt(he says just the bucket cylinders but I'm going to say all 4), and he says the PTO won't quit turning unless it has something hooked to it, so I'm guessing either the pto break or possibly the pto clutch is gone. He told me the first $7000 buys it.
I figure I can fix the loader cylinders and add a control valve and some new hoses for under $800. I'm guessing a new PTO clutch will be in the 250-500 range in parts, but I have no idea if I can do that job myself. Any idea how big a job that is? Tractor have to be split? Or can it be got to thru the lift cover? If I buy it at $7k and put another $1500 into it, think its worth the $8500? Are these pretty good tractors? 60hp loader tractors around here aren't cheap, even 2wd models. Thanks

For a tractor of that size with a loader for $7000 isn't too bad (a new FEL is around $5000). The fact of the pto turning all the time is not that a big deal, my brothers 7710 Ford pto has been doing that for years. It still works fine, and he's not to concerned, or in no hurry to fix it (he worked at Ford tractor dealership for many years). The pto probably only needs the brake for it fixed, and if it doesn't have a cab it's a lot easier.

if the tractor and loader are in good condition it's well worth what he is asking even though the cosmetics are weathered, be sure to check the condition of the front end of any tractor that has or has had a loader on it, some wear is to be expected but worn out and weld patched members are a good sign of problems, also drive it and load the clutch with the brakes and see if it holds, it's not a bank breaker to replace one but they can be a little more than expected sometimes, when you have run it enough to warm up the hyd fluid a little try the loader to see if it will lift a load ok a few times, if the tractor has the same hyd flow as the 255 we have and the loader has large lift cylinders don't expect it to be super fast, use to run a 175 with a farm hand loader and it was quicker lifting compared to the case loader on our 255 with the same gpm pump but the 255 will lift more at a smoother pace because the cylinders are larger

we had two of these since new , still have one. both 4wd about 2500 hrs. Good solid basic tractors. wouldn't be concernd about pto, mine is the same and can't really remember how long its been like that. just need to shut tractor off before trying to attach pto. It wont turn once its hooked to something.
should be a lever on platform at right side of seat that will lock up 3pth arms and divert more flow to rear hyd for faster loader operation. steering wheel can be kinda loose, I think there was an update or something on that at one time. The batteries are not the normal, the pos and neg posts are reversed but I believe you can get normals ones in there if you can get cables to reach. Haven't had any issues other than a water pump. good luck