My son (16) is looking at this tractor opinions?

Jeff in Alto · May 23, 2017

So my 16 yr old son is hugely into farming and tractors. He recently sold his quad and is looking at tractors. He's considering going to a trade school for ag equipment repair so I'm thinking a project might be a good thing at this point. I've restored a car and done quite a bit of engine work over the years but never a diesel or sleeve replacement. He's looking at this tractor. https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/6126886580.html
Part of me would like him to buy an 8n or similar and call it goo but part of me thinks he'd learn a lot more doing a project like this. Any opinions welcome!

Nick m · May 23, 2017

You'd have alot more tractor here than a 8n
when done. If all it really needs is an
overhaul, probably not too bad of a price.
I've bought a few non runners from Massey to
cockshutt to deere thinking I was getting a
deal, and it always seems like when I'm done
I could have bought a running one minus all
the headache for about the same money I had
into those. If you enjoy tinkering still not
a bad way to go. Those little Perkins are
nice engines.

Frantz · May 23, 2017

Same as the car market..... when you buy a halfway done project you ought to get a deal. You really have to be careful that it comes with all the pieces. The fellow shows he knows the market, and in the picture he has both another tractor and an old car (or three). I'd make an offer. He says "firm", but cash talks. It's two weeks old, and he made some sort of update earlier in the day. If you want it and youre happy with all he has I wouldn't think $1k is a bad deal for a diesel.

ptfarmer · May 23, 2017

Since its a diesel he would be much further ahead when going into to a trade school on ag equipment.

Jeff in Alto · May 23, 2017

$4,000 will buy a nice example of this model. He's got a low budget around $1,500 or so. I know how quickly you can end up upside down with these projects but I'm thinking the hands on experience would be worth it. He's pretty motivated to do whatever it takes at this point and I enjoy these types of projects. It's always the unknowns that worry me. Does the pto work, the 3 point, the transmission etc? It's hard taking the word of a stranger on what works.

ptfarmer · May 23, 2017

If he does most of the work himself, and buys only the parts he really needs to repair something like a hydraulic pump, or reseal the injector pump himself it can be done cheap. Even if you buy a $4000 tractor who knows how long it will go before it needs repairs, maybe the day you get it home, maybe a year. It's still a roll of the dice no matter what you pay for it.

Phil Tibbetts · May 24, 2017

No comparison between a MF 35 and a Ford 8N. The MF is 3 times the tractor.

Tom Bowman · May 24, 2017

Looking at the front grille - isn't that tractor a later model FE35? (Don't know if that makes a difference.)

John Deere D · May 24, 2017

If I have the correct craigslist listing?

The add I seem to have located appears to be a MF FE 35 Made in England that some one has dismantled considerably?

The 8-N will supply you with the basic experience of Tractor overhaul. Possibly the best route, for a first timer? Parts to overhaul the 8-N are available and will not require a Mortgage.

With all due respect,the MF 35 will allow you and Son to cover a much, much wider span of mechanical hands on. The MF 35 is NOT for the faint of heart as a first time project....yes it can be done,we all started some where...

The Perkins Diesel is an Engine that tolerates NO deviation from the service manual.

In 1985, (with the exception of the FUEL PUMP) the Total cost to overhaul a 1963 FE 35 X 3 cylinder Perkins engine was $2,000.00 + dollars for parts and Crankshaft machining. Today (May,2017) I have $1000.00 in parts to install into the Transmission,and a NEW Hydraulic pump(3 point hitch, etc.) $300.00. A new Engine Starter in the past two years,$200.00.Transfer fuel pimp (April,2017) $35.00.

All the best with the out come:

Bob..

Jeff in Alto · May 24, 2017

What all is involved in re-sleeving the cylinders? I'd imagine I'd
have to use a press attached to the top of the block? Would I
have to remove the crank or can it be done clearance wise
with the crank in place?

ptfarmer · May 24, 2017

You can replace the sleeves while engine/crankshaft is still in the tractor (known as a in-frame rebuild).

Jeff in Alto · May 24, 2017

Would it be cutting corners to put the new sleeves,rings in and put it back together or would that be a problem? I appreciate the costs given. That helps put things in perspective.

John B. · May 24, 2017

I would stay away from the 8N's. The resale isn't there like it use to be. A local shop owner here use to sell many of the little 8N's but
can't any more and he's stuck with quite a few of them. Now the Massey in the CL post is a basket case in my opinion. I would only buy it to
part out to make money to buy something even better and running. Just my 2 cents. There's more here for you son to learn than just working on
equipment. Being able to buy something and part with it is huge learning curve but a lot of times a money maker. It's not the price that will
fool you, it's the person!!

Nick m · May 24, 2017

I have a hard time with the parting with them part.....

rustred · May 24, 2017

you dont want an 8n , very expensive to repair.plus the whole engine has to go to machine shop for valve work. best is to practice on a 44 massey or w6 mccormick very simple. parts probably the cheapest on the ihc.

tractorguy2 · May 24, 2017

I think an 8n would be an excellent choice. They are not expensive to repair. In fact parts for 8n's are the easiest to find and
in most cases are cheaper in price than most other tractors.

Jeff in Alto · May 26, 2017

We picked up this tractor today. Overall the tin is in really good
shape. It'll take some work but will be a good experience for
him. The serial number is SNM 221458. I think that makes it a
1961 model year.

shawnee · Jul 16, 2017

I like the dexta you can get one for next to nothing. Parts are available here in the states and even more in UK. Perkins built the engine with their parts.

Just got through with mine it's my atv and can do a little work with it.

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Silver_Johnny/media/bWVkaWFJZDoxOTU2NTg5Nzc=/?ref=

My son (16) is looking at this tractor opinions?

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