Ford 861 Powermaster questions

Blueox4

Member
I just bought a 1958 Ford 861 Powermaster. It has power steering and has been converted to a 12 volt system and also electronic ignition
replacing the points. The previous owner is a experienced mechanic and he owned the tractor for the last 28 years. I won?t pick it up until next
weekend probably. The previous owner says there?s no issues at all with the tractor and it currently has a snow blade attached to the
hydraulics. I bought this only to push my 100ft driveway and was thinking my grandson and I could fix it up and maybe restore it. Once I get it
home what would be the first things I should do? Complete fluid change maybe? I?m thinking I need a owners, service and parts manuals too.
Not sure of a good place to get those. I?ll plow my driveway this winter I think then maybe start to restore it. Thanks for any insight on learning
more about this tractor!
 
Yes, if you don't know the history, you should change all fluids and filters first thing.

You can buy the Owner's Mnual and Service Manual here on Yesterday's Tractors:

[u:c466251386] Ford 861 Manuals on Yesterday's Tractors[/u:c466251386]

You don't need a parts manual. All of the parts diagrams and part number listings are available on-line at the New Holland parts web site:

[u:c466251386]New Holland Parts Site[/u:c466251386]
 
Great tractors. I have a similar 1962 4000.
For snow plowing, it will be way more effective if you will add some weight in the back, either loaded tires, iron wheel weights or 3 point weight, along with tire chains.
 
I heard they were nice tractors. It?s got literally brand new rear tires and wheel weights and tire chains included with it. The rear tires are not
loaded yet.I?ll have to look into how to do that or I?ll have the previous owner show me. We talked about it yesterday and discussed the beet
juice mix as an option.
 
With chains (double ring ?) and wheel weights (sectional pie weights ?) you won't need to load the tires for snow plowing.
Certainly are great general purpose tractors, you'll get a lot of use out of it, and most non major kinds of repairs are not too difficult.
 
Yes, it comes with the pie weights and I?ll have to check what type of chains but that was all included. The rear tires have less than 10 miles on them but I think it needs a front tire soon. Previous owner is getting the wheel weights on this week and I?ll probably pick it up next weekend.
 
I advise against liquid ballast. More trouble than it's worth unless you are planning heavy FEL work or tillage. You do not need it for what you plan to do.

I never use liquid ballast because I change all of my own tires and have no way to pump the goop. I do use cast iron weights, and a weight box on the three point if using a FEL.

Yes, you should change all of the fluids and filters (don't forget the PS filter) unless the PO has reliable maintenance records indicating such is not needed.

Dean
 
Thanks Dean, that?s good to know. I really did not want to get into that if I didn?t have to. I?ll just be pushing my driveway which is fairly level and about 100ft. I?ve been trying to figure out how to post a pic and when I do I?ll post a pic.
 

Since you have accurate and comprehensive information on the maintenance there is no reason to change filters and fluids unless the proof meter shows that it is due. Since you wish to restore it your first order of business should be to evaluate the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems to determine how deep you need to go. I suggest acquiring a replacement oil pressure gauge, a compression tester and a vacuum gauge. These will enable you to evaluate the engine. Drain just a little oil from the transmission and hydraulic compartments while it is cold. This will show you if there is any water in them. If you get water you should open the affected case to perform further evaluation.
 
The tractor has 200 hours on a full engine rebuild but I will be taking your advice to evaluate things as you describe. The previous owner took
excellent care of the tractor. With the Owners Manual and Service manual that I will be ordering from here I?m hoping to be able to make a
proper evaluation before proceeding with any restoration. Appreciate your advice showcrop! I need all I can get as this is my first tractor.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top