Brand new to this forum and brand new to tractors so please forgive my obvious lack of general knowledge. I'm looking at a 1962-63? Ford 4000 from craigslist. When I checked out the tractor I noticed a few things that have me wondering if they are important concerns.
1. The PTO seemed to be running the entire time the tractor was in use, I did not get to see it hooked up to anything during my visit so I couldn't tell if it spun slower when the PTO lever was not engaged (idling speed?) From searching this forum I'm gathering that maybe this is connected to the SOS transmission. It all has me wondering if it is a live PTO or not? I believe the current owner has an overrunning slip clutch attached to the PTO shaft on his bush hog. I don't mind the idea of turning off the tractor when switching out attachments (seems a safe idea anyway) just wondering if it's a sign or a larger concern.
2. The throttle seemed a little variable during operation with RPM's fluctuating a bit. I know this could likely be any number of things relating to fuel system, but would I be right in thinking that most issues that connect to this are smaller tuning fixes connected to things like carburetor adj, filters and gas quality?(re Low tank?). The tractor started right up from cold without the choke engaged so was I wondering if maybe the choke itself could be slightly engaged and then causing some stuttering as it warmed up?
Finally I'd welcome any thoughts on the SOS system. The inching pedal seemed to work OK but maybe was a bit odd to get used to, owner recently did a fluid service and had secured the previously hard to find filter parts and even got some extras in case scarcity became a problem again. Given my wondering about the PTO just thought I'd ask if this transmission has a history of being problematic or hard to service. It did seem to shift ok but I don't think I would be a good judge of what a good standard would be.
Thanks in advance for any patience you're able to muster in response to my novice questions.
1. The PTO seemed to be running the entire time the tractor was in use, I did not get to see it hooked up to anything during my visit so I couldn't tell if it spun slower when the PTO lever was not engaged (idling speed?) From searching this forum I'm gathering that maybe this is connected to the SOS transmission. It all has me wondering if it is a live PTO or not? I believe the current owner has an overrunning slip clutch attached to the PTO shaft on his bush hog. I don't mind the idea of turning off the tractor when switching out attachments (seems a safe idea anyway) just wondering if it's a sign or a larger concern.
2. The throttle seemed a little variable during operation with RPM's fluctuating a bit. I know this could likely be any number of things relating to fuel system, but would I be right in thinking that most issues that connect to this are smaller tuning fixes connected to things like carburetor adj, filters and gas quality?(re Low tank?). The tractor started right up from cold without the choke engaged so was I wondering if maybe the choke itself could be slightly engaged and then causing some stuttering as it warmed up?
Finally I'd welcome any thoughts on the SOS system. The inching pedal seemed to work OK but maybe was a bit odd to get used to, owner recently did a fluid service and had secured the previously hard to find filter parts and even got some extras in case scarcity became a problem again. Given my wondering about the PTO just thought I'd ask if this transmission has a history of being problematic or hard to service. It did seem to shift ok but I don't think I would be a good judge of what a good standard would be.
Thanks in advance for any patience you're able to muster in response to my novice questions.