ford 1220 opinions

funky_g00

Member
There is a ford model 1220 posted for sale near me and I would like to know more about it so I can convince SWMBO I need yet another tractor. Keep in mind that the only things drawing me to this tractor are its size and price tag. The tractor looks used but not abused it does need a seat and the tires are mismatched turf and ag tires. It is just your basic two-wheel drive model. While it is priced way below market value it is a nonrunner with a shibaura 3-cylinder diesel engine. I myself prefer gas engines over diesel, so if the replies say this model is a money pit, I have no problems passing on a too good to be true deal. I have also always been told to avoid the odd cylinder/import small engines. Are parts available or is this a model to avoid. The seller says it cranks but will not start, so I hope it is just a cold weather-related issue (gelled fuel, glow plugs, etc). Thanks
 
I have a 1210 hydro. It will not start (cold) without glowplugs even in summer. Warmed up- pops right off. Mine is FWA and most of those parts are unobtainium, even used are hard to find. Have a loader on mine and it will do a surprising amount of work especially in tight places. Great for garden work, elevator work, snow removal, packing machinery in the sheds for winter. That being said, it would have to be a great price to get another given parts availability and CNH's prices on parts that are available. Though I do try to keep my eyes open for a parts tractor and have found other sources for bearings and such. Power steering was an option on 1220's Really most of my breakdowns (3) have been due to loader use (ok, maybe a little abuse) on the front axle. Tractor without loader shouldn't have those issues. These are just my observations and opinions.
 
The are great tractors but.... parts can be non existent for the Japanese Compacts. Ford had great success and sold lots of them, but the Japanese design is for a tractor to be replaced every 5 years and only make enough spare parts for that anticipated life. American product had parts design for a 20 year life.. So you can see where maybe not near enough spare parts were produced. My experience that injector pumps and hydraulic pumps are not available. Your area may differ.
 
I have a 1310 and a 1720 with the 3 cyl engines--no problems with the engines but the 1310 needs the glow plugs to start even on warm days
 
Buy it and start looking for a parts tractor,then another pretty soon you'll have lots of customers for rare spare parts plus anything you will need.Worked for me with AC 5020 and 5030.
 
I have 4 3 cyl diesels. Newest 2015, oldest 1988. No issues with any of them. Biggest thing to make sure of is keeping Radiator blown out (I do all of them Daily) and oil changed. All mine like they're glow plugs. Diesel is the only way to go in compacts. I bought all mine used (B7100HST is a 92 I got in 97) and other than some bearings, belts and batteries, 0 parts in all 4. All mine are FWD which is nice, but, if the it runs good and the price is right, you can't go wrong.
cvphoto146180.jpg


cvphoto146181.jpg
 
A friend of mine bought one of those little Fords with the Shibaura engine. He was told it did not run, and when he got it home and started working on it, he found there weren't any pistons in the engine! He did eventually get the pistons, but, found out other needed parts were unobtainable. I don't believe he ever got it running. Mark.
 

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