My Elenco 821/841 project

This is my current project: a 1961 Ford 821 that was converted to an 841 (3PTH added at a later date). The 821's just had a drawbar and no 3PTH.

This tractor was produced in May, 1961 and has factory power steering, Sherman Step-up transmission, 4 speed, and Elenco 4WD. About 5,000-6,000 Fords were produced with the Elenco 4WD front end.

The dash is missing the large cutout for the proofmeter because this 821 did not have a proofmeter. These 821's were the economy model. The loader is in really good shape with a strong Vicker pump.

I have already restored the loader and it took 3 days just for that! Good thing it was straight, solid, and no welds or repairs to that! The hood and new original dash with proofmeter are now restored and it looks great. I found original ignition and charge dash lights and will install the domed dash light too.

I am replacing the cracked head and giving it a valve job while at it. The cylinders and pistons were in great shape. I am rebuilding the rear end, installing a new clutch, throwout bearing and clutch pedal return spring. Also going through the leaks for the power steering, as I think there is a leak on the steering column power steering conversion valve area. Why not? Might as well!

This tractor will be restored to new again. I'll replace the rear tires with a matching set. Already located an 01 Series air cleaner for it and step toolbox too. The rear discs are unique. They are a solid one piece cast center weight and they are some kind of heavy!

tom

A few questions: Do you know what brand and model of loader your tractor has? My 851 has a similar loader that I have not been able to identify. My loader is WAY faster than my 641D's tractor hydraulic trip loader. Another question: How do you have live PTO with a 4 speed? I thought the live PTO was only with some 5 speeds and SOS. Question 3: How is power applied to the front axle? Is there some kind of a transfer case and can the front axle be taken out of gear?

I have heard about Elenco 4WD conversions and have seen a few photos, but have never seen one in real life. None of the photos I have seen show where the front driveshaft goes near the rear axle. If you could post some photos I would really appreciate it.

I suppose you will get well acquainted with Tony Jacobs, who sometimes posts on YT. He now owns what remains of Elenco and really seems to know what he is talking about and might be a source for some of the parts you might need.

Good luck with your fairly rare machine. I wish I could find one. I would snap one like yours up in a heartbeat for $3700.

It is a rugged loader and in really good shape. The seller was going to remove the loader and sell it separately. He had some offers on it and so I said 1,000.00 for the loader.

It looks to be in excellent shape. Not a single weld, crack, bend or poor pin etc. It's really tight and the Vickers pump boosts that thing up fast. I was going to find one of these anyhow for the down pressure; an advantage over my older Dearborn pipe frame loader.

So, all in all, the loader and tractor came in at 4700.00.

I am learning all of the time, and for some reasn I had it in my head it had live PTO until Jim(UT) made the same comment on the Ford discussion board. A quick check proved it to be non-live PTO and that makes sense. I wish I knew all there was about everything and not show off one of my greatest talents: ignorance.

The front drive transfer case is an unique set-up. It comes out of the left inspection plate to a differnetial and then the long shaft to the front differential. If you look carefully, there is a box over that assembly to protect the driver and his legs or pants from getting wrapped up in the turning parts.

I'll post some close-up photos as I remove the rear end and take that assembly apart.

Yes, Tony is very knowledgeable and he worked on my 850 when I had it.

Perhaps someday I'll sell it but for now I'll keep it. It needs a lot of work but overall, the engine is in good shape. It just needs a thorough going-over and going through.

After I look at it and think about it, this tractor defines the term "tractor" I mean, this is a tractor. tom

the front axle is actually a surplused rear axle from the old Dodge Power Wagons of that era.

These 4WD units predated any 4wd production tractor by 20 years. They were ahead of their time then.

I meant to tell Hal(WA) (above) that this unit is a full time 4WD. The later Elenco's had on-off on demand 4WD.

And, an unit is available to add to it, and I can then turn it on and off with the turn of an open end wrench. I'll have to check with Tony Jacobs about securing one of those...I think it's the way to go....

tom

The only unfortunate thing is that neither of them will be as useful as what you are working on.....

Take Care
Steve

Maybe, by December it will be back together again and plowing snow. I suspect I should be able to plow snow going up hill. Maybe, I'll give it a shake down run, and plow the Auto Road up to the top of Mount Washington.

I can then place a bumper sticker on it: "This Tractor Has Climbed Mount Washington...and plowed the summit too"

9N'er