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Charlie
10-12-1999 18:56:56
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Re: ZETOR TRACTORS in reply to Don, 01-03-1999 07:05:06
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I read your question with interest. I have owned a 5245 Zetor since 1984. It's a 4 wheel drive work horse. And considering all the work and abuse I've put it through it is an excellent value. Still, I thought about your question, would I buy another. I have to say a resounding "no". First and formost they aren't the bargain they used to be. They are expensive. Secondly, and the reason I would not consider a new Zetor is this. Since I've owned the tractor I've had steering, brakes and hydraulic leaks. Also, hydraulic repairs that I thought should not have occured. Most recently though, I've had a small water leak since I bought the tractor, I rebuilt the water pump with inflated prices for parts, then installed a new defective, and expensive thermostat. The tractor immediately started bulching water out the exhaust. I pulled the head and installed a new gasket. Replaced the thermostat and tried again. This time I was getting water in the oil pan as well as out the exhaust. I pulled the oil pan, the rod, piston and head. Then lifted the sleeve, thinking the sleeve seal was bad. I was astonished at what I found. The cast sleeve had a sand cast ditch about 6" long up the sleeve on the outside. It penetrated all the way into the cylinder wall just above the top of the piston with a small pin sized hole. Basically, the entire time I owned the tractor I was spraying water on top of the piston whenever the engine was running. I called Zetor management. Explained the situation, wasted my time and breath talking to them and then bought a new sleeve that should have been made good by the factory with my own money. Would I buy another, should you? Only if you like to waste your cash on an inferior product. Forget it, buy a New Holland Ford. You insist on buying Zetor. As soon as you get it home tear it down and go through the engine, hydraulics, brakes and transmissin and rear end. Put it back together after removing all the scrap metal shavings and polishing the parts, and replacing those found defective. I'm sure then you'd have a dependable tractor.
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