Repair or Replace

Posted by old_ky_man on March 27, 2013 at 17:36:32 from (75.117.167.64):

I have a 1956 Ford 640 that I bought in 2005 for $1000. I currently use it about 20-25 hours a year to grade the drive and bush hog some. The old thing starts and runs very good but it uses about a quart of oil every 60 hours of use and does not smoke. The tractor will need some attention soon so I am trying to decide which would be best : repair it or replace it.

I have a collection of hand tools, gear pullers, jacks, impact gun, air compressor, stick welder, tractor manual and so on. I do not have a press or a torch.

Three things that concern me the most is the lift/hydraulics, axle seals and PTO in that order.

The lift is getting weak and “sometimes” only wants to go half way up with a light grader blade. If you pull up on the adjustable top link it will continue rising but seems as if it has a sticky spot in the middle of the action. Other times it acts fine. The hydraulics also leak off over a short time frame and they have to have the air bled out of them every day you use it. I think I could rebuild all of this as I could take it to the neighbors to use his press and torch if needed.

The axle seals are starting to leak as well as the PTO shaft. I think I could replace the bearings and seals as long as I do not need a torch to get the axles out because I could sponge off the neighbor once again.

Here is the overall condition of the tractor:

It has a new tune up, a rebuilt starter and a good seat, lights fuel system, charging system (12v) and new gauges.

Sheet metal is OK with a little bondo around the front emblem.

Radiator needs replaced but is currently not leaking with the use of some stop leak.

Front wheel and spindle bearings need replaced.

Tie rods need replaced as they are sloppy.

Front tires need replaced.

Needs a new steering wheel.

Probably needs a clutch and pressure plate and rear main seal.

Needs lift and pump work.

Needs wheel seals and probably brakes.

Needs rear tires and rims as the best tire was bought in 1998 (looks good but cannot find a mate to it ) and one of the rims had to be patched due to rust so I figure the other is not far away from needing replaced also.

Needs a new over run coupler as the old one is very wobbly on the PTO shaft.

Other than that it is in mint condition! Ha ha

What is my best option repair (how much $$$) or trade it in on something (either now or later when it is dead)?

If I am to trade it in can anyone suggest a better Ford tractor (simple electronics)with independent PTO that will fit my bumper hitch style 18 foot trailer with two 3500 lb axles pulled by a 4x4 crew cab F150.

Replies:

• Re: Repair or Replace Tony in Mass. 15:01:36 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace James22 11:17:38 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace Blackhole49 06:09:47 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace mkirsch 06:04:45 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace Bret4207 04:03:23 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace RBnSC 02:36:41 03/28/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace GregCO 20:34:44 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace John Durham 20:26:43 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace Leroy 20:03:03 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace wijim 19:34:58 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace VicS 19:18:25 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace Paul 18:56:24 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace frankmn 18:46:14 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace FarmerZeb 18:44:47 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace rrlund 17:53:34 03/27/13 (0)
• Re: Repair or Replace Royse 17:48:36 03/27/13 (0)

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