Just bought a 444

C Elliott · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 5:02 pm Post subject: Just bought a 444

Just purchased this real nice 444 this weekend. It will be turned into a puller this winter and spring. It was much nicer than I needed as it will be stripped to the bone, but it was close to home. I am still looking for a 260 or 277 engine to build as the engine in this tractor runs like new and I want to save it as a stock engine.
Oh well, need to get busy. This weekend we hope to remove the 3 point and cast wheels (front and back). Next project will be removing the Live PTO clutch and hydraulic system. I will post pics as we progress.

Curtis Elliott

6pack · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 5:38 pm Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

Looks good Curtis, just need a motor

steve21757 · Regular Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 46 Report to Moderator

It sure is a shame to ruin a beautiful tractor like that to make a stinking puller out of it.

bp4455 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:47 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

just be careful with it. there were only about 7000 made

massey fan · Guest Report to Moderator

What a shame, maybe next time you can find a nice shelby cobra and turn it into a demolition derby car, and this is coming from a fellow tractor puller.

6pack · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:49 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

I think he is just talking about taking the bolt on items off, we took 3 point, belt pulley, hydraulics, cast wheels off a 44, BUT.....still have it all to put back on!

C Elliott · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:41 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

Geez guys,lighten up. I am saving everything and all modified parts are coming from donor tractors. I am even saving this engine and am looking for a junk engine to rebuild. I bought this tractor because I needed the ten speed transmission. If you guys know of any 444"s near Va. Let me know and I will keep or sell this one as is.
Thanks,

johninmn · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:58 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

So whats worse making a nice tractor into something he will use or having a show piece you dont want to look at crooked for fear of scratching it. Theres plenty of guys (and girls for that matter) that take perfectly good tractors and turn them into pullers he is by far not the only one. And correct me if im wrong but I havent seen mr Elliot on here criticising any of your projects. He bought a tractor and asked for help. Getting more into the sport which you all agree is losing numbers and you tell him what a poor choice he made.
Nice work guys grow up

RichB · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 8:10 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

Pay no mind to the peanut gallery,It's a super nice unique tractor! Take of your stock parts and put them on a shelf and save them,Have FUN pulling it and you can always put it back it to stock,It's obvious you appreciate the tractor and don't want to chop it up.It's awesome to see a neat puller like a triple 4 instead of another M or WD or A.....I think it's awesome! GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!

RichB · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 8:15 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

One of my pullers,built from 3 junkers!

The Dukester · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 9:24 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

Kinda sad to see that very nice tractor be converted to pulling, there are VERY FEW decent 444's to be seen anywhere, Seems they were made in a "crossover era" when Massey was "going Fergy" and kind of up in the air about what designs they were gonna use when they were actually the most refined, maybe even over refined of the 44 family. Can't you find a rough one to build for pulling? (Hey, it is your tractor....do as you wish with it, but once it's used as a puller it will never be the "jewel" it is today).

John 37A · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

Are you going to be chopping, cutting, welding or otherwise destroying the tractor beyond repair? Sounds to me like all the stock parts are going to be there if you ever want to return to original. Have fun with it.

On the other hand, I chopped, cut, And welded on my M, but there are tons of them. I could still make it original, if I really waned to.

massey 333 · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:52 am Post subject: Re: Just bought a 444

What do you mean-remove LPTO clutch?By what method or end result?

tater 1 · New User Joined: 14 Oct 2012 Posts: 4 Report to Moderator

Do mean you can't find an old Massey out in someone's hedgerow? Would make a lot more sense. But that's my opinion. To complete the tractor from start to finish - is what make's it all worth while. We use to buy them for $100 Bucks just to use===them for the rear ends. They made good starter tractors for many modified - single engine tractor pullers back in the 70's...

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