Buying a ferguson to30

[MikeAC]

Hi
I am interested in buying this tractor (the ferguson)and was looking for advice. The current owner says he has owned this tractor, "forever" or at least it has been on the family farm that long. It has fluid filled tires, according to him, also good rims, clean oil and new antifreeze. Tires are 11.2x28 and the front are new, one rear tire needs to be replaced. Brakes he says "are perfect". It is a 12 volt system, the generator was changed to an alternator. He says it has a high/low transmission, 4 spd, and has had a recent tune up/ going over. He is asking 2200.
I have a kubota 27 hp 4 wd currently and am keeping it, but would like to use the ferguson for mowing, and also if possible for a 2 -14 inch ferguson plow. The kubota does not align well with the plow. My questions are: would the ferguson be capable of pulling a 2 bottom plow in heavy clay soil? I understand they are about 25 hp and I have a time with it using the kubota to plow,although the kubota was not designed for plowing and does not have ag tires. What would you look for in checking out this tractor?( I have not seen it yet in person), is the price reasonable assuming that the sellers description is valid? He much to replace the rear tire?

Thanks!
tractors IH /fergerson weatherly,pa.

 

[Tony in Mass.]

In general, if it runs as good at it looks, 2200 might be very good. Should have been painted all grey, but that's cool.
The 2-14 plows were made for this model, but yeah, the first time tilling your place might not go so well, but if you plow once or twice a year, it will become fun. A new tire is a couple to a few hundred, a good used on Craigslist might be less than 100. See what he says, but take a test run and your own pics, and let us see! Good luck.
 

[jon corbett]

if it runs and shifts as good as it looks i"d offer $1800cash.i"d buy it but i looking 4 a backhoe.
 

[s19438]

i have looked at that tractor many times since it was listed on CL. if it were closer to where i live it would be here.
 

[MikeAC]

Thanks for the input. Yea , I looked up tires and got sticker shock for new ones. Also, if I can't move the tire I would need someone to come out and do it so add service charge to it.
 

[k.s.tractor]

Dad got our TO30 new in 52 with a 2-16 plow we did all our plowing with it till '57 never hooked the 3-14 to the Model L Case again.Works best if you have the plow set right and draft control adjusted.Saw a nice looking TO 30 sold at a small auction last week for $1400 no over under.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

I just got it reading KC's post... 'hi low' tranny? A Sherman or Howard? I think someone better buy it soon... that would seal the deal for me at that price.
 

[DanP]

Cheapest way to get a tire swapped out is to go to anyplace that has alot of trucks (freight terminal or truck stop). See one of the guys with a tire truck, most are willing to make a few bucks on the side.
 

[phil(va)]

You can probably handle the tire yourself if you have a boom pole for the other tractor. Don't let the tire fall so you can roll it outside and pick it up with hook in one of the bolt holes and dump it on your trailer. It might weigh up to 500 lbs, so that will work ok if your Kubota can pick up that much. Keep kids and pets out of the way. If the Kubota can't pick it up, put it under a chain hoist and then back your trailer under the hoist. It really isn't too big a deal removing and replacing a loaded tire yourself if you are careful. If you have one person to help, it's quite easy. You will need a tire, a new tube, and new fluid most likely. You may need a rim. Once you get it off you will find rust on the rim, which you may be able to repair or grind away. If it is rusted bad at the valve hole, drill a new hole and weld a piece of steel over the old rusted hole (or buy a new rim). Tire, tube, fluid, labor maybe $400. Rim another 135 or so. More labor if they have to take it off the tractor and put it back on.
 

[MikeAC]

You are spot on with the cost. I called our local tire place and was quoted 325 for the tire, 75 for fluid and tube. Total 400.
I could lift the tires with the front end loader on the kubota.
I did both rear tires on the kubota with no help, not too bad.
Weighed less than 500 though.
 

[MikeAC]

You are spot on with the cost. I called our local tire place and was quoted 325 for the tire, 75 for fluid and tube. Total 400.
I could lift the tires with the front end loader on the kubota.
I did both rear tires on the kubota with no help, not too bad.
Weighed less than 500 though.
 

[phil(va)]

There are some tricks to putting the loaded wheel back on. Have someone 'feather' the jack as you get the first hole on the stud. Put a slick piece of vinyl under the tire so you can rotate it slightly as you maneuver it.
 

[MikeAC]

Saw the tractor today. I admit I am no expert, but It looked as good as any I have seen. Paint,no rust I could find. Joints greased. I checked fluids, the oil was clear, antifreeze looked good, transmission fluid was brown, he explained it is a 85-90 weight oil that is that color, you are supposed to get it from Massey, that is what is recommended for transmission fluid. New alternator, 12v system , new wire harness, new plugs, radiator good, no dents ,newer pto. Checked underneath, slight bead of black oil at the lowest part of the frame, I could not detect any leak at the oil drain plug. Did not look like it had ever been abused. Some life left in the left tire, other three tires new to very good shape. Saw one bolt on the left wheel that attaches to the tire rim that looked like it might have been damaged in adjusting the rim, but as the tractor was freshly painted it was had to see. Started ok, only problem was that it was backed into the garage and I had stopped by on short notice, not enough time to back it out and check how it drove. I saId I would stop by next weekend, I can't get out during the week, and then I could drive it. It certainly looks like it was well cared for. Price is not negotiable, but will transport which is huge. Gauges all worked and water temp gauge was new. There were 3 total gauges. Forgot to take my camera so no pictures to show.
 

[MikeAC]

The lever is on the left side dash. From what I have read this is most likely a Sherman? How would the gearing be? Would it slow the ground speed or increase it as opposed to the regular 4 speed? Would it affect the pto speed?
 

[MikeAC]

Re: Buy a Ferguson to30?
ok i drove it today. checked the weep hole, exhaust ,shifting, and swang from the lifter arms(they held)etc. I could not test compression, the seller did not want anything mechanical touched, was selling it for a relative. clutch and brakes where good, but the shifting seemed hard. the high /low shifter allowed 8 forward speeds. High range ran really fast. Also, would take 2000 cash for the tractor. Any comments? on the shifting? I can to basic maintainance but don't want to rip a tractor down. i have enclosed a link to some pictures i took.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90979982@N07/