601 Workmaster dash light question

[wfd2]

I just bought a '59 601 Workmaster. On the dash, there is a little red light that sometimes comes on (at lower RPM). Is that light an idiot light stating that the genny isn't fully charging the battery? Or something else? It's still all stock, on a 6V pos ground.

Your help is appreciated!

 

[Dean]

If the lamp in question is to the left of the steering column, it's a generator charging lamp.

It is not uncommon for the lamp to glow at low engine RPM.

Dean

 

[wfd2]

Yes, it's to the left of the steering column. So at idle does the light mean that the generator is on "low" charge?

Thanks Dean!

Bill

 

[Dean]

Yes.

Your generator does not produce much output at low speed so the charging lamp will glow.

All is well if it goes out when you increase engine speed.

Consider yourself lucky as most of the charging lamps on these old machines no longer work unless they have been repaired.

Dean

 

[wfd2]

Thanks Dean! I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

Do you own or have you owned a 601 in the past? If so, any quirks I should look out for?

 

[Dean]

I've not owned a 6x1 tractor (I have several 8/9xx tractors) but a good friend of mine owns a very good 671 (SOS). His is a very good small utility tractor. The SOS transmission is very desireable and it has independent PTO.

What transmission is in your tractor (4 speed, 5 speed or SOS)?

I know of no "quirks" but do advise regular oil and filter cnanges, including the filter in the power steering reservoir if yours is so equipped.

Be certain to use the correct oil in the transmission and change it frequently if you have the Select-O-Speed transmission. Change the filter as well if you can find one.

Dean

 

[wfd2]

Hi Dean,

Mine is a '59 641 4 speed w/o live PTO. It has perfect tin, but needs a paint job. I think it's supposed to be ready, but someone had painted it blue and white. I can't find any pictures with the blue and white on a 641. She sounds quite a bit different than my H though. I'm a big IH guy, and this is the first Ford I've owned. I'm a believer now! The darn thing runs like a champ. I'm looking to use it for light farm use, dragging a field or do light bush hog work with a small woods cutter. I will eventually restore it, but the H is in line first!

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it!

Bill

 

[mike1972chev]

Yea,It should be red.(With some grey on parts of it.

I TOO am a "dual owner" (IH and Ford.)My 2 favorite tractor brands.(My third choice would be an Oliver Super 88)

I am a HUGE IH fan But own a 1955 640 Ford(NOT a Workmaster,and yes,mine is the wrong colors right now.It came yellow !!!)First thing I ever drove.(At 4 yrs.)

 

[wfd2]

Mike,

I'm jealous now-- that Super M w/wide front is beautiful! And the Ford looks great, too. I have a '73 International 656D that's fully restored now, but the H and 601 are next up. (Unless I find something else I 'need' first!)

Did you restore them yourself? I've been around car repair most of my life but just got into tractors about 4 years ago when me and my finance moved to a small farm. I grew up in the city, but visited my mom's aunts and uncles on the farm almost every weekend. And guess what? They were all IH farms. I guess that explains my love for Farmalls!

Olivers are really nice, but if I go to the "Green side", I think I'd like to get a JD 70 diesel. I like the stocky look.

Bill

 

[mike1972chev]

I did the Ford all myself other than the sheet metal.My buddy shawn did all that.I did the rest.I tore the engine, transmission and rear end all apart.It was in really bad shape.If it wasnt our family tractor before I was born,I would have sold it for junk,I replaced every bearing and seal in it.The input shaft had 2 teeth broken off and was still working !! The Super M isnt restored,but it IS well maintained.I bought it with a rebuilt engine.I mantenance anything it needs.I use it for everything,It is the best thing I have EVER bought!!!

 

[wfd2]

I'm having problems with the H. Clutch throwout bearing is starting to make noise and it pops out of 4th gear. Also, the rear seals leak bad and I have to put a bucket under it and park it uphill to keep the oil in it. I have the seals, but not the time...yet. We're just starting our farm and we're putting fencing up. I love working on the farm and you can't beat the old metal. You can't beat the performance for the price.

 

[mike1972chev]

Yea,it is hard to beat the old tractors.For what little money they really cost,you get ALOT out of them.I dont think I will get too many arguments on here about that one.

Sounds like to will be tearing into this one pretty soon.Maybe some transmission bearings??

 

[wfd2]

I'm not sure, I'll have to post in the IH forum for ideas. I think there are little "bb's" in the transmission that hold the tranny in gear. Over time these can become flat on one side and that allows the transmission to pop out under load. At least that's my theory based on input from others. I'll have to take the top off the transmission to see.