Possible Ford 860 Purchase

[Jay in WA]

I am looking at getting a 860. The proofmeter shows 5300 hours. How many hours is too many for this old of tractor?

 

[mgriff543]

Taken by themselves hours aren't a good indicator of wear or value. I have a 860 and it's a good tractor. Parts are available and it's easy to work on. Also be aware the ford proofmeters are often not original so your hours indicated likely aren't accurate

 

[Jimmyjack]

Well said! Hourmeter doesnt reflect recent overhaul
or rebuild.

 

[Jay in WA]

Let's just for argument sake believe the hours are correct and the engine hasn't been rebuilt and it's received regular maintenance. How many hours is reasonable to expect. Is 5300 hours a lot of hours on an 860 or should it go much more.

 

[WayneIA]

If 5300 hrs is actual, which is with high probability, not the case. it would have been overhauled at least once. It probably had 8000 hrs the first 20 years of its life. And now it is almost 60 year old.

 

[maxwell99]

I would say that is a lot of hours, if it has not been rebuilt. Just check compression of cylinders and color of oil, has it just been replaced, changed.

Test Run the tractor long enough to get the motor to operating temperature, then pull off oil fill cap, do you see smoke puffing or exhaust do you see smoke.

Still a lot of hrs on the old tractor in my opinion.

Guess if you divide years of age by hrs it might not be too bad.

 

[souNdguy]

as said. hours alone are a poor measure.. even if they are accurate.

look at pedal wear and other repairs or evidence.

if she starts good and has good hyds, brakes and clutch and steering.. hours mean less.

IE. she may have had an overhaul 15ys ago.. and a new clutch at 4000 hrs.. and a hydro rebuild last year.

means she might be virtually newish inside.