Should I buy this 600?

[kylemorley]

Just ran into a 600 Workmaster for sale. Good tires, 4 speed, nice hydraulic system with a control in front of the seat that it belongs there rather than being the usual lash up, nice sturdy front bulldozer blade. Original paint, faded but presentable, and it doesn't look like it has spent most of its time in the barn. Can't remember if it had power steering but I don't think so.

Owner swears it runs great (which I will of course confirm before buying). Asking price $3500.

Oh, I'm a little worried by the 4 speed. Does that meant it will have too-fast speeds in 1st and reverse like the 8n?

I am a one tractor guy, and that spot is pretty well filled by my 8n, which does pretty much everything I need from a tractor, but I can't help wish I had live hydraulics and other niceties, and my 8n needs a lot of work I would rather avoid.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I can't say about that particular tractor other than the price is in the zone.
But I will say that my first upgrade from an 8N was a plain Jane 2000 (3 cyl). Those are about the same hp and it had about the same 4 speed trans as a 600 and it did have live hyds. It was a much more substantial tractor and after running it for a while it was not a difficult decision to part with the N.

 

[HCooke]

I have 2 8Ns and a 601 4 speed. The 601 is twice the tractor compared to an 8N. I do not have a front blade on it.

 

[Billy NY]

Implements like a 3 pt tiller, 3 pt snowblower would not work well with the 4 speed transmission. Even with an auxiliary transmission, I forget the exception for the one that won't change the pto speed.

I have not used my 640 extensively, but have ran it enough to say if you have an N series, its a lot more tractor. Price is within range especially if in good operating condition, decent tires etc. You'll want tire chains for the snow/loose material blade. We had one on a 4 cylinder 4000, it did a great job of clearing the snow with double ring chains on.

 

[grayrider]

Seems a bit high in price to me, now if you were near Enterprise Alabama here is a deal, I know the owner....

 

[grayrider]

Here's another good buy about 30 minutes from me at New Brockton AL, just west of Enterprise AL. Tractor prices are down in my area from what they would have sold for 7 or 8 years ago, this one and the 601 Ford that I posted would have easily brought $3500 each a few years back.... (in my neck of the woods)

 

[cowdog]

The 641 is by far and away a better tractor. Real improvement with the overhead valve engine, rear axle hubs, hydralics, everytjing. I paid 2250 or 2500 a year and a half ago for mine. I see alot of N,,' s go for.that or higher. If it was a good one 3500 wouldn't be the end of the world. Especially of you were going to keep it.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Where are you located Kyle?
The tractor below belongs to a member of these boards. Good, honest guy, very knowledgeable about the later Fords.
If he says it's good then it's good.
The tractor is in Ladysmith, WI.
A 4 cyl 2000 is the same tractor as a 601, just a different color.
Plug for a friend

 

[Kirk-NJ]

Did some bear hunt up near Ladysmith, nice country.

Kirk