White 2-85

[pcrh]

Hi:

I am looking to add a tractor to my operation. Use would be general tillage work with some hay production. There is a 1979 White 2-85 with 8,000 hours on a working clock that has come to the market. I am not familiar with this tractor.

What should I be looking for when I go see the tractor?

 

[tom upton]

With 8000 hours it may have had an overhaul but maybe not as those 354 perkins are known for there longetivity. There are a couple hydraulic related issues I would look for. The vickers piston pump/closed center hydraulic system will not tolerate contamination like a gear or vane pump will, and sometimes people are not too particular about filter changes, clean oil etc. First thing I would do is just listen to the pump which is just behind the battery box . It should be relatively quiet, but does make some noise. It is hard to describe, would be best if you had someone who has been around them for a bit to go with you? Just as important, or maybe more important is does pump get hot quickly? This can have a couple different causes - compensator not set correctly,-relief valve leaking past,- valve spools leaking etc. If the pump itself is bad they are very expensive, but usually it is something else. Next thing to check is the rear end overfull, or hydraulic tank low? There are a couple ways this can happen but most common I have seen is PTO is hydraulicaly actuated, and sometimes needs resealed. Anyway dont let me scare you on a 2-85. If its priced right, and hydraulics are functioning properly they are a good tractor. I have a 2-105 which is really just the turbo-charged version of the 2-85 and it has been a great tractor. With 8000 hours I would make sure the 3 speed shift works well as they are also expensive to O/H.

 

[pcrh]

Hi tom upton: Thanks.

For the vickers piston pump, what does it power? That is what can I do on the tractor to work the pump? Your comment on the rear end and hydraulic tank imply separate places to check fluid levels. Are they obvious places to check?