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View Full Version : Ford 4600SU or Oliver 1600 debate


Bersaglieri
07-03-2013, 07:06 PM
I currently have a Ford 532, it's basically an industrial Ford 4600SU. 3 cylinder diesel, decent tires, 3pt, PTO, etc.

http://static.fastline.com/assets/item/041/142/ba2077b5-0488-43af-86d6-8011183d5bcb.jpg

I found an Oliver 1600 for just over $2000. It's gas, narrow front, and has 18.4x38 tires. Owner also has paint and decals, since he was planning to restore it. It's in better condition than the Ford.

http://www.tractordata.com/photos/F000/700/700-td3b.jpg

Here is the debate.

I have about $3500 into my Ford and these smaller Fords sell for $5000-6000 in my area. It sips fuel, works well, and just has a few quirks. But, I need rear remotes to operate some equipment and the Ford doesn't have any. I'd have $400-500 more into it for that. The Oliver is a little bigger, has remotes, and I'd be able to pocket around $3000 and still do the work I need to. Easy decision? Almost.

The Oliver is over 6 hours away, 12 there and back. And the Oliver is heavier, heavier to the point that I'm not sure my trailer could handle towing it. The Oliver owner says it's got to be way over 10,000lbs because his 10,400lb car hauler ramps bent when he tried loading it so he hurried and took it off. Tractor data says they are between 7500-11000lbs. Tractor house adds claim 7329lbs. It has only the one front weight, no wheel weights, and I don't think it has fluid in the tires.

Now I downsized from my 40ft goose and currently own a 10,400lb gooseneck like this:
http://www.gooseneck.net/image/36585815.jpg

Should I chance it? Am I living a pipe dream? Being greedy? Borrow a bigger goose? Should I just sack up and upgrade the trailer with the extra money I'd make on swapping tractors? Or should I stick with the more convenient and lighter Ford and just dump more money into her?

Not gonna lie though, I've got a hard on for that Oliver...

99GreenCummins
07-03-2013, 07:33 PM
What distributor is on that 1600? I believe some of them had a vaccum adjust distributor which the parts are VERY expensive but some of them have been converted

DEZLFREK
07-03-2013, 07:47 PM
if it was me, I would keep the diesel and put some hydro's on it.. sounds like you have your mind set and want confirmation..

Bersaglieri
07-03-2013, 08:29 PM
Not sure on the distributor, but I know it's been converted to 12 volt. The guy doesn't know much about the Oliver, I've got a few pictures I could probably upload.

Keeping the Ford is probably the wise choice. It can get more places, it's lighter, has almost the same power with better fuel efficiency and 1/2 the cylinders. I can use the same trailer for my tractor as I do for my race car. The thought of making a couple grand and still having a tractor to do work lured me in.

Really, I'm 50/50 and just looking for someone to tell me the Oliver will make my wiener bigger. I've always loved Olivers, but for what I'm doing right now the Ford is probably the smart choice.