Thoughts on cobbled-tractor

[Digger]

I am new to forum, and need some experienced help. I have some land that needs work, and I am looking to buy an inexpensive backhoe-loader. There is an old man who is selling a real old Massey-Ferguson tractor that he welded a backhoe on one end and a forklift on the other. He wants $3500 for it. Do you think I am looking at a real problem (i.e. dangerous)? I would be using it for road work, foundation work, building a home, etc.

[Jeff D.]

Welcome to the forum Digger.:thumbsup

He wants $3500 for it. Do you think I am looking at a real problem (i.e. dangerous)? I would be using it for road work, foundation work, building a home, etc.

The price is right, the 6 million dollar question is will it hold out until you get the work all done. It's too bad you couldn't have taken some pics of it, especially the areas you said he welded parts on. Those could be a concern if he didn't do a good job attaching them.

Is it possible to get pics, or possibly have someone knowledgable in equipment look at it with you? Even a regular mechanic might be able to tell you if things just don't look right.

If it looks like the jobs were done well, and everything operates atleast till you're done with your jobs, it would be a cheap investment. If it craps the bed, or breaks in two, you've thrown the money out the window, and possibly could get hurt. It probly wouldn't be worth rebuilding, if it broke something major, and they have a tendency to nickle and dime you to death when they get worn to a certain point.

Good luck in deciding!!

[RonG]

I would not buy it at any price.One break down and the machine becomes disposable,where would you get the parts to repair it?
Not sure what kind of work you have in mind for it but forks are not much good moving dirt.
Buy something conventional enough to get parts for,better yet if you have a dealer close by.If you spend enough you could probably sell it when you are done with it to recover some of your investment.Ron G

[tylermckee]

You would be working all year long trying to do the dirtwork for a house with a home built tractor, just rent whatever equipment you need.

[Steve Frazier]

I'd shop around for a real TLB. That cobbed up thing is bound to give you trouble, and I'm sure parts will be difficult to locate. An old JD would be a wise investment, parts should be available and you can get a lot of work out of even an old machine

[Digger]

Guess the price is right, but I took a better look at it today. The welds look good, but the rest of the tractor is trashed. The old man said he wanted to still use it, so decided to wait to sell. Lol, i'm probably better off. Guess I'll just keep looking. Thanks for your input.