An Auction Win and Farmall 400 Decisions

An Auction Win and Farmall 400 Decisions. How much money would you invest fixing up an old tractor? How far would you go in fixing up an old tractor? #farmallfanatic #auction #antiquetractors

[@ronhoskinson5788]

I say fix the tractor. I know it’s allot. Do it over time if necessary and take us with you. Thanks for the videos.

[@reviewsfromtheroadcrews872]

The 400 can be looked at several different ways; 1. Nothing will be cheaper than the one you already own, if you were to put 5k into it you'd know exactly what you have. 2. You could easily find another 400, 450 or other similar sized tractor to fill its place and either move the 400 on or part it out. 3. Limp the 400 on until you find the right replacement abs go from there. I have no clue what is right for you, I've put way too much money into tractors I should've moved down the road but they are family heirlooms and I couldn't replace the family history for any amount of money. If you're not overly attached to the 400 it may be best to move it down the road and let someone else make the monetary investment (entirely your call), I put way too much money into my 400 ('56 diesel so technically a '57 450 wearing '56 tin) but it was worn out when I was a kid and never saw it run right so I needed to see what it was really capable of doing. Personally I'd go full send stupid, it would look new and be new spec when I was finished but I get attached to my iron too easily.

[@douglaskerr6813]

These previous post is correct can you afford to replace these machine now ? If no then put the money in to it and keep it for now Maybe down the road get rid of it but this tractor doesn't have all the electronics and def it a simple to repair as compared to a newer one

[@jonathancrissinger2301]

I had forgotten about that,lol. I have 5 channels I watch faithfully. Yours is one of those. All have a philosophy of putting things back together to original status. I learn something about farmall and Oliver in all of them.i have 2 where I can learn about farmall and 3 about Oliver. Thanks for your time and effort in making these videos. See you soon in the next one.

[@mikestewart7338]

That 400 ain’t eating nothing. And it’s paid for. Winterize it and put it in a shed till you do need it.

[@FarmallFanatic]

That's true

[@chadbredbenner1555]

I say fix the 400. You know the issues, just bite the bullet and invest a little of that dirty old money in small increments and move forward. I liked the comment from another viewer that suggested locating a high school with a competent ag department instructor willing to have their students take on a project like yours, there by enhancing the students education of a non-computer controlled tractor. A true Farmall Fanatic never parts with a Red Power tractor, they just make the necessary repairs and feel glad that they did.

[@mikemiller2246]

A hand clutch,your getting closer to green coming through the back door! I love it!

[@FarmallFanatic]

Ahaha

[@TractorDad]

If it was me, I’d fix it and keep it, but I also love something that’s a little crusty and rusty to begin with.

[@America-First2024]

Your decision to sell the 400 should be a bit easier than most. Like you said, you have a tractor per job. By selling it, you can start looking for the tractor that you have been possibly hesitant about buying (a 1086).👍🏻

[@essaryfarms]

1066, can’t beat ‘em

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Case 930

[@essaryfarms]

@@mylifethaidiy7045 i do like them, but international is better by far

[@isaachale9588]

Really tough either way with the 400. It would be cool to see another new tractor on the channel and someone could use the parts off that one. But I know if it was my tractor I would probably end up fixing it. My 460 needed a engine rebuild and I didn't want to at first but I'm happy I did. Feels like new again.

[@40medic]

Good Luck on your decision. Regardless of which way you decide to go, you will do great! Btw I was down your way last week. Saw a couple of tractors that I’ve likely seen in your videos. An Oliver and an International. Keep posting videos! 👍👍

[@bernardjones6162]

Nice spray manifold! Removing the nozzles is such a wise thing to do! Cleaning them out with the wire is a pain!,

[@redcossack245]

You definitely need another shed bro!!!

[@bobpaterson1845]

Interesting video 👍 as we dont have 400s over here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 cant comment on the mechanics of the tractor but have never really taken to it as part of your collection 🙄 just doesn't sit right 🤔🤣 looking forward to seeing the M&W conversion being done 💪 Perkins 6354 a very very good engine and many still in use to this day 💪👍

[@AaricHale]

I have no clue what those parts go to lol . If you plan on keeping it and passing it down to your kids I would fix it if not try and trade it for something you need more . Thanks for sharing and have a great day !

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Gino :) also I know like surprises you show and win plus get too! Yes think if restoration to Farmall 400 you have till want get rid of for something else and it been super 👌 job Red Power Boom 💥 tractor for you done lots Excellent hours !

[@hturbo1007]

I also have a 400 that needs lots of love. I must have Close to five grand into it in the ten years that I've owned it. I just do a little bit at a time, then it's not as painful. I'd keep it. It does exactly what you need it to do.

[@neilkratzer3182]

Everything your talking about is alot small items. The only big thing you said was an engine overhaul. If your not using it everyday then fix the things that need to be fixed since the clutch, hydraulics, and transmission is ok.. Senseless to buy another tractor, and you may find more problems than what you have. Just fix the power steering.

[@Husker3435]

It’s a hard decision, we had lots of sentimental tractors setting in the tree rows for parts. One thing is if you get another one and Rob parts off the one setting, it’s almost as if they’re still contributing to the farm and living on in a way…at the end of the day it’s you that makes the call…we as viewers can give opinions all day long, but it’s your checkbook FF…you do you hoss…keep em coming💥🇺🇸💥

[@MarkJLarsonOutdoors]

I thought they were clutch parts! Good luck with everything my friend!

[@dustinhenry6142]

That’s exciting with the m&w! I’m not the best to ask on that 400 issue I’ve sunk way more then what a lot of tractors were worth over the years. It’s hard it’s already there and you know exactly what it needs but it’s hard to invest sometimes when part of the fun is the chase good luck with this hard decision!

[@FarmallFanatic]

That is true

[@larrywatson2109]

Still a useful tractor, may not have all the whistles and bells as a new tractor, 6000 seems like a lot but what would a new tractor cost with the same horse power. Getter fixed.

[@markfudger5267]

The value in the 400 is the IH 2000. They don't grow on trees. But you need power steering, loaded skins and good brakes for a loader tractor. If you've got one with those, then loader transplant video here we come.

[@jeffhoman767]

I hoping we see the massey in action this year. You seem to film everything but harvest and those are the best videos in my opinion

[@erikhinds-cy9cx]

The 400 is always going to be cool. If it’s running good enough for your operation, you could just keep it and use as is. It’s been part of some good videos. It had no problem pushing those trees out of the field. She adds character to your show, but it’s your show. The M is still the best followed by the A. Thanks

[@OldRedTractors]

Decisions and regrets, two things that make life difficult.

[@ia_farmer]

Nother good one. I bought an m with a ih loader real cheap and its no show princess and its worn out but it loaders. At some point ill have to do the same and decide to fix it or let it leave, in good time that is lol, that'll be a while. To restore or get something else is a difficult decision sometimes.

[@johnnycampbell2719]

I agree with needing to know when to call it, I've been doing that with alot of projects and vehicles lately. Sometimes you just got to put the emotions aside and do what makes sense financially 😅

[@FarmallFanatic]

True

[@glendor2]

Fix the 400!!! It has more character that any other tractor you can get to put that loader on!!

[@cathymuehring893]

I sold my 400 and 33 loader, it had power steer but it was weak. I bought a 606 with 2001 loader, but I dont have it running yet. Took loader off and put it in the shop for many gremlins to chase.

[@tomtbi]

That Massey Combime runs nice!!

[@LauraBruno33]

If it's doing what it's supposed to do, I say keep it.

[@metzfarm6494]

Not sure but it looks like something that could be used to either reduce or increase rpm. Maybe for a pto to go from 540 to 1000 rpm. Just taking a wild guess. We have 1956 400 narrow front here at our farm. If I could afford it I’d buy it. We love ours.

[@mmielcarek3046]

Seem to remember you micky moused the hook up to the 400's rear axle? Still I like that loader that I could get on from either side. You don't want to waste time and money buying a skid steer unless it has tracks. Tires will tear up the ground and get you stuck.

[@FarmallFanatic]

I didn't micky mouse anything. I bought it that way

[@tyfrank3427]

I knew right away what it was. I know what's inside a regular Farmall M, and that's not part of it, so I knew it had to be an M&W live PTO set up. As for the 400, that's a tough one. I understand both sides of that story. Fixing it will certainly make good videos, though. one thing is if you fix the tractor and keep it, it will be really good then. If it's rebuilt, it will last you the rest of your life. One way of looking at things is yes, you're putting $5000 in a $3000 tractor if you look at resale. But how much does a new tractor cost? And they give trouble too. And if you buy another used tractor, you need to fix that too. It's ultimately your choice...

[@FarmallFanatic]

Believe me all of those things have crossed my mind

[@MaclearieFarms]

Love it man keep it up red power

[@bernardjones6162]

Some time tractors are much like boats! Pour money into them and the you sell it and get another one! Love the Farmalls though even when they need some work on them!

[@wesleycallison5593]

That power steering might be an easy fix. The book shows a factory limiter set up that runs off of the live hydralics. Look for a tractor with a hose going into the drain plug on the hydraulic reservoir. That you don't need an extra power steering pump.

[@FarmallFanatic]

Oh no it has the charlynn set up already

[@robertjohnson6719]

Fix it. Get a belt drive hammermill self feeder, row binder and about 20 cows. Working do you good. You enjoy shocking feed, grind feed be good

[@larryhutchens8798]

I have just finished a mechanical restoration on my 400. I. Am totally satisfied. I put it on the dyno a she turned 60 hp . It would make your SMTA ashamed of itself. It is a great tractor

[@FarmallFanatic]

Lol

[@johndeere-yk6db]

In my opinion it is your decision. It depends on how much use you have for the tractor. I wouldn't call it a parts tractor but I would say it would make someone a good project tractor.

[@j.sfarms2894]

If I was in your position, I would sell the 400. Use the money from that to buy a 2250 Mount-o-Matic for that 756 gas burner, you dont seem to use it that much and those IH loaders come on and off in like 5 minutes for if you do want to do field work. 756 is gonna be able to pick up a lot more and do it safely, and you gain shed space by using a tractor you already have as a loader tractor. That makes it easier to shove your next big diesel in the shed somewhere.

[@FarmallFanatic]

True

[@68Peeler]

A loader is invaluable IMO. Maybe buy another 400 and transfer loader and make the OG 400 a parts tractor??

[@mikeseegmiller1160]

Keep the farmall 400 look like nice tractors

[@benbrown565]

i see the 400 rebuild as a lucrative opportunity. Film parts of the rebuild and i’m sure you’ll make the money back and you can enjoy a fine piece of machinery you can no longer buy brand new. but i always regret selling my stuff so im biased.

[@FarmallFanatic]

I've only sold one tractor in ten years

[@brokenwrench1]

as a farmall fanatic since 1965 0n my family farm. and a farmall tech for several more years.i had a 44 M with the M&W clutch and it was supped up to 62hp . .the hand clutch worked very good baleing hay or combining or picking corn, or mowing really tall weeds or brush.. when i told the shop foreman at the IH dealer i got parts from. i was told never to engage the hand clutch on full throttle under load in any gear.. use it to disenge and to feather the tractor forward.. used properly they will last a long time. abused and you will break something... now the 400 this is the kind of tractor i would search for a vocational power mechanics class project in a jr college or high school class . you only buy the parts, the class does the work. you drop it off in the fall and get it back in the spring, fixed. or buy a better tractor maybe a 450 narrow front and switch the front ends and put the loader on it and send this one to the auction. or completely overhaul yours and know what is in it..

[@willymack5196]

Well I would say since you would have to put in twice as much money as what the thing would be worth even in perfect shape I think it would be time to get rid of it. I realize there might be some sentimental attachment but it is just a tool.

[@Mikes_Repair]

On the 400 my question is do you have anything else with a loader? If not, can you get by? Why does the engine need an overhaul?

[@FarmallFanatic]

I have to have a loader

[@doncarty786]

You should keep the loader if you get rid of the tractor. 2000 International loader fits a lot different tractors. We had one mounted on an Oliver tractor work great.

[@douglasmacarthur8775]

My only regret farming was not knowing when to say "when" on one tractor as I neared retiring. LOTS of money thrown down a hole on that one.

[@chrishilderbrand7802]

That tractor wil run forever as is. It all depends on how perfect you want it.

[@outcastprojects6733]

Load the parts cannon,Youll forever miss the good loader if you sell it!

[@FarmallFanatic]

Yep lol

[@steveolesen8033]

Spending $5000 on this tractor will give you 2 things 1) it will give you a tractor that you know that works great and you know exactly what you have...you could sell and buy another for the 5 grand and not know what you have and end up spending another 5 grand getting it to what you had 2) gives you the opportunity to make more videos while you fix the 400 and it gives your viewers the opportunity to enjoy watching them

[@DonWelter]

Regarding the 400, nothing is cheap to repair any more. However you know the ins and outs of your tractor. Replacing it with another may open a new can of worms. Parts for vintage tractors are becoming scarcer or NLA. I tend to view things from the standpoint of choosing fairly popular models...salvage and aftermarket parts are easier to find.

[@paulmartin8784]

It looks like brake parts , the shaft that gives the tractor live pto power , throw out bearing and some bearing that are on the front side of the transmission Possibly ring drive on the flywheel??

[@jeffwilliams3642]

I can see your on the fence with the 400. That coin has 2 sides. On one side you sell it and may find another one or mabe even something alil bigger with a loader BUT its a crap shoot at the auctions because it aint like you can really put it to work in a auction yard. On the other side if you spend the money alil along fixing stuff on yours at the end of the day you know exactly what you have and whats been done and the quirks of the tractor. I wish you the best in which ever decision you make.

[@timtimtim5294]

Lol it’s better than mine. I have seen a IH 2000 loader sell for $1500-2000 a dozen times in the last 5 years

[@FarmallFanatic]

Yea I figure a grand

[@epicnessallaround5024]

You got the Farmall MW clutch

[@tomtbi]

Not a bad deal on those parts...

[@backwoodheathen]

I would say find another 400 or similar size tractor and put your loader on it. Then make up your mind to either part out or sell the current 400

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Hello Gino take loader off and mount on another tractor. Thanks your video have a great day.

[@pauljackson3847]

Good lord man, finding those MW parts is damn near impossible

[@FarmallFanatic]

I got lucky

[@backacresfl3302]

I also knew it was an M and W hand clutch as I had one on my

[@budl4656]

Your tractor but sometimes you just flush a turd and start over😂

[@markdanielczyk944]

Tough call on the 400.

[@keithtyson6457]

You gamble with every auction purchase. You know what you got. You know the cost and you know what you will have. The question is is it worth it to you.?

[@jasonborron5414]

That decision on the 400 would be tough. If has one job and that is to pickup and put down things. I'm like you and I'm not sure where you draw the line. All the things you mentioned would easily add up $4-$5k. That said I'm also the type that isn't afraid of putting money into something that has good bones because when you're done you know exactly what you have vs buying something that is supposedly "restored/rebuilt" by to find out they cut corners. I think if it were me I would fix the 400 little by little. Fix the power steering, brakes and hoses on the loader. If you only use this tractor for it's loader and don't have the need for a larger tractor with a 2350 loader then do you really need to overhaul the engine. I see someone mention possibly selling and getting a 1086. We have 2 1086 and I can tell you they are a good tractor if they are taken care of. I will also tell you they make a horrible loader tractor. We transferred out IH 2350 loader from the 1086 to the 966 because the 966 is so much easier to shift from L/H to R and back.

[@FarmallFanatic]

I agree

[@guydaubenspeck9206]

Well Gino, guy from down here in Butler again. What I always figured when I go to put money into a tractor like that is, how far toward a newer better one with what I'm going to have to put in for the old one get me. And also how much you say I get out of the old one is it worth putting that kind of a sum of money in.

[@FarmallFanatic]

Well, with that measuring tool, the answer is don't put a lick of money into it

[@33pearlqueen]

As someone who has his 400 for sale, I'd say spend what you need to make it what you want.

[@KennethKeller-kl6sr]

Fix the 400

[@larryhutchens8798]

I don't understand the problem. I would restore the 400 to working condition. When you are finished it will replace 2 or 3 of the tractors you have. The 400 could replace an M , a SMTA The 400 has all the features you are wanting to install on other units. It has ,Iive pto, power steering, loaded friendly, 2 point hitch , easily add 3 point, . Restoring the 400 would certainly make you some room in your shed. All this coming from a lover of 400s

[@FarmallFanatic]

No, it does not have a fast hitch

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

If you like the 400, I would say go find another one so you have one for parts. Or find a different tractor to put the loader on 🙂

[@FarmallFanatic]

Yeah both of those options crossed my mind

[@whathobogrohknows]

I think it would be best off selling the tractor for what you can and put 5000 into something better. In my opinion I would buy a skidloader over a loader tractor. For 7500-10,000 at least in my area buys a pretty decent problem free 80s 90s skidloader with good lifting.

[@fritzhawes1784]

I think I would keep the 400 fix the power steering and change it over to 12 volt, a couple quarts of oil and a set of spark plugs every year isn’t the end of the world!

[@FarmallFanatic]

True

[@williammay5300]

I love farmall tractors

[@FloydBlack-xi8fh]

Its a nice looking tractor. I think if its not to expensive then sell as is ot make a trade

[@markschwab7829]

You shouldn’t even be asking us about the 400 it’s a no brainer do her up right Man!!!

[@lynnhavenfarm8514]

I just got a 300 recently I wouldn't mind a 400

[@isaachobbs4206]

If you do a rebuild series, I think you would get decent views on it

[@carlbush32]

My 400 is the big tractor on the farm I have good power steering much bigger loader 16.9 38 on the back 15 9.50 on the front. Fresh engine with LP head bored she got 65 horsepower too

[@FarmallFanatic]

I thought about putting an l p head on some of my tractors, but they do run colder

[@ronzezulka6646]

Let er go FF. Can always put the money towards another project. Hows the Swartz-a-cubbie?

[@FarmallFanatic]

Doing good...it's my latest video

[@archerwold9578]

Sell the loader off of the 400 to Pete from Just A Few Acres Farm for his 756!

[@jimmyking1654]

I would go ahead and do the repairs that way you know what you have. A lot cheaper than a new one or get someone’ s trouble that’s unknown to you.

[@jonathanhahn8730]

If you decide to sell I would like a shot at possibly buying it for my small hay operation

[@joshbutterfass5251]

In my opinion if you sell it and when the time comes when you need a loader tractor you will have screwed yourself over by not keeping it

[@terrysamens1462]

I have 1 here in Wisconsin

[@FarmallFanatic]

Nice

[@jeffanderlik7695]

If there's no emotional attachment to the 400, your decision is purely business. You're not short on tractors so you have flexibility to manage your fleet. Evaluate your alternatives and...I would move on. You have bigger and smaller tractors.

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

That 400 has been good to you! Worth keeping it going ! You don’t know what you’ll get in another one! What happened to you SMTA?

[@FarmallFanatic]

What do you mean what happened to it?

[@jstal6325]

You will never regret fixing it

[@corsairsmitty9691]

The yellow Massey is from my father. I would fix it no matter the cost. My 41 JD model A is a war time tractor, I would fix it. As I long as I have been watching you, I believe you would sell it and replace it. Like another viewer of yours said, it is just a tool.

[@connerb1954]

Honestly, you could pull the loader off and sell the tractor and either put the loader on the h or m. Or buy another tractor to stick it on

[@FarmallFanatic]

Yep

[@ACfairgrounds]

It depends on how sentimental you are to that tractor

[@FarmallFanatic]

Not at all

[@ACfairgrounds]

@@FarmallFanatic then I would let it go.

[@austinschad1773]

Should keep the loader and put on a 560

[@boB7710II]

Fix it. The next one you buy could be a pile of crap too. If you go buy a new one it could break tomorrow.

[@andyadelmann3158]

👍🇺🇸

[@tomkelley8313]

OOPS Power steering is MY dream, I guess.

[@wayneguillemette9121]

keep the 400, an look for a good 1066

[@lynnmitzy1643]

❤💪🏼❤woohoo Red Power

[@Nick-tz2vl]

How much would you sell the 400 for? Im in NY by Canandaigua so not too far from you

[@FarmallFanatic]

As it is it's not worth much I mean it does start and drive

[@williammatzek4660]

Make it like a John deere , put a hand clutch on it!!!!

[@FarmallFanatic]

Lol

[@jeffgillette3364]

Just for the heck of it while you're out working the field have you ever thought about putting one of them snowmobile hot dog/smoked sausage cooker somewhere on your tractor or wood heat it up yeah it's nuts what what the hay

[@FarmallFanatic]

I have now l o l

[@glennschlorf1285]

You need to treat that 400 right... dont make excuses... take that loader off and fix that tractor right... we know pete has the 504... My 544 with the 2250 loader kicks both your tractors... you need to restore that sucker... for all it did for you you owe it... and that 400 has live PTO... should be a no brainer

[@FarmallFanatic]

You sure like to brag

[@glennschlorf1285]

@@FarmallFanatic no... just like that 544.... shes come a long way from when she was a broken barn find.... no different than your collection of Cubbies....