Buying an Old Ford Tractor For Our Homestead - 1958 Ford 871 Powermaster Select-O-Speed [vlog 006]

[@lsbraswell]

I just picked up an 841 Powermaster and I love it! Planted my garden with it this year. I've got some videos on it on my channel! Pickin' Preacher. Great video guys!

[@curtisdowling3773]

That tractor will do anything any other tractor can do .

[@bigsprucefarm]

and how!

[@bgravy9873]

well done ❤

[@bigsprucefarm]

Thank you! It's almost ready to work at Big Spruce Farm :)

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Growing up in the 1960's, my father always said tractor work is slow work. But watching todays younger farmers that no longer seems to be the case. He always said rushing your work can get you hurt because you never know about those new groundhog holes in your fields as only one example. So being rookies, please take your time, always.

[@bigsprucefarm]

We always try to be cautious. speaking for myself going slow and taking my time is quite relaxing and meditative, but maybe thats just me. :) Also a good safety tip we got from our very experienced friends who own One Straw Farm is to always wear ear protection when running your machinery. A good set of ear defenders make the experience far more enjoyable.

[@terry5338]

Calcium choride was used alot as ballast, but is known to be corrosive to wheel rims. Current alternatives are to use beet jucie which does not damage the wheels.

[@bigsprucefarm]

The rear wheels are definitely loaded with calcium chloride, completely rusted and mostly rotted through around the valve stems.

[@JamesKenney-u3v]

The Ford 861 has a two stage clutch to provide live PTO, which means the PTO can be engaged without the transmission having to be in gear. Having the power steering is a big plus. Another must have feature would be remote hydraulics. Ford had a control unit that would install under the seat on the hydraulic system top cover. Although the Select-O-Speed system was released prematurely and had many problems early on as a result, once those issues were resolved it apparently proved very reliable. The engineer who designed it left Ford when the executives wouldn't listen to him saying it wasn't ready. He went to John Deere and designed the same basic system for them, which became the standard for transmission shifting. I grew up with an 861 that my grandfather bought new when I was young. It is rated to handle three bottom plows and the field work typical of a two hundred acre farm. I currently have an 860 with a loader that does not have power steering, making it a bear to steer, and recently was able to track down a power steering system for it at a reasonable price. We bale about a thousand bales a year with it and I have plowed and pulled lots of brush with it as well. The whole 800 and 801 series tractors are easy to maintain, rugged, and parts are both readily available and reasonably priced. Yours should serve you well.

[@bigsprucefarm]

so far it's been treating us great. check out the next video where we install the optional remote hydraulics and a new 7 foot flail mower

[@alyoder5002]

Ur gonna love that tractor

[@bigsprucefarm]

we do already. :)

[@michaelsousa7403]

Love the tractor.

[@bigsprucefarm]

Thanks Michael!

[@matthewrentz3427]

I think you will find yourself quiet surprised at what that tractor can do. I have a jubilee and a 4000 with SOS and i really like the SOS. For cutting it can go really slow. I always felt most vintage ford where a little fast

[@andrewseamans1419]

Ford 800 Series were top notch in their day. I believe they have live PTO as well. Nice find! There's Arthurs Tractors in PA that does complete restorations and knows all about Select O Speed transmissions.

[@bigsprucefarm]

Yes sir, the 800 Series is a workhorse! 63hp, 12 speeds, live pto, and even power steering! And Andrew, thanks for the tip about Arthur's Tractors.

[@lawrencelipon8673]

👍👍👍👍👍👌

[@bigsprucefarm]

Thanks for joining us on our journey Lawrence! ✨🚜✨

[@akak5128]

Wait this stupid tractor dose not even have a fragile computer, GPS subscription and other expensive servicing costs!!! How is John Deers Share holders going get get payed on their investment now?.

[@bigsprucefarm]

😂😂😂😂 Right? This tractor is definitely from an era when folks fixed their own stuff. You probably only need about 12 hand tools to keep this old girl running.

[@akak5128]

@@bigsprucefarm well if you keep changing the oil, filters and other maintainable parts regularly this thing will go on for another 100 years!! John Deere will be extremely upset at you guys then! I know you want a reliable machine but those fine folks at John Deere also want another yacht, a fourth holiday to another exotic country this year, new porche, etc etc!!! Stop this madness!!

[@akak5128]

@@bigsprucefarm I'm joking ofcourse, but not about regular maintenance, seriously guys, change the things that needs to be changed regularly and put her away properly ya!! Its worth the time and money investment. She's a good one this one.

[@bigsprucefarm]

@@akak5128 we hear you! :) We are both sticklers for maintenance. And when I can, I do my own work so I know that it's done right. Give it a year or so and this old Ford 871 will be running like new and look like a restoration.