Actually, I operate an old John Deere 1120 tractor. When it was bought, it was slightly dripping hydraulic fluid. We didn't know where at first. A few weeks later of light use, it turned into a stream every time the engine turned on. Turns out, the hydraulic pump seal failed and let air into the pump as it ran, damaging the unit until we had to replace the thing.
Wandel is a pragmatist all the way. Nothing in his videos is there without a sense of purpose; there is an unspoken assumption of willingness to observe and learn as part of the process of self development. While some in the game bring an artistic appeal to their work, like Alec Steele's cinematography, or This Old Tony's narrative comedy and practical jokes. But Matthias's videos are unfiltered life. Love it. Keep it up.
My dad used the independent brakes when reversing articulated wagons (hay racks, gravity bins). Just magic to watch and a skill I never really mastered.
@Paul Culbert. That was something I have never thought about. I will have to try it out for sure. I suppose it would create a quick jerk around the turning point as opposed to the relatively slow movement with wheel direction only.
That repaint was actually done at dealerships before the tractor was sold. The 1494 was on lots when Case merged with International so they went from Case white to International red.
You must be a farmer or his wife;) but dont worry a lot do give them credits, so to an accountant or baker or cook in a restaurant or a doctor. And most of us took the job because we love it not for the credits.
I lost $7k on a fishing boat - impulse buy - proved to be too small for my needs and I overpaid. Live and learn. As always, love your vids because you show your mistakes; in this case, a true life's lesson :)
That’s a David Brown in Case colors. Looks like the sloppy loader pin is in an area that’s been “repaired “. Same on the other side of the loader. A lot of it could be fixed, but if you are selling it’s not worth the effort and money.
yes, I have 3 David Brown- case bought DB in 1973 and stopped calliing them DB in the early 80's. The last tractors made in the DB factory in the UK was made in 1988. Still good tractors - he definitely paid too much but it is hard to find a used 4x4 tractor for a reasonable price. I ended up bying a small JD dozer instead to clear bush - a JD350c.
matambale no, many if not most farmers are the least competent mechanics on the planet. That's how tractors get into the condition the pos in this video is in. Get a mechanic that knows heavy equipment to go with you. Pay them a negotiated on amount to go with you after their work hours or on a Saturday. Farmers with wrenches cause mechanical nightmares.
Everything becomes a learning experience for you! And the few times you featured your tractor in project videos, you were obviously having fun with it. Thank you also for commenting on the pesticide vs. plowing dilemma, and the necessary qualities and skills of farmers.
The hour meter on a tractor of this vintage actually measures engine rotations, not time. It should count 1 hour with the engine at rated PTO RPM, ~2200 rpm. Using the tractor at idle for an hour may only register half an hour on the hour meter. On newer tractors the hour meter is an electronic clock that measures time. You can imagine the confusion regarding oil change intervals when this industry shift took place. Tractors went from 100 hour oil change intervals to 250 hour oil change intervals. Part of this oil change interval change was due to cleaner engines and better oils, but part of it was due to a change in the definition of an hour.
I'm working at Rumptstad (Netherlands) and we have the eco plough, which is meant to plough much less deep but does a big width at once. Less erosion and less fuel consumption.
Sorry that you took such a loss on the tractor, but thanks for sharing your mistake. It's sure to help someone that's contemplating a tractor purchase. I've always wanted a big tractor too, but like you I just don't have a need for one. My neighbor has a smaller Kubota that he uses to plow snow and even he says that he doesn't really need it. Thanks for having the courage to share.
When I was in business, I'd have to hire new workers fairly regularly. If an applicant indicated that they had been in farming, that was a huge plus for me as far as hiring because it meant the person was responsible and could do almost any task well.
Fascinating video. I never realized how complex a tractor could be, nor how interesting it would be to learn about them. Your observation about farmers is very true. Their work ethic is impressive.
The loader doesn't seem like a big job to fix. If the PTO hand clutch linkage isn't broken the PTO disc is probably just stuck. Dropping a bush hog with the clutch disengaged would soon sort that out. The lever at the back btw is for selecting between 1000rpm and 540rpm, not for engaging the PTO. The Hydrashift on the other hand. Boy that's a big one. If these David Brown's aren't serviced properly by changing the transmission/hydraulic oil often the Hydrashift will deteriorate quickly. Plenty of experts in the UK, not sure about where you are.
I got the same problem with my PTO disc stuck. I'm not sure to understand what you suggested. What should I do with the bush hog? Currently to use my bush hog, I have to stop the motor, install the bush hog, then start the motor because the disc is stuck and I cannot disengage while the motor is running.
A D So with the implement lifted off the ground with the three point hitch start the tractor. At this point your bush hog should be running. Press in the PTO clutch (this will either be an independent hand clutch or the second stage of your foot clutch) so that under normal circumstances the PTO would stop. Yours obviously will still be running. Now drop the bush hog (ideally over some heavy brush) to the ground. Actually using a rotavator in the same way is even better but not a lot of people have them. If it is simply a stuck PTO clutch plate this should free it up. However there other things that can cause the same problem such as bad adjustment or a badly installed plate. This method won't work in that case.
Great!! Thanks a lot, I will definitely try this out the next time I use it.I'm 90% sure it's just a stuck disc, because it already happened in the past and at that time my dad fixed it easily. Now my dad is gone and I have to fix it by myself. Thank you !!
@Davidbrown996 had my hydra shift in bits but luckily had 2 ex db mechanics on the hydra shift this tractor here if the main drive clutch is ok sounds like the rear pack is slipping hydra shift wasn’t ideal on loaders as you are supposed to start off in 1 each time you lift clutch if it’s in 4 it’ll bang in n apply maximum pressure n lock both brake bands up from zero n that’s when damage is done, obviously shuttling on a loader starting on 1 each time n shifting up isn’t ideal if your shuttling between forward and reverse as reverse 1 Is dead slow lol
Hey, thanks for explaining the diesel fuel shutoff system, I never understood why the backhoe at work had that knob you pulled to shut it off. It confused me that the switch didn’t shut the engine down. Cheers Matthias
Starting to feel rather sad, watching your predicaments unfold. Keep your chin up; you have a great family around you. I expect you will find a way to produce great content and bring it to your fans again, when you get settled in a new place and you can reavalue your strengths. All the very best to you and yours, Matt. We're all rooting for you!
You got almost everything right but, the wheelbase. Wheelbase is the dimension of a vehicle from the center of the front axle to the center of the back axle. Side to side is called the tread or track and is from the center of the left tire to the center of the right tire. General motors used to have an ad campaign about the, "Wide track Pontiac," back in the 70's I believe.
I bought a compact tractor from the late 70s a few years ago when desperate to move some large rocks for a rock wall. I paid too much for it not knowing what issues to look for and a few years later due to that and not knowing how to maintain it well it's gotten quite worn out. It's hard to learn these lessons with a bank account hit, but I've sure figured a lot out and just bought a newer one with all the stuff I want and none of the issues I had with the previous one. Thanks for the details on yours!
We had a Farmall Model H growing up. That tractor packed a lot of functionality into a small package. Used it for plowing fields, plowing snow, brush hogging and pulling a trailer around the property. A tractor like that is perfect for most jobs around a small farm or country home. I don't know how easy or hard it is to get parts for them these days, but it looks like they can be had for a pretty affordable price.
Brings back memories for me. Grew up on a farm too. With a Massey Ferguson or two. One of them still operates just fine. Must be around 60-70 years old now. All the best. Moving sucks.
Its important to let the hydraulics relax from a safety standpoint, especially if kids can get to it. One kid is playing near the bucket and another kid is playing on the seat "driving" the tractor and pulling levers and next thing you know a kid is squashed or worse.
Laeving them relaxed is really only good for safety. Leaving the cyoinders under slight load when not in use keeps the seals under pressure and helps to keep from prematurely wearing/ drying.
Matthias, your honesty and humility do you credit, it's almost refreshing to hear you admit your not an expert on something, in your own field you are of course, but like all true experts you would never describe yourself as such, far too modest and you most likely subscribe to the same view as myself that we are all learning all the time, or should be!
It’s not a true powershift box and was designed to be shifted while moving without using the clutch , it was David brown designed when the clutch is depressed you need to shift the lever on the dash to 1 before lifting the clutch pedal each time if it’s not shifting into the 4th speed when your moving the rear pack in the transmission is slipping if it stays in 3rd , it may be as simple as the brake bands needing adjusted inside the transmission, this tractor would have been white panel work, orange wheels and black chassis paint originally
Hi Matthias , David Brown was bought over by Case then merged with International to make Case/International I worked on all three about 30 years ago in Scotland ,G.
CaseIH 1494 Power: 1983-1988 Engine: 85 hp [63.4 kW] PTO (claimed): 75 hp [55.9 kW] It is a lot more tractor than you would need. It does need some work , however, if you're handy and have a repair manual the problems you speak of could be repaired without much difficulty if you take your time. There are forums on line that have some sharp people that are more than happy to answer all your questions. One is "Tractor by net', excellent forum, have used them many times free of charge. For $7,000.00 dollars someone got a heck of a deal, considering it has a loader and 4wd. I would have snatched it up in a New York minute. Should have kept it, you lost way to much money. For the amount of use it receives it would have lasted you a lifetime if you didn't do a thing to repair it. Most of the problems are not that bad, as I stated. If the tractor was in my location, the Ozarks, it would sell for a great deal more, As Is. If you can cancel the deal, you could at least ask the buyer, never know.
You learn as you go... No need to rag on yourself. You made an impulse purchase without researching it. But look at ALL you have learned from the experience. Better luck next time, and video experiences like yours also helps the next guy (me) on some of the things to look for/at. Cheers.
Matthias, I am a novice with regard to tractors but I found interesting the fact that the tires are often liquid filled instead of using air presumably for better traction and stability. Thanks for this interesting episode.
Not for traction, for ballast. However, that has fallen out of favor, at least with construction forklifts. You can't use plain water or it will freeze in the winter and the anti-freeze chemicals can corrode the wheels.
Maybe i didn't catch but You forgot the MOST IMPORTANT feature of the tractor missing ; ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE(Rops) is MISSING. No matter how wide it is, having seen couple of tractors rolled over in my life I'd never use a tractor without ROPS. Something you should keep in mind for the future.
Well someone got a very good deal depending on whether or not there were any other problems with the machine. From the problems mentioned I would feel comfortable in saying I could address all of them for less than $1000 in parts and about 3 days labor. Splitting a tractor is not a bad job at all and really doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Blocks/stands, a hoist/jack/second tractor, and an impact wrench and you can split an open station tractor like that in less than a couple of hours. Getting it lined back up really isn’t that difficult either as long as you are working on a level concrete floor. I wouldn’t want to do it in the field.... but I would if I needed to.
athhud opening up the back end to fix that pto clutch would be a bitch. I think that would be the worst. Power quad on a tractor that age could be mad too. Agree you can split any yoke on a flat dry surface with enough time
That tractor is actually a DAVID BROWN very easy to work on as long as you know how.They come apart like lego. i know the older DBs very well.Its a very good tractor as long as you know what your doing in maintenance and repair.
Yes they were made in the same Meltham factory as David Brown and the same design but it was Tenneco ownership named CaseIh. By that time the quality assurance was going downhill compared to David Brown era ownership. Now everything is Fiat owned but called caseIh or NewHolland.
Harry Ferguson, who invented the 3-point hitch, was a Principal of Lisburn Further Education College in N. Ireland where I worked. We were very proud of him and his influence on engineering.
LOL, Hi Don, I could have used that tractor quite a bit because my groundsmen are flat out in Scotland so I haven't got the garden levelled and reseeded yet. I've been out strimming tall grass and weeds because I can get a load of top soil delivered and a friend will spread it with his tractor if I can't get my men before the ground goes soft in October. I'll do a video in a couple of days to let you see where I'm at.
baconsoda hey Brendan, I'll look forward to seeing you on the air again(am I missing your vids mate?) Anyway by the sounds of it Matthias' tractor was definitely not the one you needed...
Hour counter isn't linear on all tractors. It's possible that when idling hour counter turns at slower pace and on higher rpms, usually meaning higher load it can turn at normal hour count. It's basically very basic load sensing counter for servicing machine.
I stripped a gear in my tractor and it cost me nearly $5k to fix. About half the cost was labour because they did have to split the tractor in half just to get into the gear box. Also they couldn't buy the gear off the shelf and have to get a machine shop the make one from scratch.
Hey Matthias, don't get down on yourself. You're no fool... you just wanted something that spoke to your childhood... and that overshadowed your practicality. You didn't mortgage your damned house for the tractor, right? You learned a lot, which means you're not only not a fool, you are better informed for having owned it. It's tuition, man, in the ongoing classroom. You're no fool. You're learning every second of every day. Cheers, man, and thanks for sharing this experience.
I have a big german Deutz tactor and I payed 11000€ for it but it was a great Deal because it was in good shape. And it was made in 1976.... I Love my Deutz tractor !!!
I loved this video. It's a treat to look over your shoulder as you think aloud outside of your immediate "wood gears" specialty. Your mechanical comprehension is so quick. You remind me of some people I know from college (I went to Caltech). I wish I had goofed around with them more and worked myself to death less. It would have been really fun to watch you do some challenging repairs/rebuilds on this tractor with your typical engineering narration and demonstrations of thrifty savoir-faire. Too bad for me.
Good video. Your honesty is commendable. We've all made a few of those, but most people are reluctant to admit it. You'll know what to look for next time. As with cars, a crappy paint job is sometimes a means of concealment. Sometimes, you are better off buying an uglier machine on which it's easier to see the leaks, condition of the hoses/lines, etc.
You were nostalgic about your dad and his farming. I'm a farm boy too and have passed up many tractors. I have needed a loader many times but got by w/out it. I have had other expensive mistakes though.
I am sorry that you lost so much money in buying that tractor and hope the new owner can repair the problems you mentioned with it. When I decided to buy a tractor I knew more about them and decided to buy a new one rather than a used one since I knew what will happen over time. My first purchase was a 2002 John Deere 790 which was part of a package deal. I purchased a new tractor last year to add to my collection and it is nice and so far a great purchase for me.
A couple of observations. I wouldn't expect the buyer to do anything about the red/black reversed battery cables. There are plenty of vehicles out there with that same reversal. An implement dealer may 'fix' it as part of a refresh, but a farmer is likely to look at it as 'it ain't broke, the cables carry power, and I'll remember the voltage polarity switch.' (which they won't, but that's another matter.) Notes printed next to the hour meter on my tractor (ford 860) indicate that the hour meter only functions when the motor RPM is above a certain value. so if you ended up idling for the better part of the time you were using it, that time may not show up on the hour meter. I'm not sure if that's a feature on my tractor to give the hour meter more relevance for servicing the tractor, or if it's related to the mechanics of tracking hours of operations based on a tachometer cable.
That Frey loader was built in or near Listowel, Ontario, near where I live. Designed, built and sold by a Mennonite lad named Oscar Frey. They were an agile little loader, but, they were under built for the average farmer. The self-leveling feature was a real hit, cutting edge, at the time. :-)
Most private sales are “as is/where is” as the avg person is not in the market to do so warranty work or returns of goods. Dealerships tend to do warranties 30 days typically on used equipment if your lucky.
Those old David Brown's were great tractors, but like anything they can only take so much abuse and neglect. Live and learn, you probably won't make the same mistakes again. That will make a nice tractor again for somebody if they want to put a little work into it.
I have a 30yearold 1394, it has a million thing wrong with it but I wouldn't sell it for anything.. dont worry too much about the problems with it, it just needs a little love :)
Always fun listening to someone talking about Emissions of Tractors. Its not like we drive cars that have the main purpose of prevent us from walking and using public transportation. Compared to tractor that is designed to do useful work primarily. Like IDK Produce food...
You just wanted at tractor and purchased the first POS you found. Who ever sold the tractor to you saw you coming! If you don’t know anything about a machine you have a mechanic look it over before you buy it! For regular yard work that tractor was twice what you needed. You needed a 30-35 HP tractor. Live and learn! Thanks for the video. Hopefully others can learn from your mistakes!
A farmer told me once, "there's a reason someone is selling their tractor". Great details on this tractor and hindsight. (funny, last weekend I saw two tractors for sale, a Kubota and a Ford at a horse farm/pasture. I suspect they have issues...)
Hi Matthias. Very decent of you to publish this. You enjoyed having it, flaws and all. Childhood dream. You can't really put a price on that. Annoying being taken for a ride, yes, but it's not all bad. You had fun with it as well, and no doubt it was a nod to your Dad - he'll be smiling - and that really is priceless. BobUK.
I work for CNH (CaseIH and New Holland brands) and one of my ingenius collegues invented and has a patent on that auto leveling feature you mentioned. It's on our construction equipment too. There is an interesting story behind its design if anyone is interested. In Burr Ridge, Illinois, we have a museum in our offices with a lot of older antique tractors. If you ever make it to my neck of the woods, hit me up, I think I might be able to arrange a tour and meet & greet with some of the engineers behind this equipment. I could even arrange a ride in a modern tractor on our test track. Modern tractors are truly amazing array of technology and automation. Think giant robot.... Your comment about farmers being the most interesting people is very true. Some of the folks I work with, engineers, are also farmers who grew up on family farms and boy do they have some crazy interesting stories. They are some of the most creative people I've ever met. Their equipment is vital to supporting their way of life and they do many creative things to keep the equipment going. Seriously, let me know if you ever wish to visit us, I have no doubt you will be super impressed.
Just FYI, the hour clock usually has a rpm limit it has to reach before it turns. I doubt you have ran it for long above 2000ish rpm so the clock probably won’t move much.
I spent a few thousand hours on a tractor cutting grass when I worked at a conservation area. After I left the place I heard they were upgrading to a newer model. I would have bought it but I didn't have anywhere to put it!
I had a close call with a bulldozer that had been parked and left with the blade up. It was left out on a trail that we were hiking on, it was a bit of a novelty that there was this bulldozer out in the middle of nowhere. So of course I had to get a picture with it. As I was stepping away for it, I heard a loud "Whump" behind me, I looked back and the blade was no solidly on the ground.
It is a 40 year old machine, have to expect things wrong, however it was stored outside and weather for that long is a big factor. It was not maintained well , and has seen a lot of use . The loader is a after market and not as well made as a case manufactured loader, as well as wore out. Farmers try not to buy a tractor that was used for loader work , the clutch and transmission are usually pretty worn. Case has not made as durable a tractor since the 70s. One thing he did not mention is that his has good tires, if the tires were poor he would have to knock 4000 off the price
Merry Christmas. I have a question there is a Ford 8340 4 × 4 but there is a problem with the hydraulic pump First according to add the Wheels 70% 4 × 4 Not working Could be pump delay or Solonid is it a good deal or not is it easy to fix any advice
interesting thing: in a car you with the throttle you control the amount of fuel-air-mixture or the amount of diesel that is put in each cylinder, but a tractor works differently. since you almost never want to determine the accelaration but almost always the amount of speed (because often i.e. with PTO enganged the rpm should have a certain vaulue) you control the speed/rpm of the engine. the fuel pump decides itself how much diesel it should inject! and that is almost always "full throttle". if you put your foot down just ever so slighty, the fuel pump will recognize you are not at the rpm that you want to have, so it tries with everything that it has got to reach that new rpm-goal. so that's way different to how a car gas pedal works. (one is speed-controlled (same as in i.e. a lawn mover, the other is torque-controlled as i.e. in cars, motorcyles, ...).
Once owned a Case orchard tractor circa 1950s (?) came with the house. Used it to plow the driveway to the main road. Gave it to a local collector before I moved. Even then the machine was complicated.
I've made a few purchasing mistakes myself in my day due to wanting VS needing. I bought an old boat that had "issues" but at least I learned a lot about how it work as I paid out the a*s to have them fixed!
Skidsteers along with the problems already pointed out wouldnt hold a candle to this tractor in ideal conditions. Also more of a bias on my part if you doing very much in a skidsteer it rocks you to death
When describing the gearbox maintenance issue, I imagined a video intro with the words "I had to split my tractor in half so I built this wood jig to align the two pieces so the bolt holes would line up, with these wooden to control the fine alignment of the two halves".
Good overview of tractor operation. I always wondered about the second set of cylinders on the boom of a telehandler and what they were for. I thought maybe a failsafe for the main cylinders at least just to hold the boom from falling in the event of main cylinder failure. Thanks for sharing. Been there, done that on paying too much for a tractor. Later I was able to find some at much better prices. What learning is all about. This video can save others some time if they watch it prior to a purchase. However, I've found most equipment always has some sort of problems with it, even if it's just a leak, crack in the plastic, scratched paint, or stiff lever(s). Some things you just have to accept.
the loader pin is not too small. what you do, is drill the hole out larger, and put in a bushing, to take up the slack. The problem was, the guy who owned it, ran it for a long time loading, and never greased it every day. If you were loading, every day on a farm, and never had a good grease schedule this happens. The shifter, could probably have the top cover taken off, and the shift fork readjusted, to get the other two gears, that the shifter is missing. I bet the transmission is still good. This would only be good around the farm, not field work, but loader work, because it is so limited for nowadays. I do not even know how good a deal the farmer got buying your tractor, because the clutch for the power takeoff, may just be unadjusted, or ruined, then the power takeoff would slip. that is a lot of money to fix.
I am not sure what the tractor market is in CA, but in the US that tractor in good shape is worth $7000-$9000. In that condition, probably $4000-$5000. Add maybe $2000 for the loader.
If old tractor doesn't leak it means theres no oil inside anymore.
True, true, wise words.
Well, if there's an oil leak, get it fixed immediately or else the repair cost for it will go up the roof the longer you procrastinate
BrokenLifeCycle have you ever intensively used old machinery? It´s fucking impossible to have it working without minor leaks.
A WWII bomber mechanic told me this about radial engines....
Actually, I operate an old John Deere 1120 tractor. When it was bought, it was slightly dripping hydraulic fluid. We didn't know where at first. A few weeks later of light use, it turned into a stream every time the engine turned on. Turns out, the hydraulic pump seal failed and let air into the pump as it ran, damaging the unit until we had to replace the thing.
This is one of your endearing characteristics: you admit your mistakes. Good on ya.
Wandel is a pragmatist all the way. Nothing in his videos is there without a sense of purpose; there is an unspoken assumption of willingness to observe and learn as part of the process of self development. While some in the game bring an artistic appeal to their work, like Alec Steele's cinematography, or This Old Tony's narrative comedy and practical jokes.
But Matthias's videos are unfiltered life. Love it. Keep it up.
The independent brakes can also be used to make a tight turn at the end of a field
My dad used the independent brakes when reversing articulated wagons (hay racks, gravity bins). Just magic to watch and a skill I never really mastered.
All terrain straight mast fork lifts have them too. Very handy in a tight yard.
@Paul Culbert. That was something I have never thought about. I will have to try it out for sure. I suppose it would create a quick jerk around the turning point as opposed to the relatively slow movement with wheel direction only.
Or to turn at all when carrying something on the back that makes the front to light to grip
That repaint was actually done at dealerships before the tractor was sold. The 1494 was on lots when Case merged with International so they went from Case white to International red.
Farmers are definitely very skilled with multiple talents. Society does not give them the credit they are due. They also produce all the food we eat.
You must be a farmer or his wife;) but dont worry a lot do give them credits, so to an accountant or baker or cook in a restaurant or a doctor. And most of us took the job because we love it not for the credits.
peggyt1243 thanks
xander witt - Neither, I just respect the talents and commitment of those in the private sector.
I lost $7k on a fishing boat - impulse buy - proved to be too small for my needs and I overpaid. Live and learn. As always, love your vids because you show your mistakes; in this case, a true life's lesson :)
I think everyone who owns a boat sympathizes
That’s a David Brown in Case colors. Looks like the sloppy loader pin is in an area that’s been “repaired “. Same on the other side of the loader. A lot of it could be fixed, but if you are selling it’s not worth the effort and money.
Thomas Booth it’s on of the last 1494 great tractor
yes, I have 3 David Brown- case bought DB in 1973 and stopped calliing them DB in the early 80's. The last tractors made in the DB factory in the UK was made in 1988. Still good tractors - he definitely paid too much but it is hard to find a used 4x4 tractor for a reasonable price. I ended up bying a small JD dozer instead to clear bush - a JD350c.
Short version: have a farmer look over a tractor before you buy it.
Unless that person you’re buying it from is that same farmer. One should get a second opinion.
I agree with Fizzledick. Farmers are the ones making farm repairs.
matambale no, many if not most farmers are the least competent mechanics on the planet. That's how tractors get into the condition the pos in this video is in. Get a mechanic that knows heavy equipment to go with you. Pay them a negotiated on amount to go with you after their work hours or on a Saturday. Farmers with wrenches cause mechanical nightmares.
*ROTAXD* only thing way worse than a farmer with a wrench is him with an unreasonably sized hammer ...
Everything becomes a learning experience for you! And the few times you featured your tractor in project videos, you were obviously having fun with it. Thank you also for commenting on the pesticide vs. plowing dilemma, and the necessary qualities and skills of farmers.
I'll keep watching any video you make, just for the entertainment and learning. Keep em' coming. Glen in Minnesota
Thanks
It's like any tool, the first one you buy is mostly disappointing
yeah, like my first wife
I always start with cheap and nasty, so i know what to avoid about something in the future
MrHack4never, like a woman...
The hour meter on a tractor of this vintage actually measures engine rotations, not time. It should count 1 hour with the engine at rated PTO RPM, ~2200 rpm. Using the tractor at idle for an hour may only register half an hour on the hour meter.
On newer tractors the hour meter is an electronic clock that measures time. You can imagine the confusion regarding oil change intervals when this industry shift took place. Tractors went from 100 hour oil change intervals to 250 hour oil change intervals. Part of this oil change interval change was due to cleaner engines and better oils, but part of it was due to a change in the definition of an hour.
You really are an engineer, not a salesman.
He has integrity.
Not by a country mile.
I'm working at Rumptstad (Netherlands) and we have the eco plough, which is meant to plough much less deep but does a big width at once. Less erosion and less fuel consumption.
Too bad you didn't get a chance to build a wooden tractor from recycled material.
He still might. This is the man who built who kind of built a shed for the tractor. I don't put it past the fellow.
I like this😁
should have sold it to ChuckE2009 :D :D
Or maybe to John? He coud start a new channal "I plow it" :D
ensen89 even lanse would not have touched that thing.
haha, too funny :-) He's going for 15 now, maybe!
Lol
Sorry that you took such a loss on the tractor, but thanks for sharing your mistake. It's sure to help someone that's contemplating a tractor purchase. I've always wanted a big tractor too, but like you I just don't have a need for one. My neighbor has a smaller Kubota that he uses to plow snow and even he says that he doesn't really need it. Thanks for having the courage to share.
When I was in business, I'd have to hire new workers fairly regularly. If an applicant indicated that they had been in farming, that was a huge plus for me as far as hiring because it meant the person was responsible and could do almost any task well.
Fascinating video. I never realized how complex a tractor could be, nor how interesting it would be to learn about them. Your observation about farmers is very true. Their work ethic is impressive.
The loader doesn't seem like a big job to fix. If the PTO hand clutch linkage isn't broken the PTO disc is probably just stuck. Dropping a bush hog with the clutch disengaged would soon sort that out. The lever at the back btw is for selecting between 1000rpm and 540rpm, not for engaging the PTO. The Hydrashift on the other hand. Boy that's a big one. If these David Brown's aren't serviced properly by changing the transmission/hydraulic oil often the Hydrashift will deteriorate quickly. Plenty of experts in the UK, not sure about where you are.
I got the same problem with my PTO disc stuck. I'm not sure to understand what you suggested. What should I do with the bush hog? Currently to use my bush hog, I have to stop the motor, install the bush hog, then start the motor because the disc is stuck and I cannot disengage while the motor is running.
A D So with the implement lifted off the ground with the three point hitch start the tractor. At this point your bush hog should be running. Press in the PTO clutch (this will either be an independent hand clutch or the second stage of your foot clutch) so that under normal circumstances the PTO would stop. Yours obviously will still be running. Now drop the bush hog (ideally over some heavy brush) to the ground. Actually using a rotavator in the same way is even better but not a lot of people have them.
If it is simply a stuck PTO clutch plate this should free it up. However there other things that can cause the same problem such as bad adjustment or a badly installed plate. This method won't work in that case.
Great!! Thanks a lot, I will definitely try this out the next time I use it.I'm 90% sure it's just a stuck disc, because it already happened in the past and at that time my dad fixed it easily. Now my dad is gone and I have to fix it by myself. Thank you !!
@Davidbrown996 had my hydra shift in bits but luckily had 2 ex db mechanics on the hydra shift this tractor here if the main drive clutch is ok sounds like the rear pack is slipping hydra shift wasn’t ideal on loaders as you are supposed to start off in 1 each time you lift clutch if it’s in 4 it’ll bang in n apply maximum pressure n lock both brake bands up from zero n that’s when damage is done, obviously shuttling on a loader starting on 1 each time n shifting up isn’t ideal if your shuttling between forward and reverse as reverse 1 Is dead slow lol
Hey, thanks for explaining the diesel fuel shutoff system, I never understood why the backhoe at work had that knob you pulled to shut it off. It confused me that the switch didn’t shut the engine down. Cheers Matthias
Starting to feel rather sad, watching your predicaments unfold. Keep your chin up; you have a great family around you. I expect you will find a way to produce great content and bring it to your fans again, when you get settled in a new place and you can reavalue your strengths. All the very best to you and yours, Matt. We're all rooting for you!
You got almost everything right but, the wheelbase. Wheelbase is the dimension of a vehicle from the center of the front axle to the center of the back axle. Side to side is called the tread or track and is from the center of the left tire to the center of the right tire. General motors used to have an ad campaign about the, "Wide track Pontiac," back in the 70's I believe.
I bought a compact tractor from the late 70s a few years ago when desperate to move some large rocks for a rock wall. I paid too much for it not knowing what issues to look for and a few years later due to that and not knowing how to maintain it well it's gotten quite worn out. It's hard to learn these lessons with a bank account hit, but I've sure figured a lot out and just bought a newer one with all the stuff I want and none of the issues I had with the previous one. Thanks for the details on yours!
We had a Farmall Model H growing up. That tractor packed a lot of functionality into a small package. Used it for plowing fields, plowing snow, brush hogging and pulling a trailer around the property. A tractor like that is perfect for most jobs around a small farm or country home. I don't know how easy or hard it is to get parts for them these days, but it looks like they can be had for a pretty affordable price.
I like your summary about farmers. So hilarious.Hard working + Know Your Machines + Successful Businessman
Brings back memories for me. Grew up on a farm too. With a Massey Ferguson or two. One of them still operates just fine. Must be around 60-70 years old now. All the best. Moving sucks.
Its important to let the hydraulics relax from a safety standpoint, especially if kids can get to it. One kid is playing near the bucket and another kid is playing on the seat "driving" the tractor and pulling levers and next thing you know a kid is squashed or worse.
Excellent point.
Laeving them relaxed is really only good for safety. Leaving the cyoinders under slight load when not in use keeps the seals under pressure and helps to keep from prematurely wearing/ drying.
Matthias, your honesty and humility do you credit, it's almost refreshing to hear you admit your not an expert on something, in your own field you are of course, but like all true experts you would never describe yourself as such, far too modest and you most likely subscribe to the same view as myself that we are all learning all the time, or should be!
It’s not a true powershift box and was designed to be shifted while moving without using the clutch , it was David brown designed when the clutch is depressed you need to shift the lever on the dash to 1 before lifting the clutch pedal each time if it’s not shifting into the 4th speed when your moving the rear pack in the transmission is slipping if it stays in 3rd , it may be as simple as the brake bands needing adjusted inside the transmission, this tractor would have been white panel work, orange wheels and black chassis paint originally
Hi Matthias , David Brown was bought over by Case then merged with International to make Case/International I worked on all three about 30 years ago in Scotland ,G.
CaseIH 1494 Power: 1983-1988
Engine: 85 hp [63.4 kW]
PTO (claimed): 75 hp [55.9 kW]
It is a lot more tractor than you would need.
It does need some work , however, if you're handy and have a repair manual the problems you speak of could be repaired without much difficulty if you take your time. There are forums on line that have some sharp people that are more than happy to answer all your questions. One is "Tractor by net', excellent forum, have used them many times free of charge.
For $7,000.00 dollars someone got a heck of a deal, considering it has a loader and 4wd. I would have snatched it up in a New York minute. Should have kept it, you lost way to much money. For the amount of use it receives it would have lasted you a lifetime if you didn't do a thing to repair it. Most of the problems are not that bad, as I stated. If the tractor was in my location,
the Ozarks, it would sell for a great deal more, As Is. If you can cancel the deal, you could at least ask the buyer, never know.
No kidding, I was like...I'll give you 7k for that!
You learn as you go...
No need to rag on yourself. You made an impulse purchase without researching it. But look at ALL you have learned from the experience.
Better luck next time, and video experiences like yours also helps the next guy (me) on some of the things to look for/at.
Cheers.
Matthias, I am a novice with regard to tractors but I found interesting the fact that the tires are often liquid filled instead of using air presumably for better traction and stability. Thanks for this interesting episode.
Not for traction, for ballast. However, that has fallen out of favor, at least with construction forklifts. You can't use plain water or it will freeze in the winter and the anti-freeze chemicals can corrode the wheels.
The added weight of the liquid provides extra traction. And believe it or not beet juice is being used in the tires.
I never realised those David Brown derived case tractors were sold in USA.
Maybe i didn't catch but You forgot the MOST IMPORTANT feature of the tractor missing ; ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE(Rops) is MISSING. No matter how wide it is, having seen couple of tractors rolled over in my life I'd never use a tractor without ROPS. Something you should keep in mind for the future.
Well someone got a very good deal depending on whether or not there were any other problems with the machine. From the problems mentioned I would feel comfortable in saying I could address all of them for less than $1000 in parts and about 3 days labor.
Splitting a tractor is not a bad job at all and really doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Blocks/stands, a hoist/jack/second tractor, and an impact wrench and you can split an open station tractor like that in less than a couple of hours. Getting it lined back up really isn’t that difficult either as long as you are working on a level concrete floor. I wouldn’t want to do it in the field.... but I would if I needed to.
athhud opening up the back end to fix that pto clutch would be a bitch. I think that would be the worst. Power quad on a tractor that age could be mad too. Agree you can split any yoke on a flat dry surface with enough time
That tractor is actually a DAVID BROWN very easy to work on as long as you know how.They come apart like lego. i know the older DBs very well.Its a very good tractor as long as you know what your doing in maintenance and repair.
Yes they were made in the same Meltham factory as David Brown and the same design but it was Tenneco ownership named CaseIh. By that time the quality assurance was going downhill compared to David Brown era ownership. Now everything is Fiat owned but called caseIh or NewHolland.
Harry Ferguson, who invented the 3-point hitch, was a Principal of Lisburn Further Education College in N. Ireland where I worked. We were very proud of him and his influence on engineering.
Baconsoda, very good I'll look that up. How is the backyard reorganization coming along - did you think you needed Matthias's tractor at any point?
LOL, Hi Don, I could have used that tractor quite a bit because my groundsmen are flat out in Scotland so I haven't got the garden levelled and reseeded yet. I've been out strimming tall grass and weeds because I can get a load of top soil delivered and a friend will spread it with his tractor if I can't get my men before the ground goes soft in October. I'll do a video in a couple of days to let you see where I'm at.
baconsoda hey Brendan, I'll look forward to seeing you on the air again(am I missing your vids mate?) Anyway by the sounds of it Matthias' tractor was definitely not the one you needed...
LOL, I would actually love a tractor just so I could go out and slow down cyclists.
baconsoda ha! I'll ride shotgun mate!!!
Hour counter isn't linear on all tractors. It's possible that when idling hour counter turns at slower pace and on higher rpms, usually meaning higher load it can turn at normal hour count. It's basically very basic load sensing counter for servicing machine.
Thanks for the tour. Hope all is going well with the move...
I stripped a gear in my tractor and it cost me nearly $5k to fix. About half the cost was labour because they did have to split the tractor in half just to get into the gear box. Also they couldn't buy the gear off the shelf and have to get a machine shop the make one from scratch.
Hey Matthias, don't get down on yourself. You're no fool... you just wanted something that spoke to your childhood... and that overshadowed your practicality. You didn't mortgage your damned house for the tractor, right? You learned a lot, which means you're not only not a fool, you are better informed for having owned it. It's tuition, man, in the ongoing classroom. You're no fool. You're learning every second of every day. Cheers, man, and thanks for sharing this experience.
Quite the sales pitch. You forgot to mention the holes in the upholstery of the tractor seat.
Only requires a couple good high lift floor jacks and a concrete floor to split your tractor ...
I don't know how much land you have but that is A LOT of tractor. Nice overview. -Ed
One person with integrity, along with honesty.
Gerry Smith
Houston
I have a big german Deutz tactor and I payed 11000€ for it but it was a great Deal because it was in good shape. And it was made in 1976.... I Love my Deutz tractor !!!
I loved this video. It's a treat to look over your shoulder as you think aloud outside of your immediate "wood gears" specialty. Your mechanical comprehension is so quick. You remind me of some people I know from college (I went to Caltech). I wish I had goofed around with them more and worked myself to death less.
It would have been really fun to watch you do some challenging repairs/rebuilds on this tractor with your typical engineering narration and demonstrations of thrifty savoir-faire. Too bad for me.
Good video. Your honesty is commendable. We've all made a few of those, but most people are reluctant to admit it. You'll know what to look for next time. As with cars, a crappy paint job is sometimes a means of concealment. Sometimes, you are better off buying an uglier machine on which it's easier to see the leaks, condition of the hoses/lines, etc.
You were nostalgic about your dad and his farming. I'm a farm boy too and have passed up many tractors. I have needed a loader many times but got by w/out it. I have had other expensive mistakes though.
Were you wearing a rose tinted welding mask when you bought that?
I am sorry that you lost so much money in buying that tractor and hope the new owner can repair the problems you mentioned with it. When I decided to buy a tractor I knew more about them and decided to buy a new one rather than a used one since I knew what will happen over time. My first purchase was a 2002 John Deere 790 which was part of a package deal. I purchased a new tractor last year to add to my collection and it is nice and so far a great purchase for me.
Hello Matthias. I have enjoyed your videos for years. Thank you, sir! 👍🏼🏁🍻
A couple of observations. I wouldn't expect the buyer to do anything about the red/black reversed battery cables. There are plenty of vehicles out there with that same reversal. An implement dealer may 'fix' it as part of a refresh, but a farmer is likely to look at it as 'it ain't broke, the cables carry power, and I'll remember the voltage polarity switch.' (which they won't, but that's another matter.)
Notes printed next to the hour meter on my tractor (ford 860) indicate that the hour meter only functions when the motor RPM is above a certain value. so if you ended up idling for the better part of the time you were using it, that time may not show up on the hour meter. I'm not sure if that's a feature on my tractor to give the hour meter more relevance for servicing the tractor, or if it's related to the mechanics of tracking hours of operations based on a tachometer cable.
That Frey loader was built in or near Listowel, Ontario, near where I live. Designed, built and sold by a Mennonite lad named Oscar Frey. They were an agile little loader, but, they were under built for the average farmer. The self-leveling feature was a real hit, cutting edge, at the time. :-)
The word "tractor" sounds weird now after watching this
Sh0gun everything about your post (including your pic) is absolutely beautiful and perfect. Thank you.
Was it too much tractor?
Sh0gun semantic satiation!
I think it's how he says it...
i took a shot of beer every time he said tractor. Now i feel really woozy
Most private sales are “as is/where is” as the avg person is not in the market to do so warranty work or returns of goods. Dealerships tend to do warranties 30 days typically on used equipment if your lucky.
You're gonna miss that tractor.
I think you've just written a country song :P
Those old David Brown's were great tractors, but like anything they can only take so much abuse and neglect. Live and learn, you probably won't make the same mistakes again. That will make a nice tractor again for somebody if they want to put a little work into it.
I have a 30yearold 1394, it has a million thing wrong with it but I wouldn't sell it for anything.. dont worry too much about the problems with it, it just needs a little love :)
"I didn't need a tractor but i wanted one" could be a description of a why I made some of my purchases. Thumbs up Matthias!
At least you got to have a bit of fun with it, and you can tell your kids about your Tractor mis-adventures (when they grow up)
The monetary loss may be definable on paper, but you have also learned a great deal and met some interesting people.
Always fun listening to someone talking about Emissions of Tractors.
Its not like we drive cars that have the main purpose of prevent us from walking and using public transportation.
Compared to tractor that is designed to do useful work primarily.
Like IDK Produce food...
You just wanted at tractor and purchased the first POS you found. Who ever sold the tractor to you saw you coming! If you don’t know anything about a machine you have a mechanic look it over before you buy it! For regular yard work that tractor was twice what you needed. You needed a 30-35 HP tractor.
Live and learn! Thanks for the video. Hopefully others can learn from your mistakes!
A farmer told me once, "there's a reason someone is selling their tractor". Great details on this tractor and hindsight. (funny, last weekend I saw two tractors for sale, a Kubota and a Ford at a horse farm/pasture. I suspect they have issues...)
Hi Matthias. Very decent of you to publish this. You enjoyed having it, flaws and all. Childhood dream. You can't really put a price on that. Annoying being taken for a ride, yes, but it's not all bad. You had fun with it as well, and no doubt it was a nod to your Dad - he'll be smiling - and that really is priceless. BobUK.
I work for CNH (CaseIH and New Holland brands) and one of my ingenius collegues invented and has a patent on that auto leveling feature you mentioned. It's on our construction equipment too. There is an interesting story behind its design if anyone is interested. In Burr Ridge, Illinois, we have a museum in our offices with a lot of older antique tractors. If you ever make it to my neck of the woods, hit me up, I think I might be able to arrange a tour and meet & greet with some of the engineers behind this equipment. I could even arrange a ride in a modern tractor on our test track. Modern tractors are truly amazing array of technology and automation. Think giant robot.... Your comment about farmers being the most interesting people is very true. Some of the folks I work with, engineers, are also farmers who grew up on family farms and boy do they have some crazy interesting stories. They are some of the most creative people I've ever met. Their equipment is vital to supporting their way of life and they do many creative things to keep the equipment going. Seriously, let me know if you ever wish to visit us, I have no doubt you will be super impressed.
Ye forget to tell him exactly what that is considering its not actually a case IH its a UK built David brown
Any used piece of equipment is going to be sold as is, unless they offer an extended warranty
Everytime he said tractor I took a shot. I'm writing from the hospital.
Lol
Just FYI, the hour clock usually has a rpm limit it has to reach before it turns. I doubt you have ran it for long above 2000ish rpm so the clock probably won’t move much.
The separate brakes are also used to assist in making tighter turns. In other words brake the wheel on the inside of the turn.
If you had this in the UK, more than likely some tea-leaf would 'borrow' it to remove the local ATM.
I spent a few thousand hours on a tractor cutting grass when I worked at a conservation area. After I left the place I heard they were upgrading to a newer model. I would have bought it but I didn't have anywhere to put it!
You really can't put a price on angering people with tractor videos though.
krtwood I actually live on a farm and like tractor videos....and yet, this is so hilarious that I'm dying.
I had a close call with a bulldozer that had been parked and left with the blade up. It was left out on a trail that we were hiking on, it was a bit of a novelty that there was this bulldozer out in the middle of nowhere. So of course I had to get a picture with it. As I was stepping away for it, I heard a loud "Whump" behind me, I looked back and the blade was no solidly on the ground.
There is a typo on your comment at 16:00.
It is a 40 year old machine, have to expect things wrong, however it was stored outside and weather for that long is a big factor. It was not maintained well , and has seen a lot of use . The loader is a after market and not as well made as a case manufactured loader, as well as wore out. Farmers try not to buy a tractor that was used for loader work , the clutch and transmission are usually pretty worn. Case has not made as durable a tractor since the 70s. One thing he did not mention is that his has good tires, if the tires were poor he would have to knock 4000 off the price
Is there a warranty on used equipment in canadia? As is protects the seller from legal disputes.
if you can't relate to this, just think of your first drone you lost flying and still have the remote for it.
Hand throttle is good if you are using PTO on stationary machine (firewood chopper etc )
Hand throttle good in what you describe but an absolute must when doing field work. Totally can get by with only a hand throttle.
I can't wait for the wooden tractor build. Seems like a natural progression from wooden tools.
At 9:40 he claims that the tractor is from 1984 moments before showing us that it is CLEARLY from 1494. Shame on you Matthias! 😁
Merry Christmas. I have a question there is a Ford 8340 4 × 4 but there is a problem with the hydraulic pump First according to add the Wheels 70% 4 × 4 Not working Could be pump delay or Solonid is it a good deal or not is it easy to fix any advice
interesting thing: in a car you with the throttle you control the amount of fuel-air-mixture or the amount of diesel that is put in each cylinder, but a tractor works differently. since you almost never want to determine the accelaration but almost always the amount of speed (because often i.e. with PTO enganged the rpm should have a certain vaulue) you control the speed/rpm of the engine. the fuel pump decides itself how much diesel it should inject! and that is almost always "full throttle". if you put your foot down just ever so slighty, the fuel pump will recognize you are not at the rpm that you want to have, so it tries with everything that it has got to reach that new rpm-goal. so that's way different to how a car gas pedal works. (one is speed-controlled (same as in i.e. a lawn mover, the other is torque-controlled as i.e. in cars, motorcyles, ...).
I've learned a lot about fixing tractors by over paying for one. I've replaced the clutch and fixed lots of odds and ends on the engine and front end.
Once owned a Case orchard tractor circa 1950s (?) came with the house. Used it to plow the driveway to the main road. Gave it to a local collector before I moved. Even then the machine was complicated.
I've made a few purchasing mistakes myself in my day due to wanting VS needing. I bought an old boat that had "issues" but at least I learned a lot about how it work as I paid out the a*s to have them fixed!
If I ever move to the countryside and all I need is a tractor for snow removal I would get a skid steer. Good or bad idea?
Skid steers get stuck, no ground clearance, short wheelbase.
If the only thing you need is snow removal I would just buy a plow for a truck.
Skidsteers along with the problems already pointed out wouldnt hold a candle to this tractor in ideal conditions. Also more of a bias on my part if you doing very much in a skidsteer it rocks you to death
Don't you usually just use that cow killing compressed air thing?
its called a bolt gun, but I have no idea what that has to do with snow removal.
How much does a brand new tractor of this size cost? Like $40,000?
When describing the gearbox maintenance issue, I imagined a video intro with the words "I had to split my tractor in half so I built this wood jig to align the two pieces so the bolt holes would line up, with these wooden to control the fine alignment of the two halves".
Good overview of tractor operation. I always wondered about the second set of cylinders on the boom of a telehandler and what they were for. I thought maybe a failsafe for the main cylinders at least just to hold the boom from falling in the event of main cylinder failure. Thanks for sharing. Been there, done that on paying too much for a tractor. Later I was able to find some at much better prices. What learning is all about. This video can save others some time if they watch it prior to a purchase. However, I've found most equipment always has some sort of problems with it, even if it's just a leak, crack in the plastic, scratched paint, or stiff lever(s). Some things you just have to accept.
the loader pin is not too small. what you do, is drill the hole out larger, and put in a bushing, to take up the slack. The problem was, the guy who owned it, ran it for a long time loading, and never greased it every day. If you were loading, every day on a farm, and never had a good grease schedule this happens. The shifter, could probably have the top cover taken off, and the shift fork readjusted, to get the other two gears, that the shifter is missing. I bet the transmission is still good. This would only be good around the farm, not field work, but loader work, because it is so limited for nowadays. I do not even know how good a deal the farmer got buying your tractor, because the clutch for the power takeoff, may just be unadjusted, or ruined, then the power takeoff would slip. that is a lot of money to fix.
ChuckE2009 would have liked this one.
Actually it's 4 different combination for the wheels
Knowing nothing about tractors, I found this very interesting, especially the no-moving-parts way of reconfiguring the width of the stance. Thanks!
Also, diesel. I always wondered why buses and large trucks had those plunger things instead of regular starters... TIL!
I like 24 minute videos, I got to hear you say *_heeeere_* 84 times!
I am very surprised there's no ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) fitted.
I am not sure what the tractor market is in CA, but in the US that tractor in good shape is worth $7000-$9000. In that condition, probably $4000-$5000. Add maybe $2000 for the loader.