sned 15 #1 Posted March 26, 2012 So my tractor is in rough shape. It started when I lent it to my neighbor for a week and he pretty much burnt up the hydraulics and motor. He didn't check the hydraulic fluid and ran the pump hot. Also didn't check engine oil and now it smokes. With that all being said I have still been using it with plans to swap the motor and rebuild the 10. But yesterday the rear went. I just think even if I rebuild I'm working this tractor too hard. Just me sitting on it it's close to 1,300 lbs... Rear does have the larger axles. So do I just sell it and build another one on a larger tractor or save this broken down horse. My yard is an acre and my barn is small so not looking to get something too big. I would probably just build it on my case 444 to save money. I know my self if I redo this tractor it's getting a full overhaul. But is that wise? I even have a 520 forward swept front end waiting. Just so lost at this moment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #2 Posted March 26, 2012 Your tractor looks to be a 312. For what it would cost to rebuild the engine and tranny you might be able to pick up a decent 520 and have a heavier duty machine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimt1971 237 #3 Posted March 26, 2012 The neighbor should be picking you up a nice 520 for his error. Just saying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #4 Posted March 26, 2012 I would put that loader on the 444 case if it has the hydro backpressure set up to keep it from free rolling. It is a much heavier tractor than what you have now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jay in nc 210 #5 Posted March 26, 2012 i second what stevebo said, then you can redo the horse & watch the neighbors grass turn into trees cause he aint borowing anything ever again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #6 Posted March 26, 2012 Did the guy offer an explanation or an apology? Without knowing the whole story, I can only guess he's about as mechanically inclined as a turnip! I'm no "super wrench", but even I can tell when things are getting hot and not sounding right. Sheesh! Duff :thumbs: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sned 15 #7 Posted March 26, 2012 Your tractor looks to be a 312. For what it would cost to rebuild the engine and tranny you might be able to pick up a decent 520 and have a heavier duty machine. It's a 310. I actually just grabbed a 12 horse motor off a friends shelf for free intending to swap motors. It has a 400 series rear and was going to have a 520 front. There actually is a 520H near me I could get for $200 but the motor is no good. Is there any way I could make a frankenstein tractor combining the two tractors? I would put that loader on the 444 case if it has the hydro backpressure set up to keep it from free rolling. It is a much heavier tractor than what you have now. Stevebo I think you are right and I will most likely do this. Just makes me sad... My main reason to try and save this tractor and make it my worker is I would have no need for the 310 if I use the case. I have a diesel woods mower so no need for mowing. It would most likely get sold to fund the materials for a new build. If I make the case my loader tractor I will probably have to build a new loader. So I guess I will sell it. Thank you all for chiming in and helping me see what I need to do. I think I just needed a pep talk. Was feeling real down because my favorite toy was broken in so many ways. I might just rebuild the rear anyway because I have been wanting to see if I can do it. But after that I will sell it and get a nice RJ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sned 15 #8 Posted March 26, 2012 Did the guy offer an explanation or an apology? Without knowing the whole story, I can only guess he's about as mechanically inclined as a turnip! I'm no "super wrench", but even I can tell when things are getting hot and not sounding right. Sheesh! Duff He is a real nice guy and we have been friends for a while which is why I trusted him. I told him it leaks hydraulic fluid when sitting and it needs to be checked. Unfortunately the way the person before me built it didn't make it easy. So I think he just tried to pour it down the breather and it all bubbled back up and he figured he was good. Its really my fault for not going over the first day to show him what he needs to check. I am chaulking it up as a lesson learned. I just wish this happened in the fall so I could take my time fixing it all winter. I actually think he may have been the cause for the rear as well. He told me he was trying to get speed when ramming into the pile of sheep poop... end rant Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,660 #9 Posted March 26, 2012 I had my loader on a B80-8 Speed and really really really over worked it and it held up.... I just HATE when people borrow stuff and are ANIMALS with it. If it was me (partial to Wheel Horse.... ) I would grab the 520 for $200 and swap the 12 hp Kohler into it... thats enough motor to run it and the 520 will be strong enough to run the loader. Then you can work on the 310, a used 8 speed isn't that much cash and perhaps a set of rings will bring the Kohler back to life.... Tony Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #10 Posted March 26, 2012 If you have that 12 still, get the 520 and install the motor and the loader both will be a direct fit. Sell what you can from the 310 and the swept axel and you'll more than pay to get the 520 and do the swap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #12 Posted March 27, 2012 i have a 312 with the 1100 eaton,its under powered a bit,but is still a very usable tractor,i had a 42 snow thrower on it and it will run it just a little slower than a tractor with a larger engine,id do the 520 with swept front and your 12 hp to get you going Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 844 #13 Posted March 27, 2012 The only person i let borrow anything of mine is my FIL , and very rarely do i let him borrow anything. I just go do it for him . I worked to hard and to long in this life to let anything happen to my stuff. If it is a neighbor i like , i will go help them do whatever it may be with my stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sned 15 #14 Posted March 27, 2012 The only person i let borrow anything of mine is my FIL , and very rarely do i let him borrow anything. I just go do it for him . I worked to hard and to long in this life to let anything happen to my stuff. If it is a neighbor i like , i will go help them do whatever it may be with my stuff. Yeah unfortunately he is a small sheep farmer that wanted to use it all day everyday for a week. I couldn't take off work. I also use his trailer more than he does so I couldn't say no. But I definitely have a better handle on the situation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rollerman 290 #15 Posted March 27, 2012 I wouldn't jump brands for a few minor repairs. I've had a few of the Case/IR tractors (I know I'll get flamed for this), but I think they're a bit "over rated". Like others have said either swap out the rear end & freshen up the motor, or pick up that 520 & make your frakenhorse FEL tractor.....the proceed to work it another 10/20 years & repeat. The Horse's are pretty easy to keep going with a few spare parts or component swaps, same with the Kohler singles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,660 #16 Posted March 28, 2012 Rollerman... don't you worry, Im standing by with the fire extinguisher!!!! :angry-extinguishflame: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sned 15 #17 Posted March 28, 2012 Roller man I agree. Only reason I was thinking of using the case is because I have one. Update a local forum member contacted me and it looks like I will be getting a 520h rear. I think it will be an easy swap. Any issues that I should plan for? I probably will rebuild the old rear anyway just to see if I can. Only other problem is under my seat the typical brackets are gone. Everything was removed including the gas tank and replaced with 50lbs of steel. Looking at a 520h rear thats probably not going to work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #18 Posted March 28, 2012 The fender brackets and a gas tank are pretty readily available items. Someone here should be able to set you up with these. Duff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,660 #19 Posted March 28, 2012 Is this tractor an 8 speed or a Hydro???? The loader says 310-8 but the posts says the hydraulics cooked---I assumed you meant the hydro's on the loader. Now your looking at a 520 rear and most of the 520's where hydro's. I probably have most of what you need.... I have several tractors that where parted out and I received the picked over carcasses. Tony Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
