Looking at Buying a 1277 that isn't running

[Raposo 530]

Hey guys, looking at a 1277 tonight after work. its all complete, all there, won't run. I'm looking for a long term project and have been looking for a 1277 for a while. The price is right on this and my question is:

 

Is there a way I can check the hydrostatic trans without the tractor running? Seller says the tractor rolls freely. 

[WHX?? 49,157]

Not really just check the color and smell of the oil.  May roll freely if the tow valve is open. Close it and see if she doesn't roll is about all you can do.

The motor check to see if it spins over and has compression. 

[pfrederi 17,866]

Not really. 

 

You can engage the drive and close the tow valve.  Then try to push her.  She should only move a few inches before it stops moving..

[ebinmaine 68,335]

Just be sure you're very comfortable with the price knowing it can't be tested. 

 

When I buy something like that I add up the price of the parts if separate and go from there. 

 

 

[The Tuul Crib 7,337]

T😎

[Raposo 530]

What would you guys say is a good price without running and driving. Located in the northeast

[SPINJIM 1,981]

Definitely a project.   Is that the trans pulley sitting on top of the generator belt guard;  if yes, why is it off?   Trans problems?   As has already been said, if it rolls freely with the tow valve closed, I'd walk away.   Do tires hold air?    Steering wheel is not original and looks like it needs replacing.   Seat missing.  Lots of things that might help you get the price down.   I'd offer $100, and definitely not go above $200.   Depends on what your market is up there, and how badly you want it.  Good luck.

   Jim

[ebinmaine 68,335]

Assuming the belt guard is NOT broken and other parts are mostly ok... Engine turns.. Check the tie rods. Look at the lower steering tower and steering gears. 

 

Decent foundation? I'd agree with NO HIGHER than $200. 

 

If the seller thinks it's a platinum mine run away. 

 

There are too many available to settle. 

 

 

 

If you want a full assembly project jump on 95 and come up the 14th. 

We'll load your vehicle with parts enough to put together a mid 70s B/C series. 

[WHX?? 49,157]

4 minutes ago, SPINJIM said:

trans pulley sitting on top of the generator belt guard;

Looks to be the air cleaner back plate. I'd offer 75 but not over 100. 100 is always my top limit for a non runner unless I see valuable parts.  'Course this is coming from a guy who has more '67's than I care to admit.  

[Raposo 530]

He’s asking $150, so I’m going to shoot for $80-100 and see how that goes. 

[Stepney 2,325]

Oh boy, this tractor again..

This was sitting on Facebook Marketplace for a loooong time early this year, and maybe even late last. It was listed as "an ex. pulling tractor that didn't run". I think I've seen it for sale twice from different people now since then. That hood pinstripe gives it away...

Pretty sure this has either the light 4 pinion or the two pinion diff.. both OK but NOT a pulling tractor differential.. it also had ags and a wheelie bar rigged on before.
I'd be wary and back then OR now, wouldn't offer over 100.. lot of variables. Does it even turn? The first listing said it was seized, was clearly sitting outdoors, had no air cleaner or plug in it..

Be careful. Thats all.. everything on a WH is repairable, but vintage hydros often arent the cheapest .. especially a poorly maintained one. 

 

[Raposo 530]

Sounds like this might end up being a parts tractor. 

[Raposo 530]

picked it up for $100, tires are in great shape no dry rot, wheels have minimal to no rust, motor turns over, has a custom looking stainless muffler/exhaust, tractor won't budge with the tow/push valve tightened but rolls freely when you loosen it up and it was not seized, came with a couple newer parts. I think I made out OK in parts alone.  I am going to mess with it this winter and figure out what I want to do with it. Going to give it a good bath and try to get the parts that are off of it back on and take all of the silly added on things off of it, like the head lights, marker lights etc, I will need a steering wheel (if anyone has one that will work and wants to sell it, please message me) and throw a seat on it.

 

There is something about the 1277 to me that just looks beefy as hell and I think its one of wheel horses better looking  square hood tractors. What do you guys think?

 

I will keep you guys posted. 

[pfrederi 17,866]

You done good!!!!

[WHX?? 49,157]

Yes you done good... motor block & parts alone. 

[ebinmaine 68,335]

You've really accomplished a strong "no lose" deal there. 

 

Try as you might to get it going. If it isn't meant to be the parts alone are worth a fair amount more than you paid. 

 

Good luck, keep asking questions and please do keep us posted!