Well Group, I am NOT the new owner of a 1974 446. I will list a few details in case anyone else might be interested in contacting the owner.
I will say that I am not going to trash talk this machine, it was not misrepresented in any way shape or form, the seller was very up front about things he noticed incorrect, and was receptive to hear the things I noticed when I inspected it.
We just could not find a price to agree upon. to me, some things that needed attention would have meant more of an investment than I feel comfortable with at this time, the machine is not overpriced, nor is it a bargain, personally I felt that I could find a better candidate for my purposes.
The gentleman who owns the tractor is a great guy named Terry who lives not too far from me in Carlisle, KY. He is member "dustytools"
He, like many of us, happened into his tractor for a very fair price, but the "sticker shock" of upgrades and attachments, as well as parts availability in our neck of the woods has brought him to a crossroads. He is torn between keeping it and using it for small jobs and for his son to enjoy, strickly as a working machine. As of now it is dangerous on a great deal of his property, see...he has some significant grades and no holding valve.
Even the cost of a holding valve or even a pto so he can add a tiller someday puts him deeper into the investment he initailly intended to make. For someone like me and a lot of members here, I/We have mulitples of some things, so upgrading this machine wouldn't hurt the pocket book too much. He is willing to sell the machine if he can recover his investment.
The main reason I did not buy the machine is my lack of knowledge with Onan engines. The engine has unknown hours and appears to have had a few fasteners replaced indicating an unknown service record. I don't know enough about Onans to take any more than a slight risk, and if I could've gotten my price I would chance it being in good shape, but the possibility of a rebuild (not sure???) makes even a fair price unattractive if I am not interested in doing a lot of work. Which at this point I am not.
I am not listing the asking price, Terry's last name, address or phone numbers out of respect for his privacy. You may contact him here and at MTF via PM if you are interested in learning more.
Even though this tractor has a good working 3pt hitch and a really nice homemede F-27 adapter (patterned from an original) I really didn't factor that into my evaluation or consider it in my offer. To me, selling it would have meant a lot of hassle and only a possible 200-250 profit after ebay fees and other stuff, I would have used it most probably instead of selling it, but like I said, I can be patient and wait for a better platform to start with........so for me the search continues for just the right 400 series to add to my collection.
On a very positive note, the trees are starting to change and today was a glorious day for a drive, no traffic at all, and the beauty of the bluegrass to behold. Had a nice visit at Terry's place, and furthered my education and hobby for little more than a half a tank of gas and a few bucks for lunch. Some things you can't learn from a website, but it's fun to take what I have learned here and elsewhere and apply it in the real world. Thank goodness we have this site for helping us with our hobbies.
