Is a Ford 340 a good machine?

[whatch]

Looking at a ford 340 in the local trader. Guys says it's got a Wisconsin engine. Probably a 70s model he thinks. Says one of the tilt cylinders is bad, but still dumps the bucket. Leaks oil and "buck jumps" while turning. This was his reason for selling?? He also says the "buck jumping" is probably opperator error. Is this thing worth $1500.00?

 

[Tazza]

Fixing cylinders isn't that much of a bad thing, they can be done pretty easily.
The jumping can be operator error or turning on *sticky* surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The tyres stick to it and when you turn they flex then skid, the tyres kind of wobble you around and the machine bucks. Hard to explain, but yeah, it does happen. If you are on dirt, slowly turn the machine in a circle and it should be smooth.
This is assuming its hydrostatic drive, if its clutch drive, i believe they are a little rougher, especially if you aren't used to them.
For $1500, i think thats a pretty sweet deal.

 

[whatch]

Fixing cylinders isn't that much of a bad thing, they can be done pretty easily.
The jumping can be operator error or turning on *sticky* surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The tyres stick to it and when you turn they flex then skid, the tyres kind of wobble you around and the machine bucks. Hard to explain, but yeah, it does happen. If you are on dirt, slowly turn the machine in a circle and it should be smooth.
This is assuming its hydrostatic drive, if its clutch drive, i believe they are a little rougher, especially if you aren't used to them.
For $1500, i think thats a pretty sweet deal.

Would anybody here have a machine like this? If so, what is your impression? I have scoured the web and information is very limited. thanks

 

[aviatur]

Would anybody here have a machine like this? If so, what is your impression? I have scoured the web and information is very limited. thanks

I also have a Ford CL-340 that I bought a few weeks ago. It has a bad left drive motor so I haven't had a chance to run it yet. The jumping issue is one thing these were noted for due to the fact they were "hydraulic drive" instead of "hydrostatic drive" meaning they used a fixed output pump and a pair of Geroler type gear motors and regulated the flow in the control valves. This is also why they used drum type hydraulic brakes, as the Geroler motors have no braking capabilities. Would you by any chance be able to get the information from the drive motors on your machine? Seems they used several and I am having a hard time locating parts for mine.