Opinions of 642 please.

[LittleMontana]

So, I got a 1985 642 with a blown up engine. I am going to repower it and plan to use it frequently.

Does anyone have and opinions on the 642 pros/cons, things to watch for, likes dislikes etc.?

I am into it for next to nothing, and I see they still sell on occasion for a decent price, but I don't see many of them being sold. Is this because they are older and well loved or older and despised?

Thanks for any input you have.

 

[reaperman]

If your in it for cheap, why not. Do you plan on using a ford engine that came stock with the 642? If this machine is going to be used as a homeowner unit it should be very handy to have around. If you plan on making money with it you wont get rich. Its just small by todays standards, but a tough little machine. I had one years ago and used it for cutting firewood, plowing my driveway, and light dirt work. It worked great for that kind of stuff. Good luck.

 

[Hotrod1830]

If your in it for cheap, why not. Do you plan on using a ford engine that came stock with the 642? If this machine is going to be used as a homeowner unit it should be very handy to have around. If you plan on making money with it you wont get rich. Its just small by todays standards, but a tough little machine. I had one years ago and used it for cutting firewood, plowing my driveway, and light dirt work. It worked great for that kind of stuff. Good luck.

I bought a 632 with a blown engine (Hole in block). Took a little work, but I managed to find a engine that bolted in with a little work. Those 1.6 fords are getting hard to find.
How much of the engine is missing? If you dont have the blower and flywheel, your not married to a ford 1.6. If you have to buy the blower and flywheel, may as well get it to fit a kubota(643)
If you decide to go gas, dont bother with anything less than 35 hp . Yeah, it will work, but it will be underpowered and feel like it.

 

[LittleMontana]

The engine appears to have been run low on oil and they spun a rod bearing. Other than that it is complete. Rebuildable just not in the mood to do so. Found a Kohler 37hp from the folks at repower specialists. Looks like I can sell the core and parts for more than I paid for the machine. So in theory should just have cost of engine and some time. I have used their kits before and found them to be great so we will see. I am planning to use this as just a home machine with a little help to the neighbors now and again. I already have a little case 1816B and was looking to add a guicktach and auxiliary hydraulics. Then this came up and should be about the same price as adding those to the Case. I had planned to sell the case and maybe come close to break even but my wife seems to think that a spare skid steer is a good thing to have. Who am I to argue with her? Sorry for the run on but I am posting from phone and haven't figured out how to format on it? Thanks all.

 

[Tazza]

The engine appears to have been run low on oil and they spun a rod bearing. Other than that it is complete. Rebuildable just not in the mood to do so. Found a Kohler 37hp from the folks at repower specialists. Looks like I can sell the core and parts for more than I paid for the machine. So in theory should just have cost of engine and some time. I have used their kits before and found them to be great so we will see. I am planning to use this as just a home machine with a little help to the neighbors now and again. I already have a little case 1816B and was looking to add a guicktach and auxiliary hydraulics. Then this came up and should be about the same price as adding those to the Case. I had planned to sell the case and maybe come close to break even but my wife seems to think that a spare skid steer is a good thing to have. Who am I to argue with her? Sorry for the run on but I am posting from phone and haven't figured out how to format on it? Thanks all.

Sounds like a good project, i hope you get to take pictures and show us how the conversion goes.