Should I buy a 600? Is this a deal?

[wkualum]

I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have happened upon a Melroe serial # 67127 model 600. It comes with a bucket, pallet forks and it has the 3rd function. It also has ROPS with sliding windows. The engine purrrs like a kitten and blows no smoke. However it's like it sometimes wants to move/turn and sometimes not. It's like you have to push the gear selector a couple times and then it will go. This could get really annoying if trying to use it in a prolonged situation. I think it's the clutch friction discs...but it's just a guess. I have no idea and know nothing about these. PLEASE HELP! Asking price is $3,000. I am thinking he would take $2500.

 

[wkualum]

also forgot to mention the tires are in rough shape but hold air. They have tread but are cracked terribly.

 

[Tazza]

also forgot to mention the tires are in rough shape but hold air. They have tread but are cracked terribly.

I don't have experience with this model, so i can't really say if that price is good or not, i feel it may be a little high for a machine of that age and being clutch driven.
The only machines i have worked on are hydrostatic drive
I don't think tyres are super expensive, but probably at least $100 each

 

[alchemysa]

These things seem to go from about $500 for something that needs a full ground up rebuilt to $3000 for a fully operational machine in good condition. The moving/turning issue might simply need 10 minutes of clutch adjustment, or if the variable speed sheave system is basically OK it might just need some new relatively cheap seals. It's hard to say without more info.
The good thing about these machines is that parts are relatively cheap and they are easy to work on if you are a reasonably competent home mechanic. They have no complicated electronics or hydraulics so with little care they can be kept going for another 50 years.
email me for more info [email protected]