1976* 2-50 Field Boss FWA
5480hrs
2.6L 3cyl Fiat
47HP @ PTO
*thought it was a 79 but double checked the serial and I was wrong
Normally I probably wouldn't do something like this thread but I've been scouring the internet for extra info or even pictures of this tractor but it's scarce. The more conversation/information I can put into this thread the better for anyone else following in my footsteps in the future I suppose. This is going to be very much a learn as you go process for me.
Initial thoughts: I'm partial to the Fiat diesels for some reason and despite the appearance of this one, the price allowed me to look past it. I was wasn't originally looking for a "project" more simply for a 4wd loader tractor around 50-80hp. This one is what I brought home. It came off a farm where it was worked daily and put away...well probably never put away. The fenders are shot from rust, nose cone patched, it has underslung exhaust :tango_face_sad:, seat is pooched, water temp gauge doesn't work etc. but nothing that can't be repaired/replaced/improved. Mechanically the motor is solid, started well, clutch is smooth, power steering works well - all the good stuff. Fix a few leaks, freshen up the fluids, spend some money on parts, paint her up and put her to work - that's the plan anyways.
First Experiences: The float dropped it off last Friday with the new rear tires I had put installed, tubed, and loaded. After two hours of being quite impressed playing with the new oldie plowing snow, I went to back it into the shed and heard a 'clunk' and there I sat. Upon further inspection I realized I had sheared off the bolts holding the FWA drive shaft onto the plate coming out of the transfer case. No big deal I thought. After looking at it I realized there were only 2 bolts in it to start with. My bad for not checking it over, however in order to get the sheared bolts out I had to drop the case and take it into the shop. It sucked but I was planning on changing the hyd/trans anyways so it didn't really matter. Got the sheared studs out, bought some M10x1.25x20mm 10.9 bolts at Fastenal, made a gasket for the transfer case (couldn't get it), and hit up the local AGCO dealer for some fluid and bought all the filters while I was there. Voila! or so I thought.
Got everything back together and was ready to fill with hyd/trans. I went to clean and/or replace the internal filter element but quickly realized that with the loader on the tractor, the element physically cannot be removed completely. Carrying on, I consult the handy dandy Operator's Manual and it turns out the filler cap is a PITA to get at with a 5 gallon pail (red arrow in pic below). Turns out the return line for the loader circuit uses the filler hole to deliver the fluid back to the trans reservoir. So I tore that apart and got it filled up with a lot of extra time. However, ended up with a couple things I want to change now i.e. quick couplers on the feed and return line for the loader since I don't plan to have the loader on it all the time and if I get a small chunk of hose and an extra male/female quick conn. I can plumb it into a pail pump for easier filling in the future.
After the bit of hassle and fact-finding there I noticed the big plug on top of the hydraulic lift unit (yellow arrow in pic). The service manual refers to it only once as a port to put a wrench in to remove the rockshaft, but you can see the hyd/trans fluid from it. So it got me thinking, could I fill the transmission from that nice big plug and never have to touch the other one again? I don't know. Consulting the service manual I found that there is a small tube that returns the fluid from the lift unit back to the main reservoir (pictured below).
Is this an option? If anyone has an answer I'd appreciate it
During the same operation I noticed something funny with the dipstick on the tranny. There is the regular line for "normal full" and then further up the stick another line that says "Sollevatore" (pictured below). A quick google of the italian-english translation of "sollevatore" yields "lifter" or "heaver." So is this the level it should be at if you have a loader? Neither manual makes reference to this. Anyone come across this before?
I'm optimistic moving forward and having fun despite having to do this work outside in -14c weather. Next step I want to take the loader off, get it in the shed and proceed. The only thing bugging me is that I know these Fiats had issues leaving the PTO engaged it would mess up the cranks and crank bearings and with this being a loader tractor with a PTO driven hydraulic pump, it's likely that the PTO has been engaged for almost all hours of operation. Cross that bridge when I get there I suppose.