Combines AC 4W 305 tractor

Hey Kurt, just dropping a line for you about the 305's. When allis brought out the 305, they really had a great machine, we run one and seriously havent had a lick of problems with it. We used to run the 7580 and 8550 which were good tractors but had driveline problems, allis definately took care of this problem with the 220,305 series. The engine is very durable, just keep good maintence on it, fuel filters, air filters, oil ect. Only problem I can say is if the engine is extremely weak it will probably cost quite a bit to overhaul, alot of them had repowers with the cummins engines. I like the allis motor, since we have never had a lick of problems with it I cant complain. By the way did you know that they use this engine in big rig racing and truck pullsIJ It has a huge injection pump, 12mm I think. If you have any specific questions Ill answer what I can.

Thanks for the help silvershoes. I do have a guestion about the little shifter on the steering colunm, what does it doIJ The tractor that I looked at didn't work or I wasn't trying to use it right. What size of tillage equipment do you pullIJ Thanks Kurt

Kurt, that lil switch is the hi-lo for the tranny. You have a high side and low side of every gear. If this is at a dealership have them check it out if it isnt working, make sure your keyswitch is on or it wont work. Probably just a electrical problem, we have never had a problem with our switches at all (220-305) This tractor will pull a 35-40 ft cultivator with ease, wouldnt be scared of 45 ft. 35 ft disc, 30 ft discovator and we have a 7 shank landoll weatherproofer which is chugs along with. They are really pretty good machines, course they break like them all. We just havent had alot of problems with ours at all. I can take a picture of ours if you have an email. I put dual straight stacks on ours so Its pretty noisey outside which you can imagine, but its a beast no doubt.

Agree with all the posts about the 305. The one thing that needs to be looked at closely is the engine valve "rotocoils". These are the valve rotators that contain a small spring that after time can break-up and possibly find there way to the oil pump and cause major trouble. I updated my 8550 with CAT brand rotocoils they are of a better design and about half the cost. Several years ago there were about 12 8550_305's in the area and all had been updated. I have the partn at the shop so e-mail me if you guys need the n. ,Mike

kurt, I have one it is a 84 model. It costs 11000 dollars to overhaul it. I did that 2 years ago.Burnt a piston.didnt hurt anything else so we just overhauled it.Just put a front bearing on the axel. we pull a 42 ft field cultivator with rolling baskets,33 ft disc and 30 ft till-oll.Great tractor. Just remember they are 18 to 20 year old tractors.Dont expect new like features out of them. for there time they are a great machine. Illinois Gleaner

my neighbor has one he's used for custom seeding. It must have 8000 hrs on it. It's had some problems such as a front axle breaking off and he had to do some work on the engine. The two speed on his went out when a line wore through and leaked. It reduced the pressure to the two speed clutch and let it slip and burn out. I'd take a good look under the cab at the hoses and lines. His has been used pretty hard since new.

I'm definately a Gleaner man and have 2 AC tractors as well, but I'd steer clear of a 305. Primarily for engine reasons and repairs. For the same money or a bit more you should be able to get into a Versatile or Stieger with the 855 Cummins. You will have enough trouble with a 20 year old tractor so buy something with an engine that won't give you headaches and is easy to OH. In the late 80's we used a low houred trade in when we were looking at getting rid of our 1980 875. The 875 is rated at 280hp and had quite a bit more lugging power than the 305. We eventually found a 936 that served us well. I don't think you could give more than $10-15 for a decent 305. Not a bad design, just a poor motor.

I can find some agreement with you opinion on buying a machine that has cheap used common parts, but I cant agree with you on the your opinion of the 305 engine. We have used our intensively and have not had a lick of problems with the engine, its just like any other. Change the fluids and do the maintence and she will live a long life

Stay away from them the angine is weak neighbour put 2 rebuilds in his in 3 years and rented a 895 versatile to get through seeding needless to say the AC ended up in the salvage yard. He couldnt believe how good the versatile performed with very few problems.

What salvage yard did the tractor go toIJ I need some parts. TIA