allis8550

Brilliant modellling work there John, really looks the part, but I would have said thats a MF 35 loader , not a 40. The underframe on the tractor is different on a 40, as it sweeps upwards and the sideposts are shorter with two different positions for the loader rams, have a look at these photos from the MF 35 and 40 brochures.

If you want to pick a Challenger at least pick a good looking one, the MT945B!

One of the best looking European tractors, if not the best were the early red/cream IH 885XL's, but for one of the best looking tractors ever I'd pick an Allis Chalmers 8000 series.

I have ten of these remarkable little books with dates ranging from 1964/65 up to Dec 1983, and what a mine of information they are. If you a fortunate enough to have the price lists that came with them, then some of the facts are staggering. For example in July 1971 a MF 135 would have cost you £1314 or £1400 with Multi-Power, a MF 40 loader to fit it would have been £148.50. A 90hp MF1080 was priced at £3091 in standard spec and a MF625 combine with 16ft table would have set you back £5700. However by June 1982 prices were climbing, a 88hp MF698 2wd would now cost you £13,800, a 115hp MF1250 artic was £21,800 and a 320hp MF4880 was a wopping £61,420. A 625 Super II combine with 16ft cut was now £28,721. I believe Rory is correct that these books were discontinued in the mid eighties ,as I haven't seen any later ones, however I do have a very similar MF product guide [ without the detailed specs ] , that I picked up at a show a couple of years ago.

Love them myself, one of the most versatile bit's of kit you can get, a tractor with a loader on. You can find just about any job you can do for it and still go out and do fieldwork, can't do that with a handler, not that i've got anything against handlers, and as someones already pointed out, with a modern loader you can pick it up or drop it off in 5 minutes anyway.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310105282401&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=021 Anybody seen this? Is it a 590 or a 595, and if it is a 590 what's it going to make?

Best and strongest way to join brass or copper is solder, not that difficult, just use plenty of flux and give it a go.

You are indeed, correct, the Steiger Cougar KR 1280 and the Case IH 9150 are vitually identical tractors, both being fitted with the same Cummins LTA-10 6 cylinder diesel engine ,producing 280hp. The Steiger was also availible with the option of a CAT 3306 DITA ,280hp 6 cylinder, but this engine was not fitted to the 9150. As for converting the model , basically all you do need to do is paint it green.

An interesting comparison can be made with ERTL's previous 8550 model released in the 1970's, no interior at all, just dark cab glass very limited detail, a solid, chunky model typical of ERTL's output at the time

Now to the model, nicely detailed with nice cab interior, full set of work lights and a prototypical rear linkage. Unfortunately the will make it difficult to attach impliements. Nicely detailed dual wheels and tyres, but very limited articulation , so tight turns are out of the question. All in all a very nice display model.

Both tractors were replaced in the AC range by the 4W-305 and 4W-220 in 1982.

The 8550 had a 4.4 ton lift 3point linkage ,over 1.5 ton more than the 7580.

The 7580 was fitted with a 20 speed "power director" transmission which allowed change on the go shifting.

The 8550 was notable for its twin turbo chargers and twin exhausts.

These tractors were designed from the ground up, but used some components from the AC7000 series tractors, notably the cab.

The 222hp 7580 was introduced in 1975 and was follewedin 1978 by the 305 hp 8550.

Just got the new ERTL/ toy Farmer Allis Chalmers 7580 and very nice it is. The AC 7580 was the first High HP 4WD built in house by Allis, the previous AC440 being an orange Stieger.

I think I'd be very tempted to restore both, obviously no 1 is going to need a lot more work and effort , but in the long run both tractors are going to be quite valuble when put into good condition. You've only got to see what a decent 135 makes these days, to realise the better looked after they are the better for you.

Whatever you do, don't get a 4 cylinder 35, the're absolute b*&^***%s to get started. The 4 cylinder Standard engines were renowned for poor starting, so buy a 3 Cylinder 35!

I'm as sad as you Marky, collect MF brochures, although nothing like your collection I'm sure. Also Allis Chalmers and White Brochures, latest is an interesting Aliis CA brochure off E-bay.

Nice buys there, Are you going to put a loader on the visio roof model, or better still put loader brackets on both ,then you,ve got the option of which tractor to use a loader on. Marky's right about the low profile cab being rare in UK, I don't think it even appears in a UK brochure.

I would say , go round a few dealers, have a look at what's on offer, must be some good deals about at the moment. Ask if you can try it out on the farm, and above all don't listen to any advice you get on here, because its worth exactly what you paid for it.

I used to have a 1967 MF135 multi-power, that would do 21.5 mph on the flat. That was until the engine seized and I replaced it with a recon, the pump on the new engine seemed not to have been limited the same as the original, as it would rev right round to the zero stop and the tractor would do over 25 mph on the flat. I was to afraid to open it right out ,other than in short bursts, as I had visions of pistons flying out all over the place. On the 20mph speed limit on tractors, I believe this only applies if the tractor is towing a trailer.

Logically, the next model after the 7400's would be the 7600 series, assuming MF follow past procedure. Could it possibly be a "shelf" issue of the Toyfarmer AC 7580, due out soon?.

Anyone know any more about the MF 7580 release?