8011: to buy or not to buy....

[richardt]

Hello all,

Apologies for 1st post being a long one, but here goes:

I'm getting rid of a tracked loader/backhoe post self-build project, with the intention of replacing it with something more mobile that can load, pull & drive machinery with some light digging ability. It'll partner an old Unimog that humps firewood, runs logsplitter etc.

It needs to be cheap.

Old, sound, cheap JCBs &c are like hens teeth, compact backhoes (eg Kubotas) are a bit, well, toy-like, so a mid-size tractor with 3pt ditcher looks a fair compromise.

I can get an apparently sound 8011 (1979, under 4k hours, one owner, decent tinwork) with a 3pt Mcconnel powerarm flail/digger and front loader at what seems a fair price. I'm very tempted.

I'd appreciate the lowdown on the base tractor, particularly on reliability, known weak points, hydraulic strength etc. If anyone knows the McC. PowerArm 44 so much the better.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dave_peters]

The 8011 is a good solid reliable tractor on the whole. Much depends on how the previous owner serviced it.
Trouble points are the brakes : they are dry discs that are prone to oil contamination from either the transmission or the final drives. We always replace both axle seals when we take one apart.
The seals in the master cylinders and the dirt boots on the master cylinders are easily replaced ,or a new pair of cylinders, which is the preferred option are not expensive. same applies to slave cylinders.
The wiring always looks incredibly complicated and untidy, this can be a source of trouble, otherwise you will get no more trouble from this tractor than you would from other makes with similar hours.
Our Ursus C385, which is the same as an 8011 still works well as do the 8045 and 941 ursus which are our main tractors.

 

[treaney]

You won't go too far wrong with the 8011. Lots of useful features e.g. flat floor very spacious cab, buddy seat, useful gear range 16F/8R with splitter, hydraulically activated PTO, mechanical oil filter, internal spool valve hydraulics.....

Best of all parts are readily available and not expensive (in comparison to other marques e.g. JD and Fendt).

At under 4K hours, you will easily double this without any trouble.

As Dave pointed out the wiring is a law unto itself but is simple to remedy.

I modified the braking system on mine to mechanical rod activation. In hindsight, I probably should have replaced the cylinders with those from a Transit van.

McConnell is a well respected brand. If your tractor has a front loader this will help to stabilize it when digging with the McConnell.

Let us know how you get on.