So we have been looking for a cheap set of harrows for a while to till under some weeds, even out a few rough spots, and aerate some packed areas. Found this set of old Ford 204 transport harrows in pretty good condition for just $500 on Craigslist.
I knew they’d go fast at that price, so I jumped on the seller. Went to look at them the next day, bought them. The seller said I was the first to ask so i got them, but there were lots of people asking, I believe it. There are several sets of 204-series harrows for sale on TractorHouse for over $2000, and these appear to be in as good, possibly better condition than those.
In any case they’re 60 miles from our farm, and the wheel bearings seem pretty shot (plus they’re 10 feet wide, and have tires almost as old as me) so I figure I’ll pay someone to deal with moving them to me. Don’t want to pay too much though, as I got them so cheap and I love saving money. (which is different from hating spending money).
Long story short: three quotes, two way too high, third guy won’t return calls/emails after I give him the time frame I’m hoping for. I hate waiting/depending on other people, Its a pet peeve of mine, possibly even a character flaw... After a week I say “fuck it. I’m gonna go down there, pull off the disc gangs, throw them in the back of the truck, (which reduces width to 8'6", and takes nearly a ton off the wheels) and see how bad those wheel bearings really are... “
Turns out the right wheel was within adjustment range, and it tightened up nicely! The left... Not so much... But I’ve already got the disc gangs in my bed, I’ve filled the 30 year old tires with Slime, and I’m not leaving the frame behind! I did the big no-no, stole some washers from other places on the frame and shimmed that bearing until it wobbled what I considered an acceptable amount for towing 60 miles at speeds below 40mph (i’m going back home over all secondary and dirt roads). Filled both bearings up with fresh grease, bodged a hitch coupler out of a chain swivel, and drove home.
Should have just sone this to start with, I hate fucking around on other people’s schedules.