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The Legacy of Long Agribusiness and the 1400 Series
The Long 1400 5-N-1 Super II is a rare and rugged tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) hybrid produced in the early 1980s by Long Agribusiness, a North Carolina-based company that imported and assembled agricultural machinery. Long’s history dates back to 1941, when it began distributing Romanian-built UTB tractors under its own brand. By the 1980s, Long had expanded its offerings to include multi-function machines like the 1400 series, designed to serve small farms, municipalities, and rural contractors.
The “5-N-1” designation referred to its versatility: loader, backhoe, grader, forklift, and scraper functions could be configured depending on attachments. The Super II variant featured upgraded hydraulics, reinforced loader arms, and a Leyland-based diesel engine—an inline four-cylinder powerplant known for its torque and fuel efficiency.
Though exact production numbers are elusive, estimates suggest fewer than 5,000 units of the 1400 Super II were sold in North America. Long Agribusiness ceased operations in the early 2000s, leaving owners of these machines reliant on salvage yards, niche suppliers, and peer networks for parts and support.
Why Are Spare Parts So Hard to Find
Owners of the Long 1400 Super II often face difficulty sourcing replacement components, especially for hydraulic cylinders, steering linkages, and transmission internals. Several factors contribute to this scarcity:
In Massachusetts, a family-owned farm has operated a Long 1400 Super II since 1984. After decades of service, the steering cylinder began leaking, and no direct replacement could be found. A local machinist rebuilt the cylinder using seals from a Ford 555 backhoe and a custom-fabricated rod. The repair held for over five years.
In rural Kentucky, a retired mechanic converted his Long’s hydraulic pump to accept fittings from a Massey Ferguson tractor. He documented the process and shared it with other owners, sparking a small community of DIY retrofits.
A salvage yard in Arkansas reportedly sold out of Long 1400 parts within weeks after listing them online in 2019. Demand remains high, especially for loader arms, control valves, and engine components.
Recommendations for Owners and Restorers
The Long 1400 Super II represents a generation of hybrid machines built during a time of global sourcing and regional assembly. As manufacturers consolidated and supply chains shifted, many such machines were orphaned. In 2022, a study by the Equipment Dealers Association found that 12% of active farm equipment in the U.S. was unsupported by OEMs, with owners relying on salvage and fabrication.
This trend has sparked renewed interest in “heritage machinery”—older equipment maintained for its simplicity and durability. Some rural schools now offer courses in legacy equipment repair, blending mechanical skills with historical preservation.
Conclusion
The Long 1400 5-N-1 Super II remains a testament to rugged design and mechanical ingenuity. Though spare parts are increasingly scarce, owners continue to find creative solutions through community collaboration, cross-referencing, and fabrication. As modern machines grow more complex, the enduring appeal of the 1400 lies in its simplicity—and in the stories of those who keep it running against the odds.
The Long 1400 5-N-1 Super II is a rare and rugged tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) hybrid produced in the early 1980s by Long Agribusiness, a North Carolina-based company that imported and assembled agricultural machinery. Long’s history dates back to 1941, when it began distributing Romanian-built UTB tractors under its own brand. By the 1980s, Long had expanded its offerings to include multi-function machines like the 1400 series, designed to serve small farms, municipalities, and rural contractors.
The “5-N-1” designation referred to its versatility: loader, backhoe, grader, forklift, and scraper functions could be configured depending on attachments. The Super II variant featured upgraded hydraulics, reinforced loader arms, and a Leyland-based diesel engine—an inline four-cylinder powerplant known for its torque and fuel efficiency.
Though exact production numbers are elusive, estimates suggest fewer than 5,000 units of the 1400 Super II were sold in North America. Long Agribusiness ceased operations in the early 2000s, leaving owners of these machines reliant on salvage yards, niche suppliers, and peer networks for parts and support.
Why Are Spare Parts So Hard to Find
Owners of the Long 1400 Super II often face difficulty sourcing replacement components, especially for hydraulic cylinders, steering linkages, and transmission internals. Several factors contribute to this scarcity:
- Obsolete OEM Supply Chains
Long sourced parts from multiple international vendors, including UTB (Romania), Leyland (UK), and Fiat (Italy). Many of these suppliers no longer support legacy models.
- Limited Documentation
Service manuals were often regionally printed and lacked consistent part numbering. Cross-referencing parts with modern equivalents requires experience and guesswork.
- Low Production Volume
With fewer than 5,000 units sold, aftermarket manufacturers have little incentive to produce compatible parts.
- Hybrid Design Complexity
The 5-N-1 configuration means that components vary widely depending on how the machine was originally outfitted. A backhoe-equipped unit may have different hydraulic routing than a loader-only version.
- TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe)
A multi-purpose machine combining a front loader and rear backhoe, often used in construction and agriculture.
- Leyland Diesel Engine
A British-made engine known for its simplicity and torque. Common in tractors and light industrial equipment during the 1970s–80s.
- Hydraulic Cylinder
A mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic pressure into linear motion. Used in steering, lifting, and digging functions.
- Cross-Reference Part Number
A method of identifying compatible parts from different manufacturers using shared specifications.
In Massachusetts, a family-owned farm has operated a Long 1400 Super II since 1984. After decades of service, the steering cylinder began leaking, and no direct replacement could be found. A local machinist rebuilt the cylinder using seals from a Ford 555 backhoe and a custom-fabricated rod. The repair held for over five years.
In rural Kentucky, a retired mechanic converted his Long’s hydraulic pump to accept fittings from a Massey Ferguson tractor. He documented the process and shared it with other owners, sparking a small community of DIY retrofits.
A salvage yard in Arkansas reportedly sold out of Long 1400 parts within weeks after listing them online in 2019. Demand remains high, especially for loader arms, control valves, and engine components.
Recommendations for Owners and Restorers
- Build a Parts Inventory
If you own a functioning Long 1400, stockpile critical components like filters, seals, and hoses. These are prone to wear and hard to source.
- Join Peer Networks
Connect with other owners through forums, local equipment clubs, or agricultural expos. Shared knowledge is often more valuable than manuals.
- Use Cross-Reference Catalogs
Identify compatible parts from Ford, Massey Ferguson, or UTB tractors. Many hydraulic and engine components share dimensions.
- Partner with Local Machinists
Custom fabrication may be the only option for obsolete parts. A skilled machinist can rebuild cylinders, bushings, and linkages.
- Document Every Repair
Maintain a log of part numbers, dimensions, and sources. This helps future repairs and supports the broader community of Long owners.
The Long 1400 Super II represents a generation of hybrid machines built during a time of global sourcing and regional assembly. As manufacturers consolidated and supply chains shifted, many such machines were orphaned. In 2022, a study by the Equipment Dealers Association found that 12% of active farm equipment in the U.S. was unsupported by OEMs, with owners relying on salvage and fabrication.
This trend has sparked renewed interest in “heritage machinery”—older equipment maintained for its simplicity and durability. Some rural schools now offer courses in legacy equipment repair, blending mechanical skills with historical preservation.
Conclusion
The Long 1400 5-N-1 Super II remains a testament to rugged design and mechanical ingenuity. Though spare parts are increasingly scarce, owners continue to find creative solutions through community collaboration, cross-referencing, and fabrication. As modern machines grow more complex, the enduring appeal of the 1400 lies in its simplicity—and in the stories of those who keep it running against the odds.
