Advise on Smaller Tractor Model

45cole · Apr 25, 2018

Looking to get a smaller tractor, 311B, up to a 400 series and I like the headlights in the nose. I've got a 530 diesel sitting for me when I get a large enough place so looking for something smaller. I really like 311B's but they were only around for a couple years. I was thinking I could step up a little and get a 400 series, be it a 400, 411B, or a 430. Which one would be best here as far as parts/popularity go? I'm decently young and so I'll need something that I can get parts for for the next ~40 years (salvaging).

Don't really need it for any work per say, maybe put a boom on it and use a blade/post hole digger/bush hog. Looking for something with PTO/hydraulic hookups but I think all the models considered do. Not really familiar with tractors but I'm pretty mechanically adept (engineer) and like having a tractor around. 311B's and 400 series both easy to find buckets for?

RJKeith · Apr 26, 2018

The only difference between a 311B and a 400 series is the clutch, dry verses Case-O-Matic. Not much difference except cosmetic between a 300RN, 300B, 400B (except Case O Matic) and 430. If you can get a nice 530 diesel, that is what I would do. Same basic tractor and same tires as a 430, just a few more HP. Interestingly, the 430 Diesel, 530 Diesel, and 630 Diesel all used the 188 engine, with just different settings on the injector pump.

Bruce from Can. · Apr 26, 2018

My first tractor was a 430 gas triple range . Nice little tractor.

Joe Young · Apr 26, 2018

The physical dimensions of the 530 diesel are not going to be appreciably different than the 300, 300B/400B or even a 430. The maintenance and fuel costs would not be significantly different either assuming all possible tractors are in the same condition.

All tractors mentioned above are considered "small", including the 530, and all range from 30-45 hp.

If you have access to a 530 locally with known history, I would not hesitate to bring it home. Buying someone else's problems and paying to haul it home doesn't make a lot of sense based on the options you've laid out in the original post.

- Joe

CKRICHARD · Apr 26, 2018

I would put my money into the 530 deisel. As others have said it's the same size tractor just more HP. The 188 deisel engine can't be beat, you
will not find a more fuel efficient engine out there old or new. There are lots of part new and used, even some after market parts because it
shares some parts with the backhoe.

45cole · Apr 27, 2018

I just realized I spelled "Advice" incorrectly. What you guys are saying is really what I was after, is the frame/size of the 530 the same as the 400's (30', B, 100's) and the 300's? It sounds like they are the same size and parts are interchangeable for the most part (axles, seals, steering, ect). A short wheelbase is something I was really after. The 530 is a diesel I bought for my father at an auction and I guess he really wasn't paying attention to the fact it was a diesel. He doesn't want it so I told him I'd buy it off him down the road. I have use for the smallest size, starting at a 300. Trying to find a 646 (or 644/648) but that's another story.

Advise on Smaller Tractor Model

45cole

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RJKeith

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Bruce from Can.

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Joe Young

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CKRICHARD

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45cole

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