Which Tractor Would You Recommend

I just personally restored and got very intimate with his 400D. It now, for the first time in 10 years, runs well and looks good. But, using it for disking and planting has me worried since you can't get parts readily or at all. I would prepare the land and plant, then contract the fertilizing, harvesting, etc. I know there is little money in it, only peace of mind and the smell of the land. Dad still has his disk and 2 point hitch plow, but no planter.

Given the above, which tractor (with hydraulics) would would you recommend? I may also eventually restore this one.

GordoSD

Recently, I have been using the grader blade on the thing, turning the dirt, smelling the mix of the dirt and diesel exhaust, and it just INSTANTLY brought back memories of the great times we had 30+ years ago. THAT is what I want more than anything. Nothing better for me than moving along on that tractor and making it work.

And you're right, dad is having a blast, watching me get the old tractor fixed up. He can hardly move, but this is putting a spark back in him. He's a tough dude, still mowing his 1+ acre lawn with his riding mower -- even at 92.

Now, need to find a planter!

Thanks to all of you.

Nobody said you have to operate 2000 plus acres to enjoy it. I'm doing the same darned thing, Frank.

Went out and found a little 11 or 12 foot drill to plant with and it is going to take me forever to stuff 'er in the ground. Aw shucks. :>)

Allan

I have a Ferguson TO-20 and a International 300U

Fergie is 24hp (or so)
300U is 44hp (or so)

Could do that 160 acres with either of them just fine (and did many years ago with nothing larger than a 8n Ford).

Just use that 400 and more than likely you can buy an old planter, etc. cheaper than getting someone else to do it for you.

And you'll have way more fun. I like the suggestion someone had about taking some video of you out there to keep. Get your Dad on it for a row or two if he can... It'll keep him young.

Scott

I'd love to have one of those old 400Ds once again. They were a heck of a workhorse and actually a lot of fun to operate.

Had their own distinct sound too. Best part was throwin' that shuttle. :>)

Allan

GordoSD

I read your post about hobby farming and my first reaction was a two word exclamation, the second word being 'you'. I believe that there is usually an exclamation point after it. This ain't no hobby.

You don't need 3000 acres and a government check to make a living farming, even today, if your return is not pennies on the acre. My H and SC do just fine for me.

Our neighbor runs a little over 400 acres, raises corn, beans, oats and alfalfa, and just quit milking a couple years ago. He makes a decent living and does not have a tractor over 70 HP.

Ahem. The 400D is plenty to do 160 acres of wheat.

I have to disagree on you 150hp statement too. If running no-till I could easily farm 500 acres with 1 100hp tractor. Shoot my grandfather farmed 650 acres with 2 4020's-and that was multi-pass tillage and 2x with cultivator.

360 gallons of diesel fuel to disc it once? I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. :>)

Allan

Why? What's wrong with the 400D? It doesn't get much simpler than throwin' a little wheat in the ground, does it?

Heck, I'd use that old tractor if the disc isn't too big fer it.

Allan

steveormary

Go with what you have; all ya need is a drill and you're in business.

Allan