Buying a Farmall

_Mark_ · Aug 15, 2014

We're looking to buy a Farmall. Between the five models: A,B,C,H,M which would be easiest for an 83-year-old man to climb on and off easiest and also drive the easiest? He had a 1947 H and we were leaning towards an H because he used to have one on the farm but he hasn't been on a tractor for about 30 years. Thanks for any advice you may have. -Mark

Janicholson · Aug 15, 2014

Super C is great and handy with power to spare for its size. Next choice would be a StageII super H. Jim

_Mark_ · Aug 15, 2014

Okay. Thanks for the help.

Bob 7337 · Aug 15, 2014

Why not get him something like a 574 or 684 ultility. Be easier to get on ,has power steering and better seat. He realy mite enjoy driving something newer! Always more fun to drive something newer.

FBH44 · Aug 15, 2014

Climbing on and off my "H" gets harder and harder. I have a custom-welded-up step on the right side, but I ususally right-step onto the left-side 3-point arm, then left-step onto the fender hold-down bolts, then pivot up and onto the seat. I never have found a good way to do it. Don"t think there IS one.

PretendFarmer · Aug 15, 2014

What are you going to use it for? Just driving around? Parades? or actual usage on a farm? To me that kind of decides the required tractor.

If I were going with small acreage farm usage I would go with a C or Super C. Live hydraulics is a big plus and it would have plenty of power for me. Dont get me wrong I love my H, but for small acreage Id go with the C
If your looking for a parade tractor I'd go with a B. I have an A and its nice and all but they have steering issues that narrow front end tractors dont get. My A has a stupid wobble going down the road and I would have to disassemble that steering box to fix it.
If you need alot of power, then the M is the obvious choice. The H would be a good in between for some power and not being too big.

_Mark_ · Aug 15, 2014

Yes, we are going to use it for parades and tractor shows. Thanks for the info.

uncle henry · Aug 15, 2014

i would try to find him another h

NEKS · Aug 15, 2014

Dad had a 400 when I was 18, could just about jump from the ground to the seat in one smooth move. Move forward 52 years and it a chore to get on my 450.

ken house · Aug 15, 2014

the B is probably the easiest to get on and off. add a step, in front of right rear tire. or if it has a drawbar, add some expanded metal so feet will not be as likely to slip.

a is hard to settle in behind steering wheel.
c, h and m are too tall.

notjustair · Aug 15, 2014

Not an A. I have one with a belly mower and sometimes I don't want to use it just because I don't want to have to crawl up there. Big feet make it even worse. I climb on my M every day. I've made more steps so I am not taking big steps. It's pretty darn easy.

David G · Aug 15, 2014

The H is pretty easy to mount from the rear as long as no 3 pt.

NNP · Aug 16, 2014

IMO, Super C would be the best tractor for puttin around,
but usually expensive.
An H would be almost as good, a little bigger in tight quarters, but very cheap to buy.
Either, set up with the horseshoe shaped hitch would be easy to make steps.
A non-slip flat metal plate bolted on top of the axle for the final step works well.
Seeing he had an H, I'd probably get that.
Either, completely enclose the pto shaft, or securely lock the engagement lever off with a bracket, etc.
The steps will be right there......

You didn't mention his height, Farmall A's and B's and Allis B's and C's were made for miniature people I think. tough to get on and off, and your knees are too high when seated, and the seats are much too low....and I'm not 83.....

Anonymous-0 · Aug 16, 2014

Thanks for the good ideas. He is a little over 6 ft and size 14 feet.

IH fan · Aug 16, 2014

(quoted from post at 08:08:36 08/16/14) Thanks for the good ideas. He is a little over 6 ft and size 14 feet.

Dad used a C almost every day until he died... he was 6'5" tall. I have not tried getting on any of those for several years, but from what I recall, a C would be the easiest of those you mentioned. A Super C with Fast hitch has more places to step, but with an added step off the axle of a C, it should be real easy. Also it would be a lot easier to steer a C than an H or M. A or B would also steer easy, but harder to get on and off.

rustred · Aug 16, 2014

if it does not have to be farmall, the standard tractors are a lot easier to get on and off. something like the w4,w6, w9. I just hate getting on and off farmall"s and the mccormicks are much less strenuous.

gtractorfan · Aug 16, 2014

Jumping like that reminds me, I used to jump off the MM 670 -- one time my pant leg was caught on a pedal (don't remember if it was the clutch or brake). I nearly went head first to the ground, but much younger and agile back then.

RC Brooks · Aug 16, 2014

The B has to be one of the easiest in my opinion. The drawbar makes a great step. Even as a 4 year old, getting on it was a snap.

Dean Olson · Aug 17, 2014

Back in the day it didn't make any difference to me. I could easily get on any you mentioned.

I still have a couple a Super C's and SH's. The SC's are easier to get on. Not as far up.

Dave H (MI) · Aug 17, 2014

I have IH tractors from the Cub Loboy to the 1586. I wouldn't recommend either for an older gentleman. The Loboy is a bugger to squeeze on and off of. The 1586 kills my knees climbing up and down the ladder. My hands down favorite to use and the one that is easiest is my M model with the horseshoe drawbar. With a little spotting I think it is the easiest for him to use. If it were me, i would try to find him a 1947 H or close. He will enjoy that the most I think. On multiple levels.

GordoSD · Aug 17, 2014

I have a parade ready SMTA. Power steering. Allbrand new Firestones. Just as easy to mount as H.Email is open.

Buying a Farmall

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads