Considering a Tractor, looking for advice.

Neddy191 · Jul 8, 2015

I've recently bought some more property from my neighbor and I'm considering buying an old tractor to help me keep it up.

I'd be mainly piddling with it and I'd like to go to some of the local tractor rides and shows but I would want to be able to do a little work with it also. The work I'd be doing would be light bush hogging, scraping about 4/10 of a mile of gravel drive once or twice a year and possibly moving some snow of the paved part of my drive.

My grandfather always had red tractors so I'm leaning that way. I'm looking for suggestions for which tractors my fit my needs. thanks

Janicholson · Jul 8, 2015

My list in order:
300U or Farmall
350U of Farmall
Farmall 400 or 450
340U or Farmall
Farmall 404 or 504
These have proper live hydraulics, live independent PTO, a TA for speed control, and fast hitch or 3pt. They are modern tractors in most ways, and reasonable in value.
Look for good tight steering, no smoke working or idle, brakes, Good usable not too cracked tires, wheel weights (and or non-rusted up rims), and that the TA will let you take off from a stop in 5th. rapidly,
a charging system that works, and wiring that is not an explosion in a spaghetti factory
Jim

DeltaRed · Jul 8, 2015

Find something with 3 point,'live' pto. Wide front is nice but not nessessary.35-40 hp range.For you uses,gas or diesel doesnt
matter.Tractors from the late '50s through the late 60 will have what you need for modest price.Post a pic when you find a
'candidate'. Good luck and happy tractoring! Steve

350 dave · Jul 8, 2015

I second janicholsan, for my 2 cents. My "M" is great for brute force,but the 300U drives and handles like a car; and with no power steering. I will say I don't like the exhaust on the "U's" blowing in my face when hitching up. But I have yet to rip it off in the woods getting firewood. FWIW, IMO the 300U is about 4-5 times the FORD 8n-9n etc.

FC Andy · Jul 8, 2015

I think Jim gave you great advice. I have a Farmall 450 Diesel, and to me it's an excellent all around tractor. I would advise somebody to buy a gasser, just because the gas start diesels are complicated. I do like how cheap mine runs, and since tinkering on machinery is my hobby, I don't mind maintaining my tractor. But for ease of use and maintenance, and general function, a gas 300, 350, 400, 450 is probably your best bang for your dollar. A 656 can be bought reasonable, too, and are another handy tractor if you aren't too concerned about size. Bigger is better, right? ;-) -Andy

IH fan · Jul 8, 2015

Just speaking from my limited experience having owned an Oliver Super 55 and now an IH 240U, I'm going to say get something with a good 3 point, PS, live hydraulics and PTO. makes life a lot easier. If I could combine the two I mentioned, I'd have a great tractor... great 3 point and live PTO from the Oliver and the PS and the FEL on the IH, that would be good. I'm thinking something like a 424 or a little bigger in a utility or maybe a 504 or something on that order in a Farmall.

Andy Martin · Jul 8, 2015

Well put!

sd pete · Jul 8, 2015

lot of 656 gas burners out there. for your use I wouldn't look at a diesel.

Farmall43 · Jul 8, 2015

Jim has hit the on the head as those were going to be my suggestions as well

Neddy191 · Jul 8, 2015

I like the idea of a 300 or 350. I don't see any listed for sale anywhere near me when I check the different places they can be listed. There is a '53 super H with an aftermarket 3-point hitch not far from me but then I guess I wouldn't be getting alot of the things mentioned above.

Farmall43 · Jul 9, 2015

In my area craigslist has a few listed.
Where are you located?

Neddy191 · Jul 9, 2015

I'm in central NC. Lots of cubs and a's on craigslist around here.

Considering a Tractor, looking for advice.

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