TO20? To buy or not to buy...

I have been looking for a tractor for a while- I have looked mostly at Ford Ns, because there are so many of them around. Today, however, I ran across a pretty nice 1950 TO 20, that seems to be priced well, and am thinking about it rather than one of the Ns.

I don't 'NEED' a tractor- But I want one. I intend to use it, probably about once a month, to smooth out my driveway. Other than that, it's going to be a toy. I enjoy old things, and have a 'collection' that includes boats, a car, a truck, and a few other vintage playthings. I am mechanically inclined- I work on everything I own and LOVE to get dirty and repair/restore things. I've always liked tractors, and thought that since I could kind of justify owning one because I DO occasionally have some work for it I might as well buy one, and amazingly enough the wife agreed!

So- Would the TO 20 be a good option? I've done some research, and it seems that parts are available, though perhaps not quite as cheaply or easily as the 'N' parts. Is there anything in particular that I should look for wrong with the tractor?

We fired it up (Started RIGHT up, with a fresh battery, after having sat for over a month), and she ran well with no indication of smoking. Everything seemed to operate as it should- The only thing that I didn't test out other than just activating it was the Hydraulic system, as I wasn't familiar with the controls.

I took it for a spin, and everything seemed good- But I lack tractor experience.

Sheet metal appeared to all be there, and in decent shape. A few dings here and there but nothing too bad. I'm pretty good at body work, though- so there is nothing that would intimidate me.

So- Would this be a good option for a first timer? I think she could follow me home for about $1500 or so.

Location makes some difference but here in Cent. MI that would be top $$ for it as that tractor sits. If everything works properly on it and you do your own body paint so don't care about the rough exterior, you should get it for $1200-$1350. If it's close to home then that's a factor as shipping even short can run $200-$500. I've seen a couple really nice ones within 10 mi of me for $ 2200 and that was for a TO 30. You won't get hurt at $1500 but I believe you can get it lower. As for comparison to the "N",s , I say stick with the Fergie. I've had both. We farmed 80 acres in the '60,s with this little Fergie 20 and it got it's guts worked out without ever a problem. I don't think the "N" would have stood it.

If I had the money to drop on a machine...
Figure a basic machine is 10-1200. 1200 gets me
real good looking tires, better sheet metal and no
rust in the paint. Smoke comes a puff at a time
and not consistent. Oil pressure is at least 10
PSI at idle.
That thing above might get me for $600 with
absolutely no smoke and about 25 PSI oil pressure
warm at idle. Figuring the sheet metal is not
fantastic, rear tires are about dead and the paint
job is...? Confused.
I once bought an 8N good paint, great metal, new
rear tires ran but had electrical issues for $800.
Might have been $600. Like was said, depends on
your location.

As for the area I live in, here in southern ID. $1500 would be a great buy for the little massey. Especially if everything works as good as you stated.

I would add some money to the fund and buy a tractor
that had a live PTO.

After you use the tractor with a rotary cutter, use
the lift system grading, etc:

You will thank me for the advice.

Maybe a TO 35 Ferguson or Ford 861 or 2000

These tractors should have the live PTO as std
equipment.

Case 430 might also be a good choice.

If you are not familiar with these tractors at lease check the live PTO option out before you buy.

How is the charging system? Does the battery
charge properly when it's running? If not,
there can be several possible problems. I know
it started with a new battery, but is it
charging?Also, you should check the hydraulics.
Maxwell is correct of course that live PTO (and
live hydraulics) are preferable, but you only
want a toy to play with so it's really no big
deal, and tractors with those features run
almost twice what you are paying for this one.
Parts are not an issue.

Those tyres look worn and are probably the original set, check for cracks in the tread and sidewalls, a new set of quality tyres will cost more than the tractor . I would also be concerned about the rims underneath , look really hard for corrosion and pinholes . I personally don't like tractors that have been quickly painted up for sale . Always seems to me that the owner is trying to cover up sins .

Have you considered the Ferguson TO35 models? They are a few years newer and have a lot of advancements over the TO20. Parts are also plentiful. I think the Ferguson 35 and Massey Ferguson 35 are similar? They all might cost a little more however I think you would get a lot more tractor for the money.
TO35 Example

Thanks for the replies, and the info!

I have looked at a lot of different models- And debated possibly spending a little more if I needed to, however for my 'needs' anything that has a three point hitch is going to work fine. I realize that live PTO is nice IF you need to use the PTO, but I really dont have much need for it. My property is only 3 acres, mostly wooded, so there is no mowing/bush hogging. I'll be pulling a scraper blade or box scrape down my driveway every so often just to smooth things out. Other than that, I will be just doing some tinkering and making her look pretty.

I can see that what constitutes a good deal is pretty regional- I can tell you from my searching in this area (E. Tennessee) that there is NO way I'm going to get a tractor that runs for $600-800 as has been mentioned by a poster. That might get a parts tractor- But certainly not a runner. Those that 'ran when parked' fetch 1000-1200 all day, and those running well, like the TO20 I'm looking at a few hundred more. Good runners that also look good are $2000-$2500, and up depending on how good the restoration is.

I realize that the tires don't have a lot left in them, and have figured that they'll need replacement sooner than later. I also realize that's about $1000... But, if that's the only major thing she needs, I'm OK with that.

I am going to head up there in the next few days to give her a little better workout, make sure brakes/hydraulics are functioning OK, and then possibly make an offer. I hope to bring a more 'tractor savvy' friend of mine along with me, too.

Hi, the to35 is twice the tractor as a to20
more stable and tougher, heavier on the
front end. I have spent countless hrs on
both. Ed will.

Think of it as a large garden tractor already equipped with turf tires and you'll be fine. Whether you pay $1300 or $1500 won't make any difference a year from now. Do give the hydraulics a good workout; they can be a pricey difficult repair. The rest is all straightforward stuff.

If you ever need some serious traction you can find a set of chains for far less than new tires.

(quoted from post at 12:56:15 03/02/15) Thanks for the replies, and the info!

I have looked at a lot of different models- And debated possibly spending a little more if I needed to, however for my 'needs' anything that has a three point hitch is going to work fine. I realize that live PTO is nice IF you need to use the PTO, but I really dont have much need for it. My property is only 3 acres, mostly wooded, so there is no mowing/bush hogging. I'll be pulling a scraper blade or box scrape down my driveway every so often just to smooth things out. Other than that, I will be just doing some tinkering and making her look pretty.

I can see that what constitutes a good deal is pretty regional- I can tell you from my searching in this area (E. Tennessee) that there is NO way I'm going to get a tractor that runs for $600-800 as has been mentioned by a poster. That might get a parts tractor- But certainly not a runner. Those that 'ran when parked' fetch 1000-1200 all day, and those running well, like the TO20 I'm looking at a few hundred more. Good runners that also look good are $2000-$2500, and up depending on how good the restoration is.

I realize that the tires don't have a lot left in them, and have figured that they'll need replacement sooner than later. I also realize that's about $1000... But, if that's the only major thing she needs, I'm OK with that.

I am going to head up there in the next few days to give her a little better workout, make sure brakes/hydraulics are functioning OK, and then possibly make an offer. I hope to bring a more 'tractor savvy' friend of mine along with me, too.

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He is right price wise. Im in East TN also and most non runners go for $1000.00. Where are you located in East TN? I do know of a pretty decent TO-30 with good tires for $1800.00

Get on craigslist an find a to35 or mf 35. You
will be so much better off. I have 4 of them
and started off with the 20. It had new oil and
later on it started getting water in the oil.
Make sure it has the 2 stage clutch. I wouldn't
give more than 7 for that one. There's tips on
here ofhow to buy a tractor on left side.You
will have 3500 in that one before you can turn
around.Bought my last one with 6 pieces of
equipment, rebuilt the head, sold 3 pieces and
now have 600 in the tractor.Wanta buy one I'll
fix you up here in Ga.

OK, so I admit I'm biased. I have a TO30 and enjoy it. I am fairly confident you would really like the TO20 for what you want.

As you discovered prices vary a lot by location. You know your own location better than I. Do make sure the hydraulics work. If you need help knowing how to engage them and how they should work, just ask here.

I'm sure a tractor with live hydraulics would be easier and/or quicker--there's a reason they started making them that way--but I use my 30 for what you have mentioned and more and it works fine.

If you do buy it, get a manual.

Like everyone says a 35 would be nice, but this tractor would suit your needs at the present time.
Is there any way to put something heavy on the 3pt
to see if it raises smothly and see how fast it lowers when the engine is shut off? Did you pull the engine dipstick when it was running to see if any oil is being pushed out? How did the oil look, milky or black? Did you take off the radiator cap when the engine was cold then run the engine to see if any air bubbles were in the water? What was the oil pressure when the engine was hot? These things that you can check out before you buy the tractor make a big differance.
A Ferguson tractor will have much more torque than a Ford N tractor because of the over head valve engine. With all that said, if you have the money to get a good 35 you will be glad you did.

Wanta buy one I'll
fix you up here in Ga.

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Where are you located in East TN? I do know of a pretty decent TO-30 with good tires for $1800.00

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Any local leads would be appreciated- I'm in Athens, Right between Chattanooga and Knoxville... I am willing to do some traveling for the right deal.

(quoted from post at 20:08:28 03/02/15)

Wanta buy one I'll
fix you up here in Ga.

Click to expand...

Where are you located in East TN? I do know of a pretty decent TO-30 with good tires for $1800.00

Click to expand...

Any local leads would be appreciated- I'm in Athens, Right between Chattanooga and Knoxville... I am willing to do some traveling for the right deal.

Click to expand...

I am about an hour from Knoxville. This TO-30 is on the local Massey dealers lot. I know them quite well and they are pretty good people. But I would much rather have this TO-30 for $1800.00 than that TO-20 for $1500.00. Plus that is just his asking price.http://tricities.craigslist.org/grq/4853554475.html

I buy old dead tractors to part out. Almost every 20 or 30 I've bought had a cracked block between the cylinders. They can run great and have this problem. I would stay away from it.