In defense of old tractors

Ultradog MN

Well-known Member
Location
Twin Cities
I am sure many of you read the thread titled: "How new should I go?"
Those who advocate buying new tractors make a strong case for their side. New tractors have great features that weren't even invented till late. And they are reliable, long lived and trouble free.
I say let them advocate their opinions here. But don't be entirely taken in by their arguments
Old tractors have their place too. Especially on this site deducated to them.
Old tractors are worthwhile.
For a hobby, for their ability to perform valuable work, for their historical value and as monuments to those who built them.
Which of us, by toil and hard learning, by pain, initiative and gumption hasn't had the satisfaction of bringing a tired old machine to life? That abandoned one or burned one or that familiy heirloom. Who here doesn't feel a joy the first he hears a rebuilt engine roar to life? Who doesn't watch with satisfaction as pretty paint hides not only the primer but all the cleaning, sanding and puttying beneath it?
Who here doesn't feel a sense of accomplishment when he finally chases down an electrical gremlin and his tractor roars like a tiger?
Which of us minded the waiting for parts to arrive and didnt enjoy the thrill of the hunt as we chased down a hard to find part or matching implement for our beauty. Who didn't enjoy a road trip to fetch an old parts tractor?
And who here doesn't enjoy displaying his handiwork at a show or better yet, put the old thing to work at the tasks it was disigned for? Who here doesn't like the idea of owning it outright?
Yes, many of us could have new tractors.
Tractors with options and features, creature comforts, new paint and new tires.
And payments, and soft hands and a lack of curiosity or challenge. And have nothing to teach our children except for safety rules and Not to do this or that.
New tractors have their place. There are many who haven't the skills or patience to fix an old tractor. Or they would rather watch tv about Modern Marvels than fix or build a marvel themselves.
And they hand off the repairs of things to people who can. And in a pinch they find out they can't fix a thing because they didnt learn how or were too afraid or lazy to try.
I like my old tractors.
And as I said in that other thread I will probably never own a new one. Not because I couldn't but because I don't want to stop challenging myself and learning new things. Because I don't want to be afraid of scratching it. Because I don't just want to be exposed to old tractors on Youtube. Because I like to fix things with my hands. Because I don't entirely subscribe to the notion that new is better.
I like them because they're old and have stood the test of time. Because they're a part of my heritage. Because they will still do useful work for me.
And because they give me something to hand down to the next generation. Not just a tractor, be it new or old, but what I've learned about life from working on them.
 

i've got two tractors, both older than myself, and i date back to eisenhower's first term. i'm not afraid to work on them, and my hands are anything but soft. sherlock holmes would not look at them and think i was a gentleman of means and leisure.

but back when i still watched TV, modern marvels was one of my favorite shows :p
 
I agree with your sentiment Dawg.
While I would love to have a nice, new cab tractor with AC
and heat, and could afford to buy it, I can't justify it in my mind.
For my occasional use, I buy the old ones and fix them up.
The satisfaction of this "hobby" (for me) is wonderful.
Yep, even the burnt ones. ;)
To the other post, most of mine are Fords, for parts availability,
but I'm pretty much color blind.

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I do not think too many of us are driving 50 and 60 year old cars every day either. I don t mind having one for a Sunday drive, but I don t want to go back to a three on the tree and manual brakes and no power steering again either :) I like my Super C,but the 656 Hydro is a lot handier to drive.
 
my nephew recently bought a 10 acre property. he asked me what kind of machine to buy. he is not a "tinkerer". I advised him to buy the newest machine he could afford.

I grew up with old iron and I like to tinker but other than tending to my garden they mostly sit. I do enjoy looking at them.
 
Well stated, poetic, even!

I have one of each (old and new), and enjoy both, for different reasons. But my go-to is usually the '50, especially for hay rack rides, teaching a youngster how to drive a stick, or just moving stuff around on the farm.

2013tractorgirl.jpg


2011_8nSammy.jpg


es
 
Amen UD!
As a retired minister I have often worked w/a troubled person & wondered afterwards if I was able to help make a change for them, or was it all falling on deaf ears.
When you first hit the starter on that freshly rebuilt/rewired/tuned/etc... engine, you know quickly if you are successful, & you are so right, you just can't help but smile!
 
I to like the old iron,
but I have really gotten used to the live pto option on the newer tractors, so much safer in my opinion.
also having the lower speed gears to run a tiller, old folks would say the tiller breaks up the ground too fine, so it just seals together as soon as it rains, well some ground it does, but boy o boy does it look nice to plant in,

I say have one or two of both, being sure one has a front end loader with power steering.
 

The no payments part is important to me.

If I DO buy a new tractor; it will because I've worked our little farm efficiently enough with our old tractors to afford it.

I compare it to when people switched from horses to tractors. The ones that were successful in the switchover had to farm efficiently enough with horses to make enough money to buy the tractor.
 

After Mowing a few acres with my 8N, I'll pull into her parking space and give her a pat on the hood and say "Good job ol' girl".

Anyone else care to admit to doing the same thing? By the way, I'd never dream of doing that with my van on returning from a shopping trip into town. :wink:
 
I agree with everything the dog says, but............... nothing says you cant have both! Then you have the best of both worlds.
 
old dogs, old women, old whatever, but that sure out not rule out younger ones! :)
If you can afford them or handle them!
 
Very well said, got 8 old tractors myself, don't owe a dime on any of them, a new one would be nice but why go in debt with a stable of work horses ready at a moments notice, I like the old dusty rusty patina and enjoy proving what an old tractor is still capable of doing
 
2 sides to that story. When I had hay on the ground, rain in the forecast and that old tractor was broke down again I really wanted a new one. Now that I no longer farm but still live on the farm I'd like to have a nice utility with IPTO, live hydraulics and power steering. The 8N's are a little rough on the old body anymore. Just can't justify a new tractor.

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 19:19:58 08/14/17) I am sure many of you read the thread titled: "How new should I go?"
Those who advocate buying new tractors make a strong case for their side. New tractors have great features that weren't even invented till late. And they are reliable, long lived and trouble free.
I say let them advocate their opinions here. But don't be entirely taken in by their arguments
Old tractors have their place too. Especially on this site deducated to them.
Old tractors are worthwhile.
For a hobby, for their ability to perform valuable work, for their historical value and as monuments to those who built them.
Which of us, by toil and hard learning, by pain, initiative and gumption hasn't had the satisfaction of bringing a tired old machine to life? That abandoned one or burned one or that familiy heirloom. Who here doesn't feel a joy the first he hears a rebuilt engine roar to life? Who doesn't watch with satisfaction as pretty paint hides not only the primer but all the cleaning, sanding and puttying beneath it?
Who here doesn't feel a sense of accomplishment when he finally chases down an electrical gremlin and his tractor roars like a tiger?
Which of us minded the waiting for parts to arrive and didnt enjoy the thrill of the hunt as we chased down a hard to find part or matching implement for our beauty. Who didn't enjoy a road trip to fetch an old parts tractor?
And who here doesn't enjoy displaying his handiwork at a show or better yet, put the old thing to work at the tasks it was disigned for? Who here doesn't like the idea of owning it outright?
Yes, many of us could have new tractors.
Tractors with options and features, creature comforts, new paint and new tires.
And payments, and soft hands and a lack of curiosity or challenge. And have nothing to teach our children except for safety rules and Not to do this or that.
New tractors have their place. There are many who haven't the skills or patience to fix an old tractor. Or they would rather watch tv about Modern Marvels than fix or build a marvel themselves.
And they hand off the repairs of things to people who can. And in a pinch they find out they can't fix a thing because they didnt learn how or were too afraid or lazy to try.
I like my old tractors.
And as I said in that other thread I will probably never own a new one. Not because I couldn't but because I don't want to stop challenging myself and learning new things. Because I don't want to be afraid of scratching it. Because I don't just want to be exposed to old tractors on Youtube. Because I like to fix things with my hands. Because I don't entirely subscribe to the notion that new is better.
I like them because they're old and have stood the test of time. Because they're a part of my heritage. Because they will still do useful work for me.
And because they give me something to hand down to the next generation. Not just a tractor, be it new or old, but what I've learned about life from working on them.


I could have bought a new 20 or 30k tractor. I can afford it. I simply didn't want to. I've had new car payments, credit card payments, you name it. I'm tired of debt. I'd rather have an old tractor that I can pay cash for and fix/maintain/upgrade as I see fit. If I had a brand new one and it broke, I'd be irate... But if a 75 year old one breaks, I'd patiently repair it.... Because it's earned its downtime! And with no payments being made to the bank, I'll have plenty of cash for repairs, so it stings a lot less!
 
Best to mention too that many of the newer 'compact' models can't pull a 2-bottom plow and do other work as well. To me, 'compact' is nothing more than a glorified garden tractor. Tasks like mowing grass, maybe plowing snow with a front blade as long as it isn't more than 2" deep, and pulling a small dump wagon are the extent of them. It is highly advisable to also consider parts and service. I just finished working on a friends 1984 Massey-Ferguson Model 1010 Compact diesel that wouldn't start. I knew it was an electrical problem and finally found the root cause: a bad wiring connector to the lights. The hood pops up and someone had shut down onto the connector and pinched/spliced a wire open exposing to ground. Parts are no longer made for this model and were hard to get even when new. Only one M-F dealer around about 30 miles away. Engine made in Japan by Toyosha, no longer in business and no one else supplies parts. Some parts available - air filter alone listed at $35. Unbelievable. Another old neighbor has a newer John Deere compact model with a FEL. All he can do is mow grass and move snow, dirt, and debris with the bucket. He uses his 8N to plow, disc, and cultivate, garden and food plots...

Tim Daley(MI)
 
(quoted from post at 04:39:34 08/16/17) Best to mention too that many of the newer 'compact' models can't pull a 2-bottom plow and do other work as well. To me, 'compact' is nothing more than a glorified garden tractor. Tasks like mowing grass, maybe plowing snow with a front blade as long as it isn't more than 2" deep, and pulling a small dump wagon are the extent of them. It is highly advisable to also consider parts and service. I just finished working on a friends 1984 Massey-Ferguson Model 1010 Compact diesel that wouldn't start. I knew it was an electrical problem and finally found the root cause: a bad wiring connector to the lights. The hood pops up and someone had shut down onto the connector and pinched/spliced a wire open exposing to ground. Parts are no longer made for this model and were hard to get even when new. Only one M-F dealer around about 30 miles away. Engine made in Japan by Toyosha, no longer in business and no one else supplies parts. Some parts available - air filter alone listed at $35. Unbelievable. Another old neighbor has a newer John Deere compact model with a FEL. All he can do is mow grass and move snow, dirt, and debris with the bucket. He uses his 8N to plow, disc, and cultivate, garden and food plots...

Tim Daley(MI)

Tim true and not true.......if you are buying one based on HP close to an N, no, it won't have the weight to pull a 2 bottom. If you buy one that's the same physical size it will be in the 40-55 HP range and will work rings around an old N.

Rick
 
I share in your appreciation for the simple things.
I have been in manufacturing all my life. We use the most modern CNC machining equipment available to produce our parts to within .0003" tolerance. I have 3 old Fords that I helped bring back to life that I work almost every weekend. I am constantly being amazed, intrigued, challenged, and frustrated to no end with these machines. They have endured beyond my comprehension and are a testament to the efforts of those that helped created them. Why would I want something that I probably could not change the oil filter on if needed?? :) I got my first Ford stuck in a creek. Went to neighbor (old timer)for help. With a straight face he said "that's why you need two tractors". Couldn't afford two new ones so I have 3 old ones that I would not trade for one new one.
Enjoy
TP
 
Tim true and not true.......if you are buying one based on HP close to an N, no, it won't have the weight to pull a 2 bottom. If you buy one that's the same physical size it will be in the 40-55 HP range and will work rings around an old N

2015_8N-60years.jpg


50hp vs. 25hp, not really the same physical size, although there may well be other 50hp tractors that are.. For some (of my) use cases, the Boomer will certainly run rings around the 8N, but for others, the 67 year-old tractor is simply the better tool. Before I bought the loader tractor, the old 8N got used for everything, including running a NH Hayliner 68 pulling a rack.

This has all been interesting discussion, FWIW. I'm thankful to have options, especially while haying, as it sure has cut down on the implement changes I used to have to do!

When I'm not under the gun for time, tinkering on the old 8N is therapeutic for me, too. Not everyone will feel the same way, though, which is why a newer, larger tractor might be the better fit for their use case.

As Gus Wilson once said, "differences of opinion is what makes a horse trader."

:p

es
 
I'm retired from the automotive field now, spent over 35 years as a CNC Manufacturing Process Engineer the latter half and as a machinist, programmer, supervisor, QC manager, and more too. When I worked at Valenite my title was 'CNC Manufacturing Engineer -Turning & Milling Specialist, with my forte on turning. It takes a lot more to be a lathe man than a mill man. Programming I learned when it was new, known as NC Machining. Programs hand written out after re-dimensioning the part, trigging out angles with tool comp, radii, and all in G-Code, then punching a Mylar tape and taking to machine to prove out. Sure was fun and nowadays when a guy says he is a CNC programmer, I laugh because he thinks CAD/CAM is programming. The computer only spits out what you spit in so if you don't know basic machining, don't know tooling, don't know what the tool path is suppose to do, then get lost punk. I can turn you a piece of steel, cast iron, aluminum within 10 microns or less. Now don't ask me to cut you a piece of wood straight - I can't do that...

; >{)

TPD
 
Love the Boomer 8N. I'd say the 8N wasn't quite at 25hp though,,probably 20 at best. Still, you are correct sir about tractors being therapeutic. The N's are so basic and simple -no modern clutter, extra whistles and bells, no useless junk in the way. I never get mad if I have to work on my N's...now it is different with my modern cars and trucks...today's vehicles are built so you CAN'T work on them. They want you to take them to the dealer or a shop.

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Jerry: While I agree that new is not best, I do have a variety of equipment - some 'newer'. I have an 871 that does most of the moving stuff around - hay wagons, trailers, temporarily dead other stuff. My 3000 diesel does the real work that doesn't need a loader, and I have Boomer 8N Serial Number 33 that has grown a loader and front and rear hydraulics since I purchased it used. I use it when I need the loader or the grapple and more often than not, it is the grapple to move tree debris.
I have to brag on the 871.. With front wheel weights, it has no problem moving my 32' travel trailer around. Without those weights I was brake steering. It has never failed to start, though I do put a battery tender on it monthly in the cold. The 3000 could probably use a new battery, but a couple days notice for the tender on a February day- it will go. The Boomer has a smaller battery and needs monthly attention too, so the 871 and Boomer share an extension cord.

None of mine were new, some are obviously newer. All filled a need at a fair price. My 3000 is going on our annual tractor ride with absolutely gorgeous fenders and seriously rough blue paint and a bit humble wheels. I have the blue, paint, I have not had the opportunity to degrease and smooth. Chris will need to bless the place where it sits on jack stands for a few weeks and agree that the grass will likely die. She has been good about that in the past.

My attachments run from the mid 40's to the 70's and God only knows when those hay racks were born (and one was born in a state prison), but everything works even tho they all need work from time to time.

Therein lies the fun.

Good post - well written - we just have to accept that their are younger people coming in who have not had the opportunity to experience the joy of resurrection. I believe that the catharsis that comes from bringing a relic back to usefulness is a bit addictive - otherwise I would only have one tractor.....
 
(quoted from post at 10:00:16 08/16/17)
Tim true and not true.......if you are buying one based on HP close to an N, no, it won't have the weight to pull a 2 bottom. If you buy one that's the same physical size it will be in the 40-55 HP range and will work rings around an old N

2015_8N-60years.jpg


50hp vs. 25hp, not really the same physical size, although there may well be other 50hp tractors that are.. For some (of my) use cases, the Boomer will certainly run rings around the 8N, but for others, the 67 year-old tractor is simply the better tool. Before I bought the loader tractor, the old 8N got used for everything, including running a NH Hayliner 68 pulling a rack.

This has all been interesting discussion, FWIW. I'm thankful to have options, especially while haying, as it sure has cut down on the implement changes I used to have to do!

When I'm not under the gun for time, tinkering on the old 8N is therapeutic for me, too. Not everyone will feel the same way, though, which is why a newer, larger tractor might be the better fit for their use case.

As Gus Wilson once said, "differences of opinion is what makes a horse trader."

:p

es


NH 68? :lol: :lol: I was baling with a Vermeer 605G. Really don't think an 8N will do that! Nor will it work well with a NH68 in our hills.

Rick
 

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