OT- If you could have ONE tractor, which one would it be?

Big Trees

Member
Like the title says, if you could have one and only one tractor, what tractor would that be? Realistically speaking.


I've only owned two tractors so I really can't answer this. I'm curious as what most people will choose.
 
I have over a half dozen ranging from
Ford NAA to modern Deere loader backhoe,
talking just straight tractors I would
say my 661 would cover most all my needs
and much easier to work on than the
later 3400 we have. Now of course if you
want to talk loader work the 3400 or
Deere 210c win out, but for general
tractor use the 661 is it
 
I have only had two tractors,
D-14 AC and a Ferguson TO35

The little Ferguson is a nice all round tractor, double clutch, power spread wheels, easy to drive,

But I have always wanted a loader,

One of the new 40 hp Fords or Ferguson with a loader would be great to have, maybe some day,

However, I like to garden truck patch, that (A) Farmall would be a great tractor to have with a set of belly cultivators,

So already I need at least 2 tractors,

Nice thought,
 
(quoted from post at 20:01:27 04/14/16) Like the title says, if you could have one and only one tractor, what tractor would that be? Realistically speaking.


I've only owned two tractors so I really can't answer this. I'm curious as what most people will choose.

Assuming I am allowed a small "riding lawn mower" or zero turn in addition to a tractor a 2000 or newer ~3500 pound(un-ballasted), ~40 HP diesel with hydrostatic MFWD and a quick detach loader. Something similar to this and I do prefer orange ;-)

TOH

L60_04.jpg
 
1964 Ford 4000 narrow front. My dream tractor. Love the looks. There was one for real cheap but it was sold before I even got a chance to call the guy, within a day of
it being posted. Or I guess a Ford hundred series in narrow front too. Love the looks.
 
My 3000 is actually a 3600 in disguise.
I run the tin from an early 3000 as I like
the looks better. It serves my purposes just
fine but if I could swing a 3910 or a 3930
like Mark mentions below I would do it - A
late 80s or early 90s Ford. Other candidates
would be a 4600 SU or 4610 SU.
I can't see myself ever buying a new CUT and
can't see myself needing FWA either. I might
like them if I was willing to spend the
dough but as much as I like tractors they
aren't enough of a priority to go into hock
for one. So far it's always been cash and
carry and I'll probably continue that way.
 
A 2000 or 3000 Ford with live power,or a John Deere 1020 or 1520 are a great size and very
user friendly tractor,I have owned all of these and still do some of them,all good tractors.
 
I hope it never comes to that, but if it did I think my choice would probably be my 1952 8N my TO35
would be a close 2nd. I have 10 acres.
 
Like TOH, I like Orange. I have a '99 Kubota L3400 which I bought new. It will do everything. I like my old Fords and even use several of
them. But if I could only have one it would be the Kubota. However, that is not going to happen for a while I hope. I hate changing
implements.
 
I have gotten old enough that I could not easily crawl up on that thing,
but hands down, that was one of the best looking tractors ever made.

would hate to know I had to paint it with all those different colors, but it sure looks good.
 
I own 200 acres. One tractor just won't do it. I need something that will handle an 8 foot snow blower, 100hp or more, and one for chores. Plus the backhoe and dozer.

In any case as I get older, a good seat, would prefer air ride. Good comfortable cab with heat and AC.

In other words the 8N's would be gone in a heartbeat if I could justify a new Kubota about the physical size of the 8N, maybe a little bigger and I'd replace my 1206 Farmall with a Kubota about the same size.

Rick
 
I've owned three to date, and if I had to choose only *one*, it would be the 1950 8N. The Boomer 8N is twice the power and has a loader, but is not nearly as nimble. I managed fine for ten years with only the '50 on our 15 acres. The bigger tractor enables me to dedicate one tractor to raking and one to baling (I have a Hesston I use for cutting). I had to use the '50 for everything when I first started haying!

2015_two8Ns.jpg


I've always maintained that my 8N is the handiest tool I have on the place!

es
 
Two Fords, one Farmall and one MF. The MF can out do anything all the others can attempt, so I recon it the winner, but I can have them all & more, so each has its place/job. Even though I'm an electronics engineer by profession (30 years), I'm a junk yard dog by birth, so I'll always skip all the electronics that I can! That means old iron!
 
Well, I did just that! I sold ALL my old tractors and bought one new one. I agree with TOH. I bought an L3901 Kuboba and so far I love it. 39 HP with loader and hydrostatic. Quick connect bucket. Kept all the old attachments.
 
I farm about 1000 acres so I have worked to get favorites for each job. Hands down, my favorite
medium size tractor is my IH886. Love it. It does chores when I don't need FWA, rakes and bales,
and everything in between. I have a 48 8n I love for mowing electric fence lines and the edges of
fields before harvest. I also love it for blading snow because it is so easy to maneuver. It does
good yard work because it doesn't track up the yard bad. I've got a Farmall A that I use to run the
augers and mow ditches. It's got a Woods belly mower on it all of the time. I have used it to
cultivate my sweet corn patch but that's a lot of work to switch over. I've got the JD7800 for
planting and FWA loader work/feeding in the winter. It also pulls the small field cultivator. I have
the JD4440 for spraying and running the moco and pulling the auger wagon at harvest. I use the
JD8430 for disking and cultivating. Oh, I almost forgot one of my original favorites from my
childhood - my Farmall M that stays hooked to the mixer grinder for making feed for everyone. It
also runs the pto Winpower generator for fence welding away from home. I grew up on the little
Ford and that M so those are near and dear to me. The 886 is my next choice. Heat, a/c, and
satellite radio. What more do I need in there?!
 
I agree with TOH.

I just bought a Kubota L6060, 60 PTO HP hydrostat with FEL. It was delivered in January and will be used much more than any of the others that I own.

Though I have not yet even moved it, I well know that it would be the last to go if circumstances required disposition of all but one.

Dean
 
NotJustAir,

Not just air indeed! I am awed by your experience and tractor choices. I'm surprised you can find time to sit down and write.

I've wondered what the PTO driven generators were used for . . . fence welding!

You obviously rise before the sun. :)

My tractor, if I could have only one . . .
the 1958 861 Powermaster

Terry

35100.jpg
 
All good replies here - you need to specify if a work tractor or for show. I think you mean something versatile for use as a work tractor, so my 2? is anything with LIVE power, LIVE PTO, fuel efficiency, capabilities, etc. and 4WD is an option as well. It doesn't have to be a vintage machine; the new orange, blue, red, and green ones will work fine but do your homework before buying. Obviously, a show tractor would be anything vintage so to each his own on that one. My '48 8N works OK for mowing grass and plowing or discing fields as most motion is in the forward direction, straight lines, but for plowing snow, it can be cumbersome.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)
 
After a failed, multi-year Massey Ferguson "experiment," I bought two new Kubotas last fall.

The Massey Fergusons are gone (good riddance) and most of my vintage Fords will be sold in the foreseeable future as time and conditions permit.

Users that make the change to modern equipment (especially, Kubota) do not go back.

Dean
 
The Ford 8N I am working on now. It was my Dad's, bought the year I was born 1950. Working on the sheetmetal now, Hope to have it done this summer.
35150.jpg
 
Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.
 
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.
f a man can afford a new tractor these days, he can probably afford to hire maintenance done or just trade for a newer one when something goes wrong. No computer eqmt to work on it with anyway & no stock room full of electronic gizmos to swap until he finds the one that fixes it. :cry:
 
(quoted from post at 10:31:49 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.
f a man can afford a new tractor these days, he can probably afford to hire maintenance done or just trade for a newer one when something goes wrong. No computer eqmt to work on it with anyway & no stock room full of electronic gizmos to swap until he finds the one that fixes it. :cry:

Great point, JMOR.
 
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

We have a constant stream of people here that cannot deal with the "sophisticated electronics" of a simple mechanical breaker point/coil system, generator/voltage regulator, or the intricacies of a century old carburetor fuel system. They can't deal with a hydraulic lift that won't or brakes that don't.. I have a 40 year newer "modern" diesel tractor that has no ignition system, no carburetor, and brakes that work. It has a butt f"n simple mechanical fuel pump and three fuel injectors. It is more reliable and easier to understand and service than any 8N and I can work on it every bit as easy as an 8N. It does have an "alternator" which I am sure for many here makes it beset with witchcraft. Unless you opt for a less than 10 year old computer controlled high end machine the bug-aboo of a modern unservicable tractors is a total myth.

TOH
 
(quoted from post at 18:22:26 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

We have a constant stream of people here that cannot deal with the "sophisticated electronics" of a simple mechanical breaker point/coil system, generator/voltage regulator, or the intricacies of a century old carburetor fuel system. They can't deal with a hydraulic lift that won't or brakes that don't.. I have a 40 year newer "modern" diesel tractor that has no ignition system, no carburetor, and brakes that work. It has a butt f"n simple mechanical fuel pump and three fuel injectors. It is more reliable and easier to understand and service than any 8N and I can work on it every bit as easy as an 8N. It does have an "alternator" which I am sure for many here makes it beset with witchcraft. Unless you opt for a less than 10 year old computer controlled high end machine the bug-aboo of a modern unservicable tractors is a total myth.

TOH
e did say "new", not 10 to 40 years old. :)
 
(quoted from post at 21:03:23 04/14/16) Something like this.
a223829.jpg
That one's actually an x01 series. I really like those too.
I have 960. Great tractor. Originally red and gray but now blue.
I plan to repaint it if I can ever stop using it long enough!
Maybe I should just sell it and get to the other projects! LOL

35206.jpg


35207.jpg
 
If I could find a skidsteer with 3pt hitch at a reasonable price, I
think that would be it. Of course I want the post hole digger and
other attachments too. Should be able to find the whole package
for around $500 right? Still under warranty would be nice. LOL

I don't do much tillage, just gardens and food plots but I seem to
do quite a bit of loader work, moving dirt/manure in close quarters.

I can tell you for sure that I will never be without a loader of some sort.

I have one tractor dedicated to only loader work currently.
To me that seems to be a waste but its what I have! :)
 
(quoted from post at 20:10:48 04/17/16) If I could find a skidsteer with 3pt hitch at a reasonable price, I
think that would be it. Of course I want the post hole digger and
other attachments too. Should be able to find the whole package
for around $500 right? Still under warranty would be nice.

i've got exactly what u need. bring cash.

signed, Craigslist user.
 
(quoted from post at 19:13:03 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 20:10:48 04/17/16) If I could find a skidsteer with 3pt hitch at a reasonable price, I
think that would be it. Of course I want the post hole digger and
other attachments too. Should be able to find the whole package
for around $500 right? Still under warranty would be nice.

i've got exactly what u need. bring cash.

signed, Craigslist user.
Can you send a picture? LOL
 
(quoted from post at 18:39:02 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 18:22:26 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

We have a constant stream of people here that cannot deal with the "sophisticated electronics" of a simple mechanical breaker point/coil system, generator/voltage regulator, or the intricacies of a century old carburetor fuel system. They can't deal with a hydraulic lift that won't or brakes that don't.. I have a 40 year newer "modern" diesel tractor that has no ignition system, no carburetor, and brakes that work. It has a butt f"n simple mechanical fuel pump and three fuel injectors. It is more reliable and easier to understand and service than any 8N and I can work on it every bit as easy as an 8N. It does have an "alternator" which I am sure for many here makes it beset with witchcraft. Unless you opt for a less than 10 year old computer controlled high end machine the bug-aboo of a modern unservicable tractors is a total myth.

TOH
e did say "new", not 10 to 40 years old. :)

Actually Jesse, he said "modern tractor" and equated that to "new cars" which is what lit my fuse ;-)

TOH
 
(quoted from post at 09:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

What? I have a scanner so working on a newer vehicle is easy plus instead of tune ups every 12K or so I now drive 100K and just change the plugs. No carb to tweak either. Maintenance would be my reason for buying something much newer, lot less of it to do! Heck in the bad old days the average car needed a valve job between 80 and 100K and rings and bearings at less than 120K. Vehicles built sense the late 80's average 200K before engine troubles happen. And on a lot built after 00 it's only due it's 2nd set of plugs at 200K. I can deal with changing a bad sensor for that!

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 10:29:02 04/18/16)
(quoted from post at 09:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

What? I have a scanner so working on a newer vehicle is easy plus instead of tune ups every 12K or so I now drive 100K and just change the plugs. No carb to tweak either. Maintenance would be my reason for buying something much newer, lot less of it to do! Heck in the bad old days the average car needed a valve job between 80 and 100K and rings and bearings at less than 120K. Vehicles built sense the late 80's average 200K before engine troubles happen. And on a lot built after 00 it's only due it's 2nd set of plugs at 200K. I can deal with changing a bad sensor for that!

Rick

Good points, oldtanker.

I've always known old cars to be built better and more durable. Built out of better materials and less electronics to go bad. Replacing a sensor sounds very easy but when you have 5 hours of removing/reinstalling plastic coverings just to get to said sensor then it isn't easy anymore, IMO.

I won't change spark plugs on some vehicles because of all of the hassle of getting everything removed to change spark plugs lol. On my 84 F350 I changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor in less than 30 minutes the other day. I'd spend 4 days doing it on a "new" F350.


I've honestly never met a single person before you that would prefer to work on a newer vehicle. There's a first for everything.

To each his own. I respect the next mans decision.
 
(quoted from post at 15:22:26 04/17/16)
(quoted from post at 12:00:41 04/17/16) Yes, I was talking about working tractors. Not show tractors.

I'm curious out of the people who would chose a modern tractor who would work on most of the stuff themselves like they do their old tractors. The maintenance would be my reason for always sticking with old tractors. Same with cars, I hate new cars.

We have a constant stream of people here that cannot deal with the "sophisticated electronics" of a simple mechanical breaker point/coil system, generator/voltage regulator, or the intricacies of a century old carburetor fuel system. They can't deal with a hydraulic lift that won't or brakes that don't.. I have a 40 year newer "modern" diesel tractor that has no ignition system, no carburetor, and brakes that work. It has a butt f"n simple mechanical fuel pump and three fuel injectors. It is more reliable and easier to understand and service than any 8N and I can work on it every bit as easy as an 8N. It does have an "alternator" which I am sure for many here makes it beset with witchcraft. Unless you opt for a less than 10 year old computer controlled high end machine the bug-aboo of a modern unservicable tractors is a total myth.

TOH
I missed this post, my apologies, TOH.

I didn't look up each model people spoke about so I'm not familiar with how old each one is but I was assuming that the "modern" tractor folks was talking about were much newer than 40 years old.

I have a tractor (B6000) that I believe is 40 years or less and I love it.

I just don't know how I would work on a NEW tractor. I figured they had as many electronics in them as new Cadillacs do. Probably have air ride, gps, cruise control, etc lol.
 
New? I would go with a Jinma 284, 354 or equivalent. I have a 284. Would have gotten the 354, but I didn't have the extra couple grand on hand. I had a book of reasons why all typed, but I deleted it. The next paragraph is all that I left.

Ten years ago, it was 9500 bucks with a loader and 4WD brand spankin' new. So cheap that I have two spare tires for it. I have a spare starter. Parts of a spare hydraulic pump, etc. NAPA carries all of the filters. Just replaced the hydraulic pump. 30 minutes to take off, ten minutes to rebuild, 30 minutes to put it back on. No manual required. 165 bucks for the whole pump. Plows snow, moves manure, runs a haybine, baler, rake, tedder, manure spreader etc. Does about everything.

That's my answer for a brand new machine.

If I had to go with a used machine, I'd go with something like a John Deere 1520. My brother has one with a loader. He has a three point hitch rack that carries 1000lbs of suitcase weights. Put the weights on it, some tire chains; and it'll go about anywhere. Best power steering and handling of any small tractor I've ever driven. Turn on a dime and leave a nickel for change. Could use a reverser and 4WD. If I really needed 4WD and/or a reverser, I'd bump up into John Deere's 40 series. Something like a 2940.

I do like my old 2N, though. It's simple, and I like the comfort of knowing that I can fix just about anything on it on a whim. It just couldn't run my farm all by itself.
 
I've farmed the last twenty five years with a 69 4000 Ford diesel, it's big enough to handle my 9 ft trailed disc mower and will handle a 4x5 round baler but it's small enough to work in my poultry barns. I'd probably go with a 4630 for the better hydraulics and hydrostatic steering yet it's still an all mechanical tractor that I know how to work on every part of.
I would miss the cab on my 6610 when baling hay, seams as I've gotten older I now have allergies to hay dust.
Would probably have to hire the hay baled.
 

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