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Tractor recomendations ?

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drew222

11-09-2005 06:58:47




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Any tractor recomendations for the homestead (10 acres) to do snow removal, mowing, and all the other basic stuff. Needs to easily accept and handle a loader, have 3 pt. & pto. I'm more handy than rich, and parts availibility and serviceability are VERY important. Thinking about a 8n because parts seem to be never ending. Also looking into "grey market" tractors (4wd) but that could be a mistake. looking to spend $2500. +/- for the tractor itself but could spend more to get it right the first time. Any thoughts? Thanks

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Ultradog MN

11-10-2005 16:55:09




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
Whatever brand you buy make sure you get one with 3 point hitch. 3 point just makes the tractor so much more versatile and there are literally hundred of different impliments you can attach to it.
I can"t see you needing more than about 35 hp.
I prefer the Fords and would recommend one of the Hundred or Thousand series. Whatever you do buy a tractor!
You"ll wonder how you ever got along without one.
Good Luck
Jerry

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26Red

11-10-2005 08:02:20




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
The utility tractors are nice. Sometimes they are over priced Don't forget to checkout the rowcrop tractors like the Farmall H and M. They are easy to find in the midwest with an all hydraulic loader, and aftermarket 3pt hitches added. I saw a M last week with a do-all 250 loader, 3pt, widefront, and powersteering for $2800.

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johndeerejon

11-10-2005 07:52:19




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
Whatever you do DO NOT buy a foriegn tractor. They are junk!! I would suggest you find something with a little age on it to make it easier to work on. Don't by an ex-dairy farm tractor because the hydraulics are usually shot on them. I know this because all I do at the Deere dealership that I work at is hydraulics. 8N's are ok, Deere utility models would work too. If you can find a White model, they are generally cheap horse power.

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Larry-In

11-11-2005 18:02:09




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to johndeerejon, 11-10-2005 07:52:19  
johndeerejon, what tractors under 70hp aren't foriegn made? I have a Massey Ferguson 135 good little tractor.



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dave from MN

11-09-2005 16:09:17




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
Come to think of it my niehbor, whom I purchased this farm from and known all my life, is selling his JD 1020 deisel. It had a nice JD loader, 3pt with original 3rd link. Motor was comp[ltely gone tghrough by a local JD mech he is related to. I have used the tractor and if I was in the need for a smaller tractor would buy it myself. Has brand new rears in it also. This is in central MN , near St.Cloud.

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Leland

11-09-2005 15:26:15




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
A 1010 or 1020 JD would be a fine tractor for you or a 3 or 4000 ford would work fine also , the more modern tractors are much safer than the 8-9N's and WD's



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dave from MN

11-09-2005 15:24:18




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I would just start looking around in rural classified ads, and local dealer. Get a tractor in the 40-55 hp range with wide front. Most tractors from the mid 50's and newer will have what you need, some were standard, some were options, as you look just make sure it has them. I have ran, worked on almost all brands except for MM. Have it checked out before you buy with a tractor mech if possible, How they were used and how the were maintained is the key to future issues,NO MATTER THE COLOR. For yer operation I personnally would like a 255 through the 285 series massey. They are good starters, easy handling and you can get parts from about anywhere.

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Zonie

11-09-2005 13:57:14




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I agree with Hurst, but remember the WD / WD-45 didn't have true live hydraulics you had to use a hand clutch to disconnect the transmission from the rearend in order to keep your pto or hydraulics running. Also If you are going to use a loader then you really will want power steering.



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Ray

11-09-2005 13:27:45




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I've got a 4000 ford with a loader i'm going to sell,it has PS,live pto,3pt,gas,two buckets for $6000,located in ohio.



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Hurst

11-09-2005 13:21:30




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I would have to agree with those that say the 8n will be a pain some times with a loader and mower. Also, it may be a little light for plowing snow. From my point of view, I would say an Allis WD45 or WD would be great for what you need. with an aftermarket 3pt adaptor (it has snapcoupler from the factory) for a couple of hundred if it doesn't have one already. Also, the powersteering, if not equipped can be added easily using a Charr-lyne motor with a GM pump and a double pully on the generator or engine. Another option may be a D14 or D15. Decent ones can be found for your price range and you get the powerdirector (2spd powershift hand clutch). With allis, make sure the gears don;t pop out when decelerating (from grinding them in). There are enough parts for both of these models as long as the tranny is in good shape gear wise.

Hurst

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John (MO)

11-09-2005 13:06:21




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
The 8N does not have live or independent power that you will really want when using a loader, a 3 point implement or a pto implement. They also don"t have a great deal of power, in other words, you can do better with your money. I"m not a fan of the gray market tractors either, they aren"t built anything like the older American tractors. If you knew for sure about parts for them in the future, they might be an option for some though. Go for something with power steering and live or independent PTO and hydraulics. Some older tractors aren"t 3 point hitch, but most can be converted with an adapter or an add on hitch.

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cdmn

11-09-2005 10:02:45




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I'd recommend a 1960's Minneapolis Moline, such as JetStar3, 302, etc. Mine has been invaluable for the past 18 years. Also consider Oliver 55-555. You might also find a 300-460 IHC utility. You could probably buy a Ford 3400 with loader for about $3500.



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bfloyd

11-09-2005 09:23:59




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
yep, go with the grey those people over there need jobs more than we do over here anyway. I'm a guy that still wears only stuff made in USA, mostly 6 dollar t shirts and 20 dollar jeans but all made here and in union shops. You cant go wrong with an 8n as long as you don't need a live pto. The 8n is easy to sell, has very good parts availability, most of which are made here just like the 8n. I have a ford diesel 2000 that I love but parts can be a challenge.

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JDknut

11-09-2005 09:00:06




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I'd maybe stretch the upper budget limit by a grand or so and look for one of the following: Massey 35/135/165, Ford 2000,3000 NAA,600 800, etc. Deere 420, 430, 820 (3 cyl version), 1520, 2020,(the Massies and later Deeres will probably be out of the budget but would be well worth it) I am not familiar with the smaller Cases or Allises but they are decent makes. Choice depends on budget and size, all these are in the 35-50 HP range. The other posts have the Ford N's covered, but if you find a good deal on one it might be worth looking at

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JT

11-09-2005 08:29:56




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
An 8N would make you a nice rig, especially if your mechanical abilities are deeper than your pocket. With a loader, they are a little stiff to steer, do not have live hydraulics, so you have to let clutch out to raise 3 point. Not a live PTO, same thing, the clutch has to be out to run PTO, if you put an overrunning clutch on PTO, it makes them a little easier to use PTO powered equipment. Grey market tractors can be a risky thing to get involved with, if you buy one and it has Japanese features not used in the USA tractors, you will have a boat anchor if something major would break and it is not a USA modeled tractor. Had an instance a few years back with a B7100 Kubota tractor, grey market, they used an electric switch to activate the 3 point system, the switch went out, guy had a hard time finding this switch, was not used on any USA tractors, Kubota told me, he gonna have to contact where he bought it or go to Japan and get one. Do not know if that problem still arises, but it would scare me off of buyng one.

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old

11-09-2005 08:24:04




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
Ns are nice little tractors but, the lift isn't live and can be a pain. I'd look for say one of the 801 series. Some of the 801s had power steering which is a most for a loader. Also stay away from the SOS trannys they work well till they go out then they cost big $$$ to fix.



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Tim Shultz

11-09-2005 08:00:10




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I too would stay away form the 8"s...
go with a case 611B if you can find one, got mine for 2,000, running great with new paint. so well in your price range.
Tim Shultz



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Chris(WA)

11-09-2005 07:12:52




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
I will probably get static about this but I suggest staying away from the N Fords. Too old and too collectable for doing the work you want at the price you want to pay. They were great tractors in their day but better utility trators followed them. Live Hydraulics, PTO and power steering as well as more comfort and power. A later hundred or thousand series Ford is a much better tractor for the money. All the other manufacturers built good utility tractors too. Depending on how much work you have to do and it sound like quite a bit of varied jobs I would look for a good used Kubota, New Holland/Ford or John Deere. Depends on who your local dealers are.

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Dan

11-09-2005 10:30:16




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to Chris(WA), 11-09-2005 07:12:52  
third party image

Chris - look at his requirements - snow removal, mowing, and other basic stuff. Good parts availability, 3 point hitch, able to put a loader on (although it does make them harder to steer) AND around $2,500. That screams Ford 8N! You will not find a tractor with live PTO, power steering, live hydraulics for $2,500 unless it needs MAJOR work, or is from a relative. The 8N is not too old and too collectable to do the work he needs - I use it right now for that at my property (well - not the snow removal as I live in Texas). And - just try to find cheap parts and good availability on the hundred series or thousand series tractor. My father has a 63 Ford 2000 model - I know.

I respect your opinion and thoughts, but have to dissagree with you on your staement that they cannot do the work required. Just my $.02 worth.

Respectfully,
Dan

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Chris(WA)

11-10-2005 00:47:40




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to Dan, 11-09-2005 10:30:16  
Dan , Up this way you can not buy a nice *n with a loader for $2500. And you still have a tractor with out live anything and heavy steering with a loader on it. I had an 860 with a loader on it for many years. It was a great tractor as long as you did not have to turn the steering wheel! I have run a lot of N series and Fergusons. Don't get me wrong. They are nice little tractors but better ones have been built since and are available for the kind of money this guy wants to spend.I paid $3000 for my 160 Allis with full hydraulic loader and a Bushhog. I will RUN circles around my 860. Bought it from a fellow right here on this website a couple years back. Runs like a champ. Have done very little other than maintenance to it.A friend bought a little Kubota with a loader on it for $2500.Added a mower deck for $500. Great little tractor. His 10 year old daughter mows the lawn with it. If you want a collector and a work tractor the N is not a bad choice but just to do chores around a piece of property with I would keep looking.

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Dan

11-09-2005 07:11:04




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to drew222, 11-09-2005 06:58:47  
A 8N or NAA would be an excellent choice for a guy on a budget, and will meet all your stated requirements. You could find a decent running 8N for your price range, or a poor running NAA since you state you are "more handy than rich". These are great sturdy tractors that are easy to work on and new parts are still being made - and cheap. plus - free advice can be found here if you get stuck.

If you have some free time - check out my NAA Project Rustbucket website below to see how easy it is for a guy with absolutely no tractor or formal mechanical skills to work on these things.

Good luck,
Dan

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INCase

11-09-2005 09:04:12




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to Dan, 11-09-2005 07:11:04  
Father in law has a 9N (almost same as 8) not having live hyd or PTO is a pain. I've been amazed at what we've been able to do with it though. Parts are very easy to get the darn things are as common as grass but still have held value. I'd look at an Oliver Super 55 or 550. They are the same size/layout as the "N's" and mid 50's Fords. They bring more $ but have live everything. I'd also consider an Allis Chalmer D15 or D17 especially the later versions had live PTO and hyd. Parts are too bad to find. Case 700-800-730-830's aren't a bad option either. Usually cheap, well built HP but "new" parts are not as available (may have to hunt for used parts but they are out there). What ever you look at watch for abuse. That will wreck any brand. Good luck. >>>Dan I need to print out your pictures and show them to my wife in that I'm not the only one that has farm tractors in residential sub-divisions!!! :)

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Dan

11-09-2005 10:13:19




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to INCase, 11-09-2005 09:04:12  
My 42 acres are in Bonham, TX - but I still live in the city for now. I live in a suburb of Dallas, and you aught to see the looks I get from my neighbors when I am running the tractors around testing the brakes and such. So far I have worked on two 8Ns and an NAA - so they are just about getting used to it by now :-)

Thanks for the reply,
Dan



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MN Bob

11-09-2005 07:57:59




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to Dan, 11-09-2005 07:11:04  
Dan; Nice job, for a guy with no training or experience you must have a knack for wrenching and photo recording. Bet you have a lot of sweat equity as well as a few $ in that. Good to see you intend to use it not just display it. Congrtaulations.



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Dan

11-09-2005 10:20:14




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to MN Bob, 11-09-2005 07:57:59  
Bob - thanks for the kind words. I grew up in the city and never even saw a tractor close up until age 38, and NEVER have seen the insides of any engine either. I obtained 42 acres, and needed a mowing machine. After getting sticker shock at the Kubotas, I decided used was the way for me. I kept getting more and more "used" until I found what I could afford - a Ford 8N. The rest is history. I wrote a short story posted on this site about what started my affliction with antique tractors - I will post a link below to it.

My NAA has just under $5k in it - including the tractor, parts, and machine work. Not real bad for a tractor with a fully rebuilt engine, transmission, hydraulics, steering box, and a boat load of new parts - so I pretty much broke even and had 9 months of enjoyment and on-the-job training to boot. It is on my property now pulling brush hogging duties.

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Dan

11-09-2005 12:18:39




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 Re: Tractor recomendations ? in reply to Dan, 11-09-2005 10:20:14  
Whoops - don't know what happened with the story link on the previous post - let's try again...

Dan



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