decisions, decisions---problem Ford NAA

Starting to have thoughts of selling my Ford
NAA. I've been putting money into for years, a little
here and a little there. Now, the hydraulics
are broken and I started doing the repairs. They
should be fine after a little work on the lift
cover. Then, when running it to test some other
problems the engine started clacking. I guess the
rod bearings are worn. I figure just putting new bearings in won't solve the whole problem. An engine rebuild will most likely be in the 2000.00
range since I won't be able to do it. The carb needs a rebuild and I intend on doing that. I am just waiting on what is next. Just wonder if you would consider giving up on one like this and move
onto a new tractor. I've really enjoyed this old
Ford. It came with the realestate when I moved to the country. I plowed snow with it, moved a lot
of dirt, brush hogged and various tasks. But, boy
it sure has needed a lot of attention in 6 years and is now in pieces waiting for parts. The engine issue really gets me and almost makes me want to move on. In six years I have put about 1,800 into keeping it goig. What do you all think?

Tim, Ohio

I put 100 bucks a month into a neighbors small utility tractor to properly maintain it. Buying something else which is newer and larger means that you will be dumping MORE money into it sooner or later! Big tractors have big parts and newer tractors have expensive, complicated parts.

Definitely fix up the NAA front to rear and you will have a good tractor. I'm sorry, but saving money = more money in the long run.

I bought two used older tractors in the last three years. Both were represented as better than they were. When I got them home, the repairs/expences began.

To quote an old bit of wisdom, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" doesn't really apply here, but would help me in making my decision.

I'd fix the NAA.

Glenn

You say the tractor came with the property, so basically the tractor was free. Another $2,000 on top of the $1,800 you have spent so far is still only $3,800, which is just about what you would pay for another Naa, and it would probably need some more dollars thrown at it before it would be trouble free. All of these tractors need money spent on them from time to time. I'd say you are faring pretty good so far.