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Is A JD 50 Big Enough?

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FTM

03-30-2001 18:38:50




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I am considering purchasing a JD 50. I would be using it on a small acreage farm, 35 acres. A couple of questions I had were:

Is it going to be big enough to plow and disc with?

How big of a plow and/or disc will it take?

Can I bush hog with it?

How big of a bush hog?

Did it come with a 3-point hitch?

If not, can I get a conversion for it?

Thanks for your help.




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KHH

04-05-2001 12:57:41




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
When the 50 was new a farmer could farm 100+ acres with it. Now a guy thinks he needs a 100HP to farm the same land. The 50 will do whatever you need to do. Just use the proper impliments.



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FTM

04-01-2001 19:59:28




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
I would just like to say "Thank You" to everyone who responded. A lot of good information.

I am looking at older tractors for two reasons. The first being a cost factor. I've seen several JD's and Farmall M's in the $2,500 dollar range. This as opposed to $6000 to $8,000 plus for a more modern version.

Secondly, I think these old machines still have a lot to offer. Let's face it. I don't think I will ever be able to make enough money farming 35 acres to quit my day job. But I can sure have some fun doing it! I have heard that several Amish families are making little 40 acre farms support their families.

What I wouldn't give to have been born 50 years earlier. A simpler life. Yes.

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Marcus Haberichter

04-01-2001 18:44:56




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
A 50 will do all you need on 35 A. I grew up in IA using a 50, a 46 A, and a 36 B on 140 acres. Dad used to put the 227 (2 row mounted) corn picker on the 50. Pulled a 3-24 plow, 10' tandem disk. I remember it wasn't the favorite (That was reserved to the 46 A) but it was a very capable tractor.



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RayP(MI)

04-01-2001 14:25:21




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
When I was a kid growing up on the farm, I grew up on a '47 B. When my uncle got his 50, I thought he had the "cats meow" - He pulled 2-12" trailer type plow, an 8' disk, a three section drag, mowed, baled with a 14T, picked corn with a New Idea 1 row corn picker, combined with an old Deere combine, and ran a potato digger, all PTO powered. Also ran a manure loader. That tractor seemed to have all the power in the world. Yes, one of those will do all you need for a 35 acre spread.

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Poppin' Johnny

03-31-2001 18:40:09




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
A 50 should be able to pull a 2 bottom plow, 16 inch moldboards. The brush hog shouldn't be a worry. The 50 did not come standard with a 3 point hitch, but it was optional. It's know as a John Deere 800 or 801 3 point. I have one on my 60 and it works good.



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Putt Putt

03-31-2001 14:22:44




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
3 bottoms?? I don't think so. If you recall, last week we all pretty much agreed that 3 16's was a decent load for a 70!!!! A 50 does haul 2 14's, but only with a 3 point hitch plow. 2 14's in a trailer will swamp it unless you're plowing blow sand. A good comparison would be with a Ford 8N. Lots of folks are familiar with them. They handle 2x14 lift up plows about the same as a 50--not real fast. I'd strap our 50 up to our old 8 ft KBA if I had all day. You might get by with a 5ft brush hog only if the tractor has LPTO. We use a 50 for sickle mowing and going to get the cows with!! It's a whole bunch of fun but not worth a great deal as a worker. If 35 acres is your vocation and all you have to do, a 50 is a fun way to do it. But if you're going to run home after work every night and jump on the tractor, trying to keep up with 35 acres, look to something bigger(maybe with a 50 as a second tractor if Mama will have it!!)
Three point hitch was an extra cost option on the 50. I agree with the other fellow, I like to use the JD 3 point hitches for the authenticity factor. The 801 was the one offered with the 50, but the earlier 800 and 800A will fit. If you have more time than money a man named Kerry had several entries here last week and earlier about a home brew 3 point system that he'd cooked up. Had a few rough edges yet, but the concept was sweet. Look it up.
My, I do run on!! Sorry!
Putt Putt

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DaveH

03-31-2001 06:26:24




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
A JD 50 is a great little tractor. I pull a 8 1/2'
disk in 3rd gear. I use a 2-14" plow behind my 50 - in light ground it is no problem but in heavy clay it'll really make the tractor talk. Aftermarket three point hitches can be ordered from farm stores. I personally like the John Deere 801 hitches, I guess because they are more original to my tractor, but they sell for $500 - $800 at auctions. If you are in hurry a 50 might be on the small side for 35 acres. If time is not a factor the 50 will give you plenty hours of enjoyment!

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Kerry Miller

03-30-2001 21:27:04




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
I pull a 6 ft disk with mine in 4th gear with a harrow tied to the back of it. If it's really digging good, I have to drop to 3rd or lose the harrow. I agree that 3-16's might be a little optimistic.

I have a 5 ft shredder, and unless you're trying to cut some really deep or thick grass you could use a 6 ft. Mine loafs with a 5 ft shredder in johnson grass 2 or 3 feet high (but johnson grass isn't very thick).

I know it's blasphemy, but if I had 35 acres to farm I'd probably pick something a little more modern with live power and all the modern amenities unless you're just looking for an excuse to use an old Deere. I have a 1955 JD 50LP and use it to mow and plow my 4-1/4 acres no problem.

Good luck,
Kerry

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Jim

03-30-2001 18:50:47




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 Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to FTM, 03-30-2001 18:38:50  
A 50 will take a 3 bottom 16" & a 5' Hog with no problem. There are after factory 3-points (Cat.1)
A little weight on the front and you can do just about anything with it.



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Mike Aylward

03-30-2001 19:02:56




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 Re: Re: Is A JD 50 Big Enough? in reply to Jim, 03-30-2001 18:50:47  
I would think 3-16's would be a little optimistic with a 50. Three 14's would be the most I would want to try. We used to have a B that would pull 3-14's on the gumbo bottom, but it was "enhanced". Two bottoms and you can go anywhere easily. Hope this helps. Mike



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