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Danny- No, not a professional psychiatrist, but it would be accurate to say that my job is (partially) to understand people. Anyway, I did some research on the JD 420/430 tractors, and I must say that your wife is right. you do make all this harder than you need to. I also must say that you must have a large cloud hanging over your head to seriously consider this model of tractor. What is wrong with the JD 420/430? Well:
It is the last models of the 2-cylinder Deers.
It was only made a few years, they are rare.
There are few aftermarket parts for them!
They are VERY old technology.
And, they have less power (much) than Oliver. Even the followup model from Deere (the 1010) was full of small problems. It took until the 1020 for JD to have a decent utility tractor. All-in-all, the JD 420/430 has got to be one of the worse choices available! If you want an alternative, look at Ford, except they made so many different models after they stopped the 8N that finding parts can be difficult and confusing. Or MF. The Ferguson FE-35, TO-35 or MF-50 (all about the same tractor) are nice. Not as nice as the Oliver S55 or 550, but still nice. Parts are easily available, uses a very common engine (Continental) and parts are cheap. However, no active PTO, not as much power as the Oliver. I believe I looked at all the tractors available from that era, that size, that power, that price. The Oliver S-55 and 550 are the best design overall. In was not an accident that this model was made (with the most minor of changes) from 1954 to 1975. It simply was well-engineered to start with and there wasn't a whole lot left to do. Find one you like, rebuild it over the winter (Tisco kit, makes it run even better as a 166cid engine), clean it, paint it, enjoy it. It will be the best $3500-$5000 utility tractor you can own. And, you will know what is inside the engine! Mark V.S. in Austin
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