Just because......

oldtanker · Jun 23, 2011

Just wondering what older (say at least 20 years old) tractors you would recommend for someone wanting to earn a little money on their land, say 100-200 acres. Keeping in mind modern implements like round balers and haybines that require some hydraulics and maybe some HP to run. Please keep this civil and also state yer reasons for your selection.

Keep cost in mind too.

I know what I would say....what you thoughts?

Rick

Mike M · Jun 23, 2011

Can't go wrong with a JD4020 or a 4320. Find a decent one at a "normal" price and you can recoop your money back or maybe even more years later.

Some of them are gaining in $$ you may find a better deal on a later model with a cab like a 4230 ?

rrlund · Jun 23, 2011

What do you have a dealer for nearby? That would be my number one concern before any brand loyalty. No point driving by,say an Agco dealer 5 miles away,to get to a CaseIH dealer for example 40 miles away.

oldtanker · Jun 23, 2011

LOL not for me but I have been ask a few times by other people and was just looking to see what you guys were thinking.

Rick

paul · Jun 23, 2011

All hay? I donno.

Row crops mostly?

I do well with Ford 5000 (actually a 5200), 7700, and TW20. That's 60, 85, & 135 or so hp. All have 2 remote controls, 16 forward speeds with hi/lo, and at least 2 offer either 560 or 1000 pto - think the 5000 is also capible but haven't pinned that down for sure.

I have a few old gassers and a utility loader tractor to do odds and ends work, makes life easier.

Think you will find fans of most any color, don't need them to be blue, but there are good models in those hp ranges from most of the colors from the 1970's that have some life in them yet.

Twenty year old tractors are kinda new, I don't know much about them.

--->Paul

rrlund · Jun 23, 2011

I'd just tell'em whatever the nearest good dealer is,seriously. I've changed brands three times in my life for that very reason. If a person wants to COLLECT a certain make for some sentimental reason,fine and dandy,but business is business. If one was that much better than the rest,there would only BE one. When you're trying to get something done and can't get parts or service,what's the point?

farmall300u · Jun 23, 2011

I would be brand neutral and buy on condition of:
1. Low hours
2. Hydraulics work perfect
3. Does not jump out gear
4. Diesel
5. Tight Steering, no wobble on highway
6. Power Steering
7. 3 pt hitch, down pressure
8. No checking on rear tires
9. No oil leaks from main bearing seals
10. 12 volt system
11. 70+ HP for 4 bottom 16" plow
12. Parts readily available
13. Dealer close by

I would priortize this list to meet your requirements and then buy whatever brand meets them at a price you want to pay.

elmersooner · Jun 23, 2011

might be easier if you asked for a list of tractors to avoid.........There are bound to be some horror stories-especially concerning finding parts...

GordoSD · Jun 23, 2011

CAH IH 886

GordoSD · Jun 23, 2011

CAH IH 886

FarmallRay · Jun 23, 2011

Agree with the JD 4020

rrlund · Jun 23, 2011

He said 20 years old though,not 40.

Shetland Sheepdog · Jun 23, 2011

I love my '82 Ford 5610 & '84 Ford 3910! I'm not working 100-200 acres though! The 5610 runs a NH 408 2.5 meter diccbine quite comfortably, and that's probably it's hardest job.
HTH, Dave

For more pictures, click on any of the photo galleries on the left, and type "shetland" in the search box!

SouthernFarmall · Jun 23, 2011

That's a one in a million tractor!!!

2cylpartsinfo · Jun 23, 2011

I'd look around/talk to the neighbors with similar operations and see what they are using. Most will tell you the pros and cons. You just have to be careful of neighbors with a relative that works for a dealer. This can york for you and against you.
Like everybody says dealer support is key. Don't but just on up front price, think about the tractor will be worth in 10 years.

tjdub · Jun 23, 2011

Make sure it has 85HP or more, dual hydraulic remotes, and the ability to run 1000 or 540rpm PTO. That will really keep the options open for haying equipment. If you only have one tractor though, you will want to buy all implements in one PTO speed anyway though.

I like my JD 2950 (1984) and my JD 4020 (1970). I could do all my haying with either one of them. I prefer using the 2950 though, mostly because of the higher hitch and more comfortable controls. The 2950 is MFWD which causes problems sometimes when baling because the drive shaft for the front axle picks up hay sometimes. On the other hand having MFWD really helps when mowing on steep hills and it's a lot safer taking loads of bales down hills.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 24, 2011

I would look for a IH 5088 or maybe a little newer Magnum 7120, possible a front asst would help depending on your land, but be sure you have dealer support in the area also as mentioned earlier, the CaseIH tractors are more resonalbly priced then a jd that can be so overpriced for what you get.

Just because......

oldtanker

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Mike M

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rrlund

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oldtanker

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paul

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rrlund

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farmall300u

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elmersooner

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GordoSD

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GordoSD

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FarmallRay

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rrlund

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Shetland Sheepdog

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SouthernFarmall

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2cylpartsinfo

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tjdub

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Anonymous-0

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