ford tractor

What is the smallest Ford utility tractor feasible for handling a front end loader? I don't plan on working it hard, rather just tinkering around the house with it. Also, is it necessary or just a plus to have four wheel drive with it regarding handling a front end loader. I am looking for something around 60's-70's range. Thanks for any input!!

feasable? they'll all tote a loader, the better axle designs for doing so are in the industrial line with the fixed hd single axles, or the 65+ line from the 4000+ (usually) models.. but those are getting into big tractors when you look at the light and HD industrial axle and the 4000+ ag model fronts.

60's and 70's.. that puts you in the very end of the 01 and all of the 4 cyl 000 models, and fulling into the 000 3 cyl.

for doing small chores, an 801/4000 4 cyl, while it has the lighter duty axle, it will still get alot done. I have an 850 and superior loader and move 2000# hay bales with it..

similarly a 2000/3000/2600/3600 with a loader will do lots of work.. all them are still small machines not much bigger overall than the original N series.. few inches at most. all have the lighter front axle.. etc.. unless you get lucky and find an industrial 801 model like an 1841 with heavy front axle.. that and power steering and you have a decent 45-50 hp machine capable of lifting good weight.

4wd will be dicey to find inthe 60 and 70 models.. you see some conversions.. but generally.. not much 4wd stuff.

for a small light duty loader you can find ford 711 / 722 1-arm loaders to fit the 4 cyl and 3 cyl machines.

all fun machines.

if it was me.. and I went pre 65, i'd get a gasser, if post 64.. I'd get a diesel.. but any of them in running condition will be fine.

soundguy

Corey, When I was a kid, we had a IH H with a front loader. It had one way hydraulics and a trip bucket. The hydraulics were very slow. Tractor didn't have power stearing. I wouldn't have a loader like that again, even as a gift. IMHO, a loader must have 2 way hyd, hyd for the bucket and power stearing.

The aftermarket loader also cracked the tractor in half.

So find a strong tractor and a loader with an add on hyd pump.

Geore

I have a loader on my JD A. No live power, no power steering, and trip bucket(before I changed it). Still was the handiest tool on the farm, no complaints on my part.