looking for good loader/tractor combo

Bird Cupps · Feb 14, 2014

Just like to say thanks to all the folks who share so generously on this site. I read and learn a lot but don't have much to share so I don't get to acknowledge you all enough.

My winter project is finding a good tractor with loader in the 50 hp range. Need to run a small baler and bush hog. Would like something low to the ground.

I think I'm learning that some models were better suited to a loader than others. Recommendations?

I've seen a nice looking MF85 not too far away and there's an Oliver 550. The MF85 has no loader on it, though.

Probably spending in the $5000 range.

504 · Feb 14, 2014

I really like my 656 Hydro utility

88-1175 · Feb 14, 2014

my dad has a oliver 550 with a oliver loader on it,we love that tractor,starts very good,hydraulics are bigger than the tractor,3pt and live pto,gearing seems perfect for a loader,brushhog..we had a 3400 ford with a ford loader,no pto,but did have 3pt,hated it,was aweful fast even in low gear,to fast to creep up doing loader work

JD Seller · Feb 15, 2014

The Oliver 550 is a nice little utility tractor but they do not have power steering. That would be a must for a loader tractor for me.

The MF85 should have power steering. The hydraulics for a loader are not the fastest thought.

A 4600 Ford would work well for what you want too.

samn40 · Feb 15, 2014

I run Masseys but I would tell you not to buy an 85 as parts are no longer obtainable. Look for a 65 or move up into the 100 range(165,175,185) and look for one with twin hydraulic pumps and a combining valve. These have great hydraulic speed for a loader. Although it is powerful, the ordinary hydraulic pump is low on gallons per minute so loader cycles will be kinda slow.
Sam

Nebraska Cowman · Feb 15, 2014

That would be my choice. A Hydro is hard to beat on a loader. And those older 656 are not that hard to get into. For just a few more dollars you will be much more happier.

Brown Swiss · Feb 15, 2014

Just my opinion, on 2wd tractor loaders I like to go with Oliver or IH the front axle is a little further ahead on them so your not making it such a teeter totter!

Ultradog MN · Feb 15, 2014

I've recently been playing around with a Ford 4400. Same platform as a 4000, 4600 but a bit shorter and lower to the ground.
About 50 HP and built for loader work.
Great tractors.
Use searchtempest.com to search for one. There are several listed there.
heres one in Indiana

chucksoliver77 · Feb 15, 2014

a lot of 550s do have power steering. chuck

donjr · Feb 15, 2014

Best slow cooker available. That 656 Hydro has to be, hands down, the hottest running tractor ever built. On a warm summer day, they will cook anyone running them to a nice, tender roast......

Mike M · Feb 15, 2014

I think for only $5000 you won't get much of a tractor with a loader.

Larry NEIL · Feb 15, 2014

JD, don't know where you heard that. Lots of Oliver 550's have power steering from the factory on them.

Traditional Farmer · Feb 15, 2014

I have a couple Oliver 1365 tractors and they are really handy loader tractors a lot smoother and easier to operate than a 550 in my opinion.

Texasmark1 · Feb 15, 2014

Don't bet on it. My first large (to me) tractor was a JD 4020 LP. Like buying a boat. Couldn't wait to get it and couldn't wait to get rid of it. Never again would an LP be on my farm. Later had a slightly smaller 4010 Diesel and all the difference in the world in comfort, dependability, economy, and pulling power.

Mark

Paul Janke · Feb 15, 2014

My experience is that a tractor with the front axle farther forward is much better than a front axle tucked back in under the tractor. Any weight ahead of the front axle is lifting up on the back axle.

Tx Jim · Feb 15, 2014

(quoted from post at 01:57:52 02/15/14)

A 4600 Ford would work well for what you want too.

Won't find a Ford 4600 with a loader for sale for $5K down here in Tx.

rrlund · Feb 15, 2014

Oliver 1365 with 1524 loader.
A 550 is a super nice little tractor but it falls far short of 50 horse.

Geo-TH,In · Feb 15, 2014

If anyone has used a loader, a hydro is hands down far better than a clutch. Neigbor has a massey with loader. He has fried his clutch. He uses his massey for moving round bales of hay. The problem with add on loaders is the front axle may not be strong enough to lift anything. Same can be said about an add on hoe. Definately need power steering and a ballast weight in back. Sometimes you see people with a loader have a brush hoe for ballast.

The strongest loader is a factory built backhoe. The rest you run a risk of damaging tractor. If you want to move hay, an add on will work. Make sure it can lift 2000 + lb. Perhaps more because the hay is in front of bucket. If you want to move dirt, get a hoe.

Bird Cupps · Feb 15, 2014

Thanks for all the ideas. Can I buy that Oliver in the photo? Looks beautiful!

nybadlybent · Feb 15, 2014

Skip the Oliver 550 and almost any Oliver model as they have been obsolete for over 40 years. The 550 was a good little utility tractor in it's day but that day has come and gone. Yes some had power steering but when they go bad, and they do, there are very few parts to fix the steering boxes even on the manual steering. They also had that Oliver shift pattern that is hard to adjust to. Olivers were great tractors and I have some but unless you are an Oliver man I would not suggest that you use one for daily farm work.

Unless you are going to be doing construction work, almost any modern farm tractor with a front loader will work. Some posts here are giving you a scary story about front axles and such not holding up and if you are going to be feeding a lot of cattle from a bunk that would be something to consider but for the occasional user it is nothing to worry about.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 15, 2014

I have a 550 with power steering and it works fine. If a guy wanted more HP, a 1550 or 1555 Oliver would be a fine addition. I have quite a fewq Olivers and have no problem of getting parts

PJH · Feb 15, 2014

Randy - Those are sharp looking tractors - there was one like that for sale on CraigsList a few weeks ago. It had an aftermarket loader on it. I thought of you, and was tempted to look at it, but it went fast - only up one day and then gone. No Olivers in this area, so parts availability might be an issue.

oldtanker · Feb 15, 2014

(quoted from post at 09:37:59 02/15/14) I have a 550 with power steering and it works fine. If a guy wanted more HP, a 1550 or 1555 Oliver would be a fine addition. I have quite a fewq Olivers and have no problem of getting parts

Yea but are they daily driver working tractor of show queens?

Stop asking for brands. Take a look around your local area. Find out what dealers are there and what they support. Then find out which ones have a good reputation. Then limit your looking for a tractor that you can get local support for. When you need it and it's broken and you need a part now or a large parts where shipping is a killer and the dealer support sucks you are then in trouble.

Like in my area CaseIH IH Ford and JD all have good support. MF,MH, White, Oliver and MM all have poor support.

Rick

ss55 · Feb 15, 2014

Our dealer spec'ed out straight front axles on the utility tractors that he knew would get a front end loader. Swept back axles require more counter balance weight on the back end, which just increases the total load on the front axle.

rrlund · Feb 15, 2014

A guy contacted me a few weeks ago and has a two wheel drive that he wants to sell. I might have been interested but I've got a deal cooking on a 500 gas. Those were made by David Brown. Only 1648 made and the gassers were the rarer of those.

ss55 · Feb 15, 2014

How many hours will you put on the tractor in a year? A 10 to 50 hour a year weekend tractor doesn't need the features or to be in the top condition that a 600 hour per year daily chore tractor will require.

It's usually much less expensive to buy a tractor and loader combo than to buy them separately. Many people discount the value of loader tractors because they are used much harder per hour than a field tractor. On private sales ask if other accessories are available: tire chains; heat houser; other implements, spare filters, etc. It doesn't hurt to ask and it can sweeten the deal for the buyer and the seller.

As others have said: condition and local dealer support are more important than the brand.

JD Seller · Feb 15, 2014

Well guys I will stand corrected. All the Oliver 550s around here did not have power steering.

They always looked Oliver copied a MH 35. About the same size and look. Just the BENT gear shifter. LOL

I never had any issue with the Oliver shift pattern.

I have a Oliver 1655 that my Uncle bought new. I got it when it only had a very few hours on it. Great handling tractor.

495man · Feb 16, 2014

5k won't get much that is nice with a loader.

May luck into a IH 574 with a 2250.....

looking for good loader/tractor combo

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