Next tractor? Singular?
First, I'd like a replacement for my SA, which is the most surprisingly handiest and hard working over achiever I think I could ever find for it's size (and price). Our current one was an hour and a half from the scrap heap when I got it 8 years ago: the engine block was severely freeze cracked and though patched so it doesn't leak, isn't worth fixing; the tranny and final drives have been overly noisy from day one, leak oil about as fast as I can add it, and now may be approaching 'end of life' as the noises are getting noticeably worse. But because we've been cash strapped and it's been the only working tractor here for most of the past 4 years, it hasn't had down time available to do any major work on it even if funds were available, yet it still does all I can reasonably expect of it. It starts better than our pickup, usually on half a roll by starter, or no more than full roll by crank. Last summer we got an H, and it's getting some needed work done before it gets bad, partly because it's a keeper, not a sacrificial lamb.
For a 'nother next tractor, I think I'd like a 6x6 series IH, with a quick attach loader, even if I had to build the mounts myself.
Beyond that if money was no object and there was nothing better to do to prepare for the end of the world as we know it, a 1650 Ollie (and a super 88 and OC3, and a bigger barn), an AC WD45 (and WC, and G), a 4020 Deere, a MF 185 (as big sister to the MF65 HiClear currently in the workshop), a Fordson Major and Ford Dexta (and a much, much bigger barn); then start working on some more rare and interesting stuff, like MH, Hart Parr, or Sheppard, and implement stuff, along with doing some "if they made a model like this today" hypothecations on common (not collector) stuff, like a 30hp diesel SA with a 'factory style' 3pt AND fast hitch (or easily convertible), a fully syncro 4 or 5 speed tranny with a hi/lo in front of it, full gauges, power steering, MFWD, front PTO (for a snow blower or mower deck), along with front and dual rear remotes; something that would still run all the OEM equipment and nearly anything else for it's size made since. I'd have to call it the Super Duper AD4+, or something like that. Then do a gas version with EFI. Once the prototypes had the bugs worked out, I'd start rebuilding them in production. Yup, I'm that impressed with the SA (and love the sheet metal lines).
Realistically, I'll neither be rich enough, nor likely live long enough to make any of that happen even though I have most of the skills needed to do so. Besides, there are far, far more important things needing to be done before my time here expires. Still, it was nice to dream for a moment.
