What tractor should I get, with a twist

I already have a gas JD 3020. I like the power, but it is physically bigger than I like. Main uses are IH-80 snowblower, general loader use (seldom), and blading a driveway. I also mow with an older (4-ccyl) Ford 4000.
Things I don't like about the 3020 include the slowest reverse being faster than I'd like for moving snow, its physical size, fear of it not starting in the winter (but I've put a truck battery up by the starter and that seems good now). I also just feel like I'm playing a game of "hot potato" wondering when it'll need split causing me to spend big bucks at a bad time (such as winter, when I need it for snow). JD parts also seem a little steep compared to past IH tractors I've owned, but that may also just be time having passed. (I do appreciate that I can even get parts for a 60 year old tractor, so I'm not complaining too loud about that).

I don't really mind having two tractors, but wonder if one tractor could do both? Tractors I see with a lower reverse either have way more power and are bigger (Ford 8000), or I'm not sure if they could handle the snowblower or 7-foot box blade (Ford 4000, 3 cylinder). Farmall 756 is closer, but I'm not gaining (losing?) much on the reverse gear.

Any suggestions for just the right tractor? I am somewhat cheap, so old is good (I'll just have to come to grips with the hot potato thing). Right now all my tractors are gas, which makes it easy for hauling fuel and starting in the winter. I don't plow or anything, so I guess I'd prefer to stick with gas.

Thanks,

Bob

Gas tractors with really slow gears are not that common,foreign made tractors almost all diesels were the first to have creeper gears.A D15 or D17 Allis Chalmers both had a pretty slow reverse in low range plus you can slip the hand clutch that runs in oil some without hurting it.Going to a smaller diameter tire size will also slow the tractor down.

Have you considered using a truck with plow?

I used to have a JD 4010 gas with FEL and 3-pt JD snow blower. Also had solution in rear tires. Between the snow, the wind, the faster-than-I'd-like reverse and having to look backwards (neck injury), I finally got a plow truck; 2001 Dodge 1/2-ton 4x4 with Western plow. I'll never go back to a tractor. However, there are times when I need a tractor, such as late in the season when snow and high winds finally drift us in. But that's not a huge thing. Plow truck works great (no chains!) and it gets the job done much faster than the tractor and uses much less fuel.

You will want something with a hi and low range to get a low reverse speed....MF 65 or 165, 8 speed Ford 5000 or a Dubuque JD utility....gassers in this range may be a bit harder to find, though.

Ben

Agreed on the allis. Just make sure they have good brakes - the cost to replace worn brakes is high - extremely high if you have to pay someone to do it - not job for an amature.

You like IH so I suggest looking for a hydro unit,, they are Great for jobs like you describe,, still may be in the bigger hp range than you really need though
cnt

any tractor that age can be hot potato, get you some kind ih be done with it is what sounds like to me. winter starts are always easy fixes simply put block heater on and use them. blading and pushing snow get yourself skidsteer instead

A 3020 with a PowerShift transmission has four reverse gears, several which are slower than the SyncroRange transmission. A narrow front end makes row crop tractors much more maneuverable in tight spaces compared to the same tractor with a wide front end, (assuming no front end loader).

Most 1960's and newer row crop tractors have operators stations that are higher and further away from the snowblower than on a utility tractor (less snow in your face and down your neck. Old "ear beater" cabs decrease the value of most 1960's tractors, but one might be a benefit for your application: wind protection and a heater.

A ten year old tractor could still be a "hot potato" needing expensive repairs, test drive any tractor and look them over carefully.

What is your budget: an even trade for your 3020 SR ($4000) - maybe a PS 3020 gas ($4000), a 4020 gas PS ($4000)a 930 diesel Case with a narrow front end ($3000); or $50,000 plus for a brand new tractor with a quick-tach loader?

IHC 70 hydro will fit your needs.

[i:654c4848f0] What is your budget: an even trade for your 3020 SR ($4000) ... or $50,000 plus for a brand new tractor with a quick-tach loader? [/i:654c4848f0]

Somewhere in between. I could probably afford to put another $4-5000 into it, especially if it checked most of the boxes above. I hadn't thought about a powershift, maybe I'll check into that.

Ford 5000 looks interesting. What started this whole quest was a Ford 8000 for sale locally, but I'm thinking it may be too big for my needs. Would the 5000 drive the IH-80 snowblower OK?

Ford 5000 has about 60 pto hp....that will move a lot of snow

ben

Early 5000 is 58 pto hp. Late 5000 is 67 pto hp. I run an 80 inch show blower with a late model MF 65 diesel which is 50 pto hp.

Look for a 80's or 90's Versitle by directional push the blower, no kink in the neck. should be very available in your area.

My 6610 is just super handy for an 80s tractor.

Agree hydro would be the deal

I cannot say the Ford 4000 (3 Cylinder) or the 5000 have that slow of reverce. I had 2 4000 and 1 5000.

I'll go just the opposite on the truck VS tractor issue. I plowed with a truck for years. Give me a tractor and blower anytime. Big issue with me is my MIL's place. I take care of her snow. If I was doing it with a truck I'd have to get in there with a loader ti move snow shortly at best. Just no place to stack it. With a blower it's not a problem. Plus with my drive the ridge left by a plow creates a drifting problem that's not nearly as bad with a blower.

And for what it's worth I had C5/6/7 fused in my neck and still use a 3 point mounted blower. 96" 2 stage.

Rick

I agree. With our winds any piles beside the road will cause drifts to the top of those piles by morning. With the blower the snow from the drive just moseys on down to the next county. I am kinda sick of backing up though. I tell my daughter that when I get old I'm gonna get a skidsteer to move snow. She just says "Dad, you are old". I'm also a bit on the cheap side, so was gonna wait till it was time for the [i:654c4848f0]next[/i:654c4848f0] tractor to get a skidsteer.