Where to start??

BandaidFarmer · Sep 28, 2019

Hello folks! I'm starting my information gathering on a MID LIFE CRISIS project.
What is the most popular Make and Model to buy and restore for hobby use in the 150-200 HP range?
I volunteer on a close friends dairy farm and I'd like something to take over there to play in the dirt with.
I'm partial to JI Case, IH and Ford but I'm not against JD. AC always turns my head as well so basically I'm not limited to brands.
I want to know what to avoid more than anything else. What are known pitfalls to certain make/models that can turn a nice machine into a money pit.
The farm has a shop and the guys there have good, sound mechanical knowledge and I'm able to navigate my way around the tool box too with a little guidance.
I'd like to stick with 1965 - 1990 for age. So let's hear what you've got to say.

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

Hoofer B · Sep 28, 2019

Case 1470

BandaidFarmer · Sep 28, 2019

Hoofer is that a suggestion or something to avoid? and thanks for the input!

Adirondack case guy · Sep 28, 2019

I am sure Hoofer was saying to get a Case 1470. They were strong and tough, but are crude by today's standards. They are simple to work on, and parts are available.-----Loren

Gary Mitchell · Sep 28, 2019

White 2-155

fixerupper · Sep 28, 2019

1370 or 1570 Case are rugged as they come and put a lot of HP to the ground. Red and green are good too but you pay more for them. Stay away from the 1586 IH. The other brands in that horsepower range seem to have offered a tractor that was stretched a little too far durability wise.

Bruce from Can. · Sep 28, 2019

Buy yourself a 1987 CaseIH Magnum 7130. Bulletproof tractors , 170hp. Quite cab good ride.

WayneLee · Sep 28, 2019

MY choice would be TW 30 or TW 35 Ford

Lyndon - AB · Sep 28, 2019

150-200 hp is on the larger and newer edge than the mainstream in tractor collecting, but there are a few candidates from each brand. If I may, I'd like to ask a few questions to narrow the field down a little.

Are you looking for a 2 wheel drive, front wheel assist, or 4 wheel drive? Which would be the most useful or enjoyable to use on your friend's dairy?

What options are important to you? Air conditioning? 3 point hitch? Standard, semi-powershift, or full powershift transmission? Loader?

Personal preferences - I like the 70, 90 and 96 series Cases. Solid power and nice to drive. Also, the TW and 30 series Fords are great tractors. In four wheel drives, I would look at Steiger or Versatile. Simple, reliable, and still fairly easy to get parts for. The biggest thing I would pay attention to on them is if there's any wear in the articulation pins. Machine work can get expensive in that area.

Hope that helps.

Lazy WP · Sep 28, 2019

D21 Allis series III. Cheap terrible cab but an amazing tractor. I think factory they were 125 horse, but I have seen a number of them putting out 200 ponies. Straight pipe and no hearing protection. Probably why I can?t hear you.

Philip d · Sep 28, 2019

Any of the above mentioned and I?ll add 4855 or 4955 JD.

r.w.b. · Sep 28, 2019

I vote for 1370 and 1570 case also. Tough powerful quiet engines. Old 504 was great

Fordy20 · Sep 28, 2019

John Deere 4440 or a John Deere 6030 would be my choice in that horsepower range.

BandaidFarmer · Sep 28, 2019

Thanks Lyndon
2wd is where my heart is but I like the Traction Kings
Cab with heat and AC preferred but would consider open
station
3pt and at least 2 remotes if not 3.
I?m not fussy on tranny; just want solid low maintenance
Dad was a true Ford man but I?ve always loved the mean look
of the 1x70 JI Cases

BandaidFarmer · Sep 28, 2019

Thank you. I do like the 6030?s

BandaidFarmer · Sep 28, 2019

Thank you to everyone for the comments thus far nice to hear from some others. Keep em coming.

jon f mn · Sep 28, 2019

Altho the 13/1570 are great tractors the 23/2590/94 have some nicer features and cab. The down side for them is only 1000 rpm PTO. You can get a 2290/94 and get 540 PTO and they have the same 504 engine and will run at 150 hp fine. You could also go with the 1175 if 540 is important and you want to save some money. Never heard anything but good reports on them. They are just a straight 8 speed with no power shift tho. But a tougher more reliable tractor has never been built. They have the 451 engine which is as reliable as the 504 with just a bit less hp. In an 1175 you could easy run it at 150 hp.

ben brown · Sep 28, 2019

if i had someplace to run a big tractor one would be the 2+2 that ih made dam near bough one thy first came out just couldnt get my dad to go with it or a 5020 jd if i was to do a big one be the 8550 allis with the twin trubo used one for a while cool ol beast

BandaidFarmer · Sep 29, 2019

Excellent points. Those are a nice models too. There were never any around here when I was growing up so I?m very unfamiliar with them. I?ll do some research today. Thanks again!

BandaidFarmer · Sep 29, 2019

Oh the Ant Eater is definitely on my scope and there are two
behind a barn not far from me that I may go inquire about
some day.
I?d have to go out west or into the states to find an Allis
though.
Thanks

showcrop · Sep 29, 2019

The Ford 9000 and 9600 are in your age range too. They are 131- 133 HP. A big plus for them is the Dual Power, which can greatly increase their utility, and it is a much better unit than the Farmall TA.The cab is very crude, but the open station with the streamlined fiberglass fenders is a very sharp looking tractor. A downside to them is the tendency of the block to perforate due to cavitation. If you get one that has extended life antifreeze or has had SCA maintenance for the little hours that you will run it it should be safe.

BandaidFarmer · Sep 29, 2019

Another great tip. Thanks for that info. That?s exactly the kind
of thing I?m looking for with this post.
I feel those Fords are very rare finds is that correct or am I just
not looking in the right places?

showcrop · Sep 29, 2019

(quoted from post at 15:40:17 09/29/19) Another great tip. Thanks for that info. That?s exactly the kind
of thing I?m looking for with this post.
I feel those Fords are very rare finds is that correct or am I just
not looking in the right places?

I see them come up on Craig's list once in a great while. There are usually 2-3 on Tractor House.

Where to start??

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