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Looking for older tractor to do these things

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Tom Williams I

10-07-2003 06:25:03




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Am about to buy my first tractor that will be more than a glorified riding mower. Am afraid a smaller tractor may not do what I need.
Of course I want to cut grass. But also I want to build flower beds, level out trails, clear a lot to build a building, and be able to lift and carry some things.
Background. We have 10 acres with four houses on it. We keep about five acres cut. Would like to clear another acre or two if possible. Land is hilly which means I would love to have a low riding mower. Also want to be able to build trails for my Mom to be able to ride her electric Shop Rider all over the place without worry of tipping or getting stuck.
Really would love to find a smaller older tractor that can somehow use or simulate a front end loader. Loads would not be that heavy. Moving good dirt from one part of land to flower beds and gardens which are now red Georgia clay.
Also would like to bush hog some of the land.
My dad used an ancient Farmall Cub and sold it before he died.
Is there any older, smaller Tractor that can do a front end loader, bush hog, perhaps a small drag box, and maybe a tiller????
Please advise on older and perhaps smaller tractors that can be used for these things, and perhaps the amount of horsepower needed to do this. Again, the land is hilly and a tricycle front end would not really be too safe.
Thank you, from a beginner who at 53 has gone from rock and roll musician to country man.
One more confession. My ex best friend had a dump truck and loader. Her made money by dumping waste from home construction sites on one acre of my land. That is the reason he is an ex friend now. I find it wieghing very heavily upon me to clean that acre up. Some concrete chunks and tree stumps up to perhaps 600 pounds or so. Again thank you for taking time for me. Tom Williams III

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TedM

10-09-2003 08:51:16




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 Re: Looking for older tractor to do these things in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 06:25:03  
third party image

Hi Tom,
I was in the same position about 18 months ago. Initially I used a David Brown 850 that was at the property that I bought, but after a year I realised the need for more power, live PTO, etc.

I've now got this International 484. 52hp, Live PTO, live Hydraulics, power steering, full syncromesh on the gears, etc. It's still undergoing painting and other repairs, but I LOVE IT!!!

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Tom Williams III

10-08-2003 06:19:55




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 Re: Looking for older tractor to do these things in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 06:25:03  
What a great community this is. I was hoping it would be this way. I remember my days as a kid and younger adult in a much smaller Ga town and how the people were, and this seems to be so much like home.
Thanks to each and every one of you. Have to say, Ray, that the car hood idea made me smile. I actually saw my Dad do that and it works!!!
One other question. What models of Case would do the job, given the things I wish to do and the price range???
Just wanting to find out all of the makes and models.
Hoping to start with one good tractor that needs paint and TLC and provide those to it with wifeys help, then perhaps add a few more old tractors for fun hobby as time goes by.
Tom

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SamH

10-08-2003 08:07:48




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 Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to do these thin in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-08-2003 06:19:55  
Tom, there may be lots of Case enthusiasts on this part of the forum, but you should also post your question on the Case/David Brown forum.



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SamH

10-07-2003 12:33:41




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 Re: Looking for older tractor to do these things in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 06:25:03  
Tom, since you are new to the tractor market, here are some things to look for:
> Live hydraulics. This means the hydraulic pump runs any time the engine is running. Most tractors built before the mid 50's (8N Ford, 20 and 30 Ferguson), don't have this feature. > Live power take off (PTO). > Power steering. You will really appreciate this feature when using the loader.
> Since you are only working 5 acres, I wouldn't consider gas or diesel to be a deciding factor. I would look at condition, the above options, parts availability, etc.

Without knowing your price range, its a little hard to be specific, but my personal preferences in the older tractor market would be either the number series Fords (600/601, 800/801) or 35/135 Masseys. They are in the 30-45 HP range. Thats plenty for the chores you mention. They are very common, have good parts availability, are dependable, etc. One thing to be aware of, all have live hydraulics, but not all have power steering or live pto. You should be able to find one with a loader pretty easily either in the want ads or at a dealership.

You may want to consider a finish mower instead of a bush hog type mower.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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Jim Handke

10-07-2003 07:32:58




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 Re: Looking for older tractor to do these things in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 06:25:03  
Tom,
The smaller the tractor, the lighter the front axle, spindles, etc. Which is a disaster waiting to happen if you put heavy loads on a front loader. Sounds like you want an older 50 horse tractor. I don't own anything newer than a 1975 model, so I can't tell you if there's a smaller one out there that's beefed up enough to do what you want. Sorry I can't help you more.



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Tom Williams III

10-07-2003 07:58:46




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 Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to do these thin in reply to Jim Handke, 10-07-2003 07:32:58  
No, Jim. Actually that is a lot of help. For the wieght factor on the front end parts and bearings and all are something I didn't even consider at all. That takes care of one aspect, which is the Farm Pro and other associated group of 20 to 30 horsepower tractors.
So, I am now more in focus on an older or antique tractor of 50 or so horsepower to do the probably 100 or less hours a year of real work I will be doing.
Any ideas on what kind of tractor. Would an 8N be too light for this?? At this point I don't yet have any brand loyalty or anything to tie me to a make.
Any ideas or recommendations would be most welcome.
And thank you, I do appreciate it.
Tom

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Steve Mahler

10-07-2003 08:48:45




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 Re: Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to do these in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 07:58:46  
You have outlined the perfect job description for a $20,000 midrange diesel tractor. I figure you dont want to spend that...so, I think you should look for a Ford 3000 with hyd loader or Massey 135 also with loader. This type of rig would not be small by my definition, and definately not suited to mowing grass around the houses (buy a cheap lawn tractor for that) but it would be great at brush hogging and dirt/rock moving etc. Anything lighter will not do well with a loader at all, in my opinion. Even a modern compact would be unsafe trying to move a 600lb hunk of concrete with the front loader.

Anyhow, the tractors I described would run 5-7 grand in my area; more or less for yours. Of course you could buy a junker for less, but I am assuming you want something in good running shape.

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Al in PA

10-07-2003 12:36:25




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to do th in reply to Steve Mahler, 10-07-2003 08:48:45  
I have to agree with everything except the mowing statement. If you are mowing 5 acres, you can drastically reduce your time with a 5'or 6' finish mower on a 3000. I mow 3+ acres per week and I'll never go back to a riding mower: However, I did keep the old riding tractor for trimming around the flower beds or when it's too wet for the heavier 3000 - could get by with a cheap push mower for most trim work.

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Tom Williams III

10-07-2003 09:05:41




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to do th in reply to Steve Mahler, 10-07-2003 08:48:45  
Hi Steve, and thanks. Yes, I do want soemthing running in pretty good shape. I also definately want something that will be reliable for a while.
Are these safe for hilly land? Not anything too steep but still enough where I saw my dad leaping off his Farmall Cub a few times as it went over.
I don't mind if paint is needed. Actually my wife and I kind of want to find one in really good mechanical shape that we can sand, repaint and restore cosmetically as well. Our price limit seems to be around 3 or 4 thousand if possible.
It may do additional duties when finished, of hayrides and that sort of thing.
Thanks again, and I will look at these.
Tom

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ray

10-07-2003 11:10:01




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Looking for older tractor to d in reply to Tom Williams III, 10-07-2003 09:05:41  
A decent tractor for you might be a Yanmar 4wd diesel. You can add a belly mower,three point hitch finishing mower etc. I traverse hills in the yanmar that I'd never attempt on the older style fords. (Traversing hills is something I would not recommend on anything you are not 100% comfortable with and even then know whats under the tall grass)

Instead of a front loader you could fabricate a rear scoop to work off the three point hitch to tote materials around or get one with a front loader. To drag light loads around an old car hood make a decent skid - two holes and a chain hooked to a truck or tractor works ok. Theres a lot of options. I have an older Ford w/loader and a backhoe and a yanmar diesel w/finishing mower both cost me $3000 both work well.

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Evan350

10-07-2003 11:38:41




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Looking for older tractor in reply to ray, 10-07-2003 11:10:01  
Older IH tractors that may fit your needs in the 40 to 50hp range include:
340
404
300
350
504
These all have independant PTO and live hydraulics. You'll probably want the International brand of these models, which is the utility version. The Farmall brands of the same models are taller standing, row-crop tractors. Except for the 300, diesel is an option on these models, though usually harder to find compared to gas.

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