Rooky seeks input

Are vintage Fords too valuable for everyday use? Would an 8N or similar be practical for the tasks I list? (I've seen several that I can easily afford, but don't know how to use, maintain, or find implements to accomplish the tasks I listed.) Would another tractor be better suited to the tasks I list?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I would sure want live pto, power steering, live hydraulics, enough hp to accomplish something, and more than 4 gears to choose from if I were looking to really _use_ a tractor.

An N has none of the above from the factory. They were great leading edge tractors back 60 years ago. But they are really lacking in features in today's world. You can get a mid-1950's to mid 1960's tractor for about the same money as an N with more power, more features.

IMHO.

Implements are available from the same farm auctions, dealers, and fleet & farm supply stores as you find your tractor & supplies.

--->Paul

It is my opinion that an 8N Ford is not a tractor to really do much more with than drive in a parade. There are lots of them around because when they were new they were cheap and they were better than a horse. Now for the same money that they go for, there are a lot more capable tractors. I like Allis Chalmers because they are strong and reliable and you can't buy more horsepower for the money, but a lot depends on what brands were sold in your area back when they were new. If there wasn't an AC dealer for 100 miles and there was an Oliver dealer in every town big enough to have a stop sign, then there are going to be a lot more Olivers around. If you are just going to do gardens and food plots and mowing and such, you won't need 100 horsepower, but I would suggest you stay in the 30 to 50 horsepower range. And that is usable horsepower, horsepower at the drawbar. It doesn't matter how much engine horsepower a tractor has if it can't be used to pull something. There should be 2 or 3 dozen good makes and models that fall into that horsepower range and that should cost $5000 or less. Some may not be standard 3 point hitch tractors, but there are conversions for almost all the older tractors so that they can use not only their own brand of equipment but also 3 point equipment. Good luck.

casey

I will not be attempting to farm the entire area, only a good sized food plot, and perhaps maintain a few pasture areas for livestock.

Where does one find implements to manage mowing, cultivation, etc? If I used a vintage Ford, Farmall, or other brand would finding implements be an issue I should consider, or are they readily available?

Thanks again