Best tractor for me

I have used a Ford 8N and at 6'4" it's a wonder I'm not in traction. Room is important. I have a 1960 Ford 641. It is roomier than the 8N but turning to look back at an implement is a chore since my legs are too long to swing past the dash.

So here is the question. Based on the following, what would you buy if you were I, assuming I have no brand loyalty?

1. Tractor model that can be had for a reasonable price and has a reputation for dependability.

2. Diesel engine preferred.

3. Enough legroom to not break my kneecaps.

4. Good parts availability.

5. Used mostly to run a four of five-foot rotary mower to cut about fifteen acres, and to box blade less than a mile of dirt roads.

6. Three point hitch and live PTO

I guess that's about it.

Try a Allis D17, ~55HP. If that's to much HP try the D15. Cost you about $3-4000 and they are bulletproof, parts easy to get, lots of support on the Allis page etc. I got one and love it.

Here are some answers to some of the questions asked.

It may be an inseam issue as much as height but I’m an honest 6’ 4”. I say it that way because I rarely look eye to eye or up at anyone including those who tell me they are well over six foot. I’ve met a good many 6’ 3” folks that were four inches shorter than I, and I used to get weighed and measured regularly for USMC so I figure I"m pretty close to right. I am about 290 but at 230 I"d have had the same issue. You learn to adjust but it’s nice not to have to.

I"m not planning a purchase soon. I watched an old tractor show on RFD and noticed that some of the AC and some other makes seemed a lot roomier for the operator. That could be my imagination though.

As far as price goes, it’s hard to say. It would definitely be a used one that I wouldn’t have to dump too much into, maybe $6000 but that may not be realistic. Hard to say right now.

Trust me on this one, when you’re six four the first thing you learn on any vehicle is how to slide the seat back. I didn’t own the 8N but I drove it enough to know I’d smack a knee turning around to look back.

I’m in a reasonably agricultural area for Eastern NC, but older tractors don’t seem to come available as much as in some places. I drove to OH to get my 641.

The 641 has the original metal seat.

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All the utility tractors of the Ford 8N era were cramped and confined for big guys. I'm 6'-5" and went through the same thing with an old Ferguson 30. In 1971 I bought a Massey Ferguson 150 and still own it. MUCH better ergonomics due primarily to a better seat arraingment and a steering wheel position that allows me more leg room.

Tractors from the 60's and 70's will seem light years ahead of the N's. Better power, better braking, Live power, better and more gearing, improved ergonomics, the list goes on and on.

The 150 is essentially a variation of the 135. The diesel versions of either had what is probably the best small diesel ever built in the Perkins AD3-152. Great fuel economy, they last forever, and if you do need to rebuild, they're among the lowest priced engine kits on the market. Parts for the 100 series MF's are easy to get ahold of through AGCO/MF or dozens of aftermarket sources. Loads of 135's around too. They'll be easy to find.

If so, I would look for a JD 3010 D or an IH 706D. Lots of(maybe all of) the 706's had a 2-point hitch, but I know lots have been converted to 3-point.

BOTH very dependable, both flat operator's platform for lots of room, parts are easy to get, more power than it appears you need(but you cannot have too much power), both live hyd and PTO. Those old 8N's still have a loyal following in some areas, so you could get $$ for it towards a "real" tractor.

I sure wouldn't buy some new little compact "tractor" for big bucks--they are for rich estate owners in my opinion, as they are more of a status symbol than a workhorse.