Help selecting the right tractor

Hi all. This is my first post and I apologize that it is a little long. I am in need of wisdom!

The family and I recently moved to central, Virginia and are living on a fairly large, mostly wooded, plot. Now that we're here, I've begun thinking about purchasing a small-to-medium-sized tractor to help out with some duties around the yard. Only about an acre of the plot is cleared (so not a lot of mowing to be done), but I also have a long (half-mile) gravel road that I will need to maintain. The property is somewhat hilly.

So, I'm thinking I'll need something that I can use to do the following:

- bush hog from time to time;
- pull a grader/scraping blade for the road;
- help pull some tree stumps; and
- possibly use like a bulldozer for snow (if we ever get any) and dirt.

Of course, being able to attach a front end loader would always come in handy too... if I had one, I would make many more projects so that I could use it!

So, here is where your help is needed... I am pretty handy with automotive repairs, welding, fabrication, etc., but I don't know much about what sort of inexpensive (I would like to spend less than $3,500 if at all possible) and reliable tractor would be appropriate for my needs.

I have been poking around locally and have talked to a few folks around here. Thus far most of what I have looked at are Fords, but I am open to any model if it suits the criteria above. A few tractors that I have looked at so far are the following:

- Ford 620 (wants $3,500)
- Ford 860 (wants $4,500 - rebuilt engine)
- Ford 3000 ($4,000 with bush hog and 6" blade)
- Ford 8N ($3,500 with bush hog)

Most looked to be in pretty good shape (the 620 has some leaks). I've also been "warned" that the older N models might not have quite as much power as I would like given my proposed applications.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts regarding (1) models I may want to consider, (2) particular features that I should look for and (3) what to avoid.

Thanks in advance! I hope to become a more frequent visitor over here in the next few months.

I would recommend an oliver 55 or 550. They are great little machines, alot better than the n series fords. The one thing I will say is I wouldn"t pull stumps with the little tractors, or very few if any. Its a quick way to get killed if done wrong. Besides that though, a grader blade, and a brush hog would serve just fine for your budget.

International 340, 454, 354, 424, 444, 404 utility tractors will have low-profile and 3pt hitch hookups.

John Deere is more expensive. You might be able to find a 1020 for $4000 but I highly doubt it - any John Deere utility tractor is basically gold to those who own them.

I'd definitely try to find a utility international tractor. Or you could go with the fords.

I would recommend the Ford 3000,you can pick up a loader for it and do about anything you need to and it's already 12 volt system which some of the others you listed are not.Just my 2 cents worth.

Of the 4 tractors listed I would pick the Ford 3000. That is if it is in reasonable condition.

steveormary

Do some homework before you buy. I just got on the John Deere website under "Machine Finder", 40-100hp tractors and saw a number of good used tractors in your area in the price range you're looking for. Two were International 424 diesels. A good choice assuming it runs because they're heavy, handy, low slung and bulletproof. One had wheel weights and front weights to boot. An underside exhaust might be preferrable if you're working under trees. But if you're pushing snow, lifting loader buckets, pulling stumps (not "dangerous" if you do it right), bush hogging, pulling logs, etc., you need weight. Something Fords do not have in abundance.

I have a small old farm with about 1 acre to mow, also 150 yard gravel road to maintain. I chose a 20 or so HP MasseyFerguson 4X4 with a bucket loader. I went to Tractor Supply and bought a rear grading blade and a rear mounted bush hog. these componets are heavy duty, the mower will mow 3 foot high grass and the back blade not only grades my driveway but plows snow beautifully. Last year we had a 18IN. snow fall. I went through with the bucket first then the back blade. You would need to install rear wheel weights to counter the bucket when full. I put 2 sets on each wheel as well as loaded the rear tires w/ antifreezeand water. The bucket comes in handy many times on my farm. Brissco

I vote the 3000. A real tractor. And welcome to YT

I know where there is a JD 1020 diesel with a all hyd loader, 100 hours on rebuild, new tires, always sheded. He wanted $9000 for it 4 years ago. He said a couple weeks ago (I) could have it for $5000. I dont understand why he doesnt advertise it. He is right on this main road and keeps it in the shed. I think he just really wants me to have it. I wonder if a 1020 would pull a JD 7000 planter????

Of the 4, the 3000 would be the most desireable, with most of the equipment to start you out. It's the newest and highest HP of those 4. Stay away from the 8N they are nice collectable tractors but way over priced for what you get. The 3000 is the best of the lot and even better if it had one of the optional transmissions. Get an operators and service manual for what ever you buy.

By the way I paid $3500 for my MassyFerguson ( made is Japan),it was a 1993. Used it hard now for 4 years No trouble . Brissco

Stay away from the 620, no live PTO that you want for the mower, The 860 does have the live power and a slower 1st gear for the mowing and close work, the 8N has neither plus not as much power. The 3000 depending on the year and model could or could not be good. Stay away from an SOS tractor as not good for what you want, also may only have a 4 speed transmision and no live PTO or may have an 8 speed tranny with independant PTO and you wand the more gears and live or independant pto. If the 3000 is 4 speed keep looking.

Well since your new here hang out for say 6 months and look at and all what others say about tractors. Been where your at and BTDT type of things 28 plus years ago. Now if you think you need one right now step back and think about things. Yes you could spend $3500 on one and not be what you need or you can watch what we have to say here and learn a lot. When I got my first tractor it was a Ford 841 with loader, still have it and use it a lot but if I could go back in time I might have looked a lot more. I now have 30 plus tractors and I would be lost if I didn't have at least 10 that I could use when I needed them. Look at my web site and you will see just a few of my toys and feel free to call me once you get my number from the web site and I'd be happy to help if I can
Hobby farm

I own a Ford 860 and wouldn't trade it for a ranch in Texas. It has over 40 hp, power steering and live power.It's a jewel. I paid $4750 for it about 4 years ago. That wasn't high because it was in mint condition.

You want at least 40 horsepower at the PTO shaft and a front end loader... Case 530CK

You will also need tire chains, rear weights, forks for the bucket, removable teeth for bucket, strong chains, etc. By the time you get everything you need you'll have spent 6 ~ 7k... Worth every penny!

You better jump on that DEAL !! Depending on hills and such it may handle that planter.

Thanks for all of the responses guys! I appreciate the information and the welcome.

I haven't yet taken a look at the Ford 3000, but plan to do so tomorrow. The transmission is the 4 speed with high/low (8 speeds). Owner thinks it is a mid 1960s model.

The 3000 sounds like a good deal. You could always keep your eye open for the MF135. There is a lady on here looking to offload a MF175. She is in Wisconsin. Might ne a long drive, but it sounds like it would be worth the time.

Good Luck,

Aaron

Thanks for the tip Matt. Olivers were not really even on my radar screen (again, I'm a rookie with tractors). I found what appears to be a nice 1650 diesel with 4 speed with high/low locally. I'm going to try and check it out.

Cheers!

Of those 4 I would buy the 860. Grandpa had one. Tough tractor. But if a good 1650 can be had for not much more $ go for that. 706 & 806 IHs can also be found rather cheap.

Just reviving my old thread to give you guys an update and again solicit any comments.

So, in what little free time I have had over the past few weeks I have continued the search for a tractor. This morning I was actually able to escape for a few hours and go look at a half dozen for sale! Here are three that I thought looked pretty good.

1. Ford 3400 Diesel with front end loader and bush hog - $5,500.

This is the biggest tractor I am considering and it is at the top of my price range. It may also be overkill for my application... I am not sure. It was pretty cool out this morning (around 50*) and it took a little cranking (20 seconds) before the tractor would turn over, but then it ran very well. It is an early 70s model and features a 4-speed with high and low, independent PTO and power steering. Hydraulics worked well and everything appeared to be in order. Fluids and air filter looked new and owner indicated that it was recently serviced (not sure if I should be suspicious). Negatives - the bucket was kind of rough and will need some rust repair in the near future. Also, the tin is in pretty bad shape (fenders, hood and grille are all beat up), but I try to tell myself that cosmetics are unimportant.

2. Oliver Super 55 Diesel (no attachments) - $3,000.

Speaking of cosmetics... this tractor is almost show-worthy in appearance. Again, took a little effort to start, but once it was running it went very well. The controls took a little getting used-to. In particular, the left-hand shifter mechanism was a little odd (the tractor has 6 forward and 2 reverse gears with an odd shift pattern). Live PTO and very little steering effort required despite not having power steering. Oil was black. This is a little smaller than the Ford 3400.

3. Mitsubishi 3200 Diesel (no attachments) - $4,000.

This one surprised me. Size-wise it is just a little smaller than the Oliver, and it ran very well. It is a 4WD and has a 5-speed transmission with high and low. Looked as though it had not been run in some time... (it was in 3 feet of grass), but started right up. Blew smoke for about 10 seconds and then was clear. Owner believes it to be an 80s model with about 35 horsepower. I haven't been able to find much info on the web about these. Oil was black.

So, all somewhat different. Any thoughts are appreciated. I don't have tons of time to continue shopping, so am hoping that perhaps one of these is a good fit.