Red, Green, or Blue ?

Red, Green, or Blue ?

Now I know this question has probably come up a gazillion times before and I"ve searched and read some of the threads. But I thought besides helping me with my decision it would provide some good entertainment for others to see the different opinions from folks again.

Short question; Farmall H, JD B, or TO-30 / MF35?

Long version below;

I"m inching my way out of complete tractor newbie status as I work on my first tractor, a Case VAI. Have done quite a bit, but I"m by no means a "real" mechanic. Probably takes me 10 times as long to do something as someone who really knows what they"re doing.

Contemplating bumping up to a slightly bigger tractor. Now the truth of the matter is I don"t "really" need a tractor, it has nothing to do with need ;-) Most I would do with it is take it to the local country fair, maybe do a casual fun tractor pull, not a real competition, and maybe put a sickle-bar on it to help my neighbor up the street mow under his apple trees once in awhile. Frankly my current tractor can do all this except it"s a little small and not geared ideally for tractor pulls.

Looking for one where there is a huge body of knowledge and parts availability. Not concerned with restoring a rarity and making money. Want something I can easily find parts and assistance on. Want something that is at least running when I get it, don"t want to deal with stuck pistons and complete engine rebuilds. Probably in the 1947-1955 range. The CASE I have has been pretty good regarding this, folks in the CASE forum and local mechanic have been tremendous resources.

Here"s my choices so far, which seem to be within my budget for a not so pretty, but running tractor that will need some TLC.

Farmall H, lots and lots made, seems to be tons of parts available and not much different than my CASE as far as learning how things work. Super A would be good too.

John Deere Model B - yeah I know, it"s that green paint thing. In my neck of the woods there just seems to be more of these things than any other type. For me I see that as a good thing for parts and help. Definitely different than a traditional 4cyl tractor. Could be kind of fun, could be a pain too, don"t really know? Model M would be o.k. too, but not many deals on those around.

Massey Ferguson or Ferguson 30 or 35, have always liked the size / appearance, really the more appropriate size for me. Seems to be quite a loyal following, even though production numbers were small compared to the H & B. Are parts still easy to get for these? Are they readily interchangable between the Fords, Fergusons of this vintage? 3pt hitch could be useful in the future, don"t really need it right now.

Like the H for at my local Case-IH dealer there is a wonderful walking encyclopedia of mechanic who has helped me with my questions on my Case.

Like the JD too, something about that 2 banger sound that is addictive. (Luke, beware the force)

Like the Fergie"s too, like "em all that"s my problem.

I"m sure you guys have a whole lot more experience than myself so any thoughts / suggestions?

thanks

Any parts you might need are readily available for ANY of the tractors mentioned, so basically you have to decide if you want a smaller package that will easily fit on a trailer and can be used to mow grass and weeds under trees, or if you want a larger package.

Look at the three point hitch. Whatever color it is is the one you want.

Orange is good too. If there are any old Allis Chalmers in your neck of the woods there are several nice models with good power to weight ratios.

well, you are right for all of them. one of each? lol. I would get the JD, but i am a jd guy!

Ford or Fergie,but I'm prejudiced having herded them since a child,but as others said,the 3point and plethora of simple attachments to do literally"anything" that is available.Always felt more comfortable sittin astraddle the tranny,between the fenders,than way up in the air,and when yer as old as the tractor,it's easier to mount up on the short ones

How about a 550 Oliver? Compact, plenty of power, live pto, 3 point lift, power steering, good parts availability.

A person can never have enough tractors and you need to open your mind to the other colors like the Oliver green and once you do that you may never look at another LOL. Hard to beat one of the old Oliver 6 cylinders when the pulling gets tough. LOL. But I do have just about all the common colors and it never hurts to have at least one of each on hand if not 2 or 3
Hobby farm

I'll stir the pot.

The Fergie will have a 3pt. That will be handy. All kinds of stuff you can get if you have a 3pt. I don't think she'll put up much of a fight on the pullin track tho.

The Farmall will be a good puller. Finding on old McCormick mounted sickle mower wouldn't be too hard. They're out there. Beautiful tractor, in my opinion. They look great all shined up.

Now for the stirring. The JD. Nothing good about that thing. But I'm an IH guy.

If you want to use it buy the 35 Massey. No I don't own a massey , and never have. If you just want to play, any of the others will be ok.
Joe

Mf 35 seems like a good option. You would have the 3pt. the H"s are really popular. An oliver 550 or AC WD or WD45 wouldnt be a bad idea if your thinking of other options. They all seem to be decent options. The parts would probably be easiest to find on the H.

I have a few other tractors at my disposal, but my Ferguson TO-30 is always my go to tractor. Its so small and nimble, can fit it just about anyplace and it will do a surprising amount of work.

what can you do with an farmall H that you couldn't do with a John Deere B?

Back a wagon.

A lot of people can back wagons up with a JD B all day long.

Sounds to me like you just described a John Deere B with a #5 sickle mower.

<a href="http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/jameslloydhowell/John%20Deere%20Equipment/Tractor%20Display/?action=view&current=IMG_1382.jpg" target="_blank"> </a>

Hope this helps.

how about a 420 or 430 john deere.

What you haven"t developed the talent of backing a wagon with a 2 cylinder. It is not hard at all. I just use the toe of my right foot to "feather" the clutch forward so both hands can work on steering.

And then the fight started.

<a href="http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/jameslloydhowell/Haymaking%202009/The%20Hunt%20Place/?action=view¤t=IMG_1593.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

Does backing a trailer with an MT count?

Another option is an official JD green/yellow steering wheel spinner.

Strong left arm for the steering wheel, coordinated right arm for the hand clutch, and firm right foot for the brake.

Ultimate test of multi-tasking and coordination; so easy a 10 year old kid can do it.

I would not go for the deere just because you are a newbie. I think that for now you should stick to a tractor with conventonal controls, not the hand clutch. put the deere on the list for later when you are more experienced.

For green - I have an oliver 88 with old scoop!!!
No 3 point which in my viewpoint is a disadvantage.
But sounds like something that size if you want to move up

Ken 46

I have a couple of IH tractors, but out of that list the MF 35 is the best bet.

You alreadym said the guys on the Case forum helped you a bunch...sooooo Go for a 52 DC has the guts to win at the track and the eagle hitch to use attachments flambeau red in the head gobble

I try to make sure I have at least one of each color, no tractor racism in my shed. The little Massey is a great idea.

Didn't know an MT had a hand clutch. Must be a new model.
Joe

Sounds like the old iron bug has bit you since you say "you really don't need" another tractor. There seems to be only one logical solution, buy one of each. Then you can decide which you like best. I would be partial to the H, but then I am biased, because all my tractors are Farmall.

Don't know James never ran one of those. how fast is reverse ?

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE TREES !!~~~~LOL

TO35/MF35 has 3 pt hitch, live power and a 2 speed transmission. I bought a TO35 about 27 years ago, we still use it daily. It's pretty much indestructible.

One of the good things about the M and MT is that they only have 4 forward gears and a reverse.

No high/low range like on the A's and B's.

Oh yeah almost forgot; no hand clutch either.

Always safer with BOTH hands on the wheel instead of one hand operating a video camera!

Look out trees - hear I come!

The MF will be the most useful tractor. I've messed with a few Dubuque JD tractors and spent a lot of time on small Farmalls, and I can't figure out how they sold any of them since they were competing with offset Farmalls. Running an M, 40, etc... and then getting on a Super A is like going from a Hoover cart to a Cadillac.

I love our MF135, 2 range 3 speed, works great. We have the multipower, but its not a necessity. Good bit of power (ran 6' shredder, 8' blade, soon to run hay press) We have pulled our JD3340 out with it.

I've driven IH my entire life but in that selection would choose the MF35 every day of the week.