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In your opinion,what is the GREATEST tractor EVER,under 50hp

N

Nofbdybs

Member
When you factor in power, economy, user-friendliness, reliability, weight, ect. Which unit, comes out on top??
Or, if you could have one unit, BRAND NEW off the line, what would you pick??


Obviously, modern units are more ergonomic, and are easier to operate, but I have one older, and one newer unit, that I think bests them all.


1st, I would pick the Massey Ferguson 150. Not only is it a great looking unit,but they seem un-bogable. When you think the engine is about to bog down, it just keeps pulling. Great powerplant, and sledgehammer reliable.


For a more modern pick, I would have to do with the Yanmar 336d.
WOOT! Shuttle shift, suckers! Another great powerplant, ultra-low creeper gear, good weight, tight turning radius, great 4wd setup, shares tons of parts with the JD 850/950s
. In my opinion, the best mix of an older unit, and modern tech.





What say you??
 
For their time the Allis WD and then the WD45 were good general purpose farm tractors. Good power to weight ratio and the hand clutch gave an effective system for live hyd. and pto. If you were properly set up with implements the snap coupler system was also an effective alternative to the Ferguson style 3-point. I have adapted my WD to a 3-point to work with modern equipment and overall it is still a good tractor for its size.
 
Massey Ferguson 135 diesel with independent PTO.
Plenty of power, maneuverable, easy on fuel, dependable.
Good Luck and God Bless
 
I might be close to going over 50HP, but my vote is the Oliver Super 55/550. I"ve never owned one, but I"ve used one and think it"s a great tractor. Like all Olivers of that generation it"s extremely agile and easy to handle and the independent PTO is far handier than the 2-stage clutches used on many other models.

Of course lets face it, it always comes down to personal experience and brand loyalty.
 
how about the Ford N series?Simple,bullet proof.Henry's little tractor put tractor ownership within reach of every american farmer.And,the 3pt hitch forever changed the way we attach implements(we still use it today).Almost a million copys cant be wrong,a high percentage are still in use.
 
this is such a silly question , that keeps coming back,, if you want a unbiased sensible census ...? the best way to handle would be to ask farmers what their top 15 models would be , with the best at top being # 1, the lowest #poled per tractor wins ... btw , the winner will be a CASE tactor... LOL ...
 
Sales numbers aren't always reflective of what was/is "best". The further back in time we go, the more individual units the "most popular tractor of its day" will be. If total numbers mean "the best" the Fordson would win by default. IMHO, total sales numbers are AT BEST only reflective of "best in its day", if that. N's sold in huge numbers because of PRICE, sales network (all those Ford auto dealers) and Harry Fergusons 3-point hitch. There's a lot of 'em still around as much as any reason because of sheer numbers. I'm not saying they weren't a good tractor, just not the "greatest of all time" (in their HP range)
 
The Ferguson 35 is the most copied tractor in the world and the MF 135 is an improved version of it. 135's are the most sought after used tractor and were the most popular tractor when they were produced. The diesel versions have comparable fuel economy to modern high tech tractors. An MF 150 uses the same power train. Dave
 
Good tractors but they're toys. If you want to go Ford, go Jubilee (and follow-ons) or the three-cylinder 2000/3000 series Fords.
 
OK here we go I won't consider any tractor without 3 pt hitch with good draft control,power steering,good hyd and continuous power take off. Any tractor without these features cannot be considered. After all these are suppose to be farm tractors for farm work.
1. Farmall 544 full size:all the above and good weight for 50 hp,38 inch tires. A very handy tractor.
2.Masseys 135 150 165: very nice tractors but light for their power. Small tires hurts them.
3.Allis D14s15s17s real good tractors not as handy as others, bullet proof, little light for power also. Tire size also hurts.
These would be my top 3 picks
 
Before I offer an opinion it should be said that it is not a fair question. The John Deere guy will choose a Jd because that is what he is familiar with. The same with AC,Farmall,Massey,Ford,Case and any other I overlooked. I grew up on a farm and still work it today. When not needed at home I worked for the neighbors and was on many brands of tractors. To list these in no particular order. JD: A,G 60,3010,3020,4010,4020,4040,4430. AC:WD,WD45,D15,D17,160,190,200,7020. Farmall: F12,F20,A,B,C,H,M,300,460,656,806,1486. Case DC,730,930. Minnie-Mo:U,Z,Jetstar,445,670. Massy:35,135,165,1135. Ford:2N,8N,9N,861,6640,7700. Oliver:60,77,super77,88,550,1600,1650,1655,1755,1800,1850,1855. White: 2-70,2-85,2-105,2-110,2-135,100,120,125,145.
Now a lot of these are bigger than you asked for but just wanted to give an overview. Good tractors? some were some weren"t. To answer your question do I have a favorite. You bet. She is 52 years old and still use her today. I wouldn"t trade her for a brand new anything. I feel sorry everyone hasn"t had the chance to operate on of these tractors. OLIVER 550
 
I 2nd the 77, pound for pound Dads 77 did alot of work when I was young I plowed with it behind dad on his 830 Case,I also remember them running a belt driven silage blower with it , the live power and nice gear selection was adaptable to nearly every farm task drilling, dragging,planting ,spraying, mowing ,raking, hauling silage,running the feeder wagon,hauling manure, ear corn and when the 830 was busy baling and grinding feed, it worked the year around. I still have a 1952 77. Also simple and easy to work on though seldom needed as it is a tough little tractor.
 
That's a given; of course, lots of these whippersnappers have never heard of them, much less seen one.
 
Late Ford 4000 @ 52 HP. Good features, balance of weight and efficiency along with simply being bulletproof.

Rod
 
My allis B. They say that the longer you wait for
something, and the harder you work for it, the
better it will be.

And ive been working on this thing for years. It
better be the best thing ever...
 
I agree in the case of the Fordson but not in the case of a 135. They were the most popular in their day and are still in high demand. That's why they still command such a good price. If you took all the MF tractors that used the same power train as a 135, I bet the sales numbers would be well above Fordson numbers. It is a pretty bullet proof design. Dave
 
You mean the new litttle compact tractor,notthe 4320(110 HORSE)from 1970/71?that was one of JDs best!
 
That's a loaded question. It all depends on location and what you are doing.
Large tractors have their place and so do the small ones. What ever works for you.
 
Did any of the MF 135's come with independent PTO? I thought they were all "live" (2 stage clutch).

I've had an Oliver 550 diesel since 1976, and would give it an edge over the MF 135 (which I have also owned) due to Oliver's independent PTO.
 
Regarding vintage tractors, I'm very partial to the Ford 860/861/4 cylinder 4000 but it's hard to vote against the late Perkins diesel powered MF 135.

Dean
 
I don't DISagree, but there's a lot more to it than that. The 135 has it's inherent flaws. No different than any other tractor in that regard. They hold good resale value, but so does most any other utility tractor in that size range from that same period. There were a LOT of good competitors. The 3000/3600 Ford, The 404/424/444/454/474 IH's, Deere 1520/1530's Oliver 55/550's, ect. ALL those tractors have GREAT resale value.

Massey Ferguson's #1 hook with the 135 in it's day? It was the lowest priced tractor in the class. That, combined with MF's strong efforts in a size that was being left behind in favor of bigger tractors.

Flaws of the 135? Not nearly enough hydraulic flow. (but not much different than many of it's competitors of the day) Too light on the front end. (but nothing wheel weights/suitcase weights won't cure) Not enough ground clearance (not much of an issue if you aren't row cropping)

And, as the 135 era drew to a close, Ford was selling just as many 3000's.

The Ferguson35/MF35 was not the same as a 135. The DX series had better hydraulics/draft control. The 200 series saw many changes. It's just not a true comparison to lump together any and all MF's that were similar (but not the same) to validate the 135 as the "best ever". If that were the case, Ford could start along in the early 60's and go to the late 80's with a similar claim. IH 4XX series could do the same. We're talking numbers from ONE model, not a continuing series of different tractors.

I've bought and sold used tractors for more than 40 years now. In that time I've had more than 50 MF135's pass through my ownership. I've had quite a few Ford 3000/3600's also. I'd say they were near equals. (SLIGHT nod to the Perkins diesels, but otherwise near equals) I've owned a new 3000 (1974) and a new MF150. I've used 3000's to plow with, as well as a few of the 135's, and spent quite a bit of time plowing with the 150. The 135 and the 3000's were a dead heat. The 150 would work circles around either. The 150 had the advantage of improvments to what I see as the shortcomings of a 135. A few inches longer wheelbase and 400lbs more front end weight gave it better balance without sacrificing agility. More cooling capacity. Better/heavier power steering. More ground clearance. When I bought my 150 new in 1971, it was roughly $700 more than a similarly equipped 135, and roughly $200 more than a like equipped 3000 Ford. Doesn't sound like much in 2010 dollars, but in 1971, for a beginning farmer who was just starting a family, it was a huge investment. When I bought the 3000Ford in '74, it was a few bucks LESS than a '74 MF150.

As they sell NOW, a 135 in above average condition and a 3000 Ford in above average condition both sell for about the same money. Both seem to be in equal demand, and neither seems to have any stronger of a "fan club" than the other. As a Massey Ferguson owner, it's very easy to dwell on the strong points of that brand/model, and fail to see that there are equals. I can't get enough of EITHER model/brand to supply the demand in my area.

Bottom line is, the 135 was as popular in it's day much because of it's low price tag. They've held popularity because they're good tractors. But that doesn't mean they're remarkably better than much of the competitors tractors of the same era. Buy a 135 today and it's reputation isn't so much of the story as it's current condition. You aren't buying a NEW 135, you're getting a 35 0r 40 year old machine. What tells the tale is WHO owned it and HOW they cared for it, same as ANY tractor.

In the end, what I see as the greatest advantage of the 135 over other makes is it's simplicity. Anyone with a basic knowledge of mechanics and a box of tools can do most of the wrenching.

And I see the MF150 as a niche model that wasn't copied by any other brand. It works wonderfully for my needs, but who's to say it'll fit the next persons needs.

Again, don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling the 135, just saying the "ledgend" is often greater than the reality.
 

Anyone who suggested the N series or other archaic model evidently has little experience with working tractors.

People in the MF 135 and similar Ford / Deere / IH models are in the right place with their choice.

Criteria:

Diesel
Utility
multispeed/range transmissions
3pt hitch w/draft control
power steering
diff lock
live/IPTO
Easy on fuel
Not be a compact tractor
 
I have been getting annoyed lately with my Essex lately. Being narrow front it tends to tip over, The gears always grind when I shift it, It will run for only ten minutes at a time then I have to wait ten minutes before it will run again. It has a lot of blow by with only 78 years on it. It has some liquid in the tires and the inner tubes are coming out through holes in the rims. If I jack up the back one wheel turns one way and the other turns in the opposite direction. The radiator has a slow leak but I don't want to remove it for repair because I am afraid that it will fall apart. It's got those things that stick up on the side of the motor that are round on one side but flat on the other, and I can't find out if both sides should be flat or round. The mechanical lift action hydrolic lift arms drop then lift by themselves whenever it is running. So you can see why I'm getting discouraged with it. I want to paint it so that I can sell it for more but I can't get the paint codes or find out where to get the decals. Oh, and all it really needs is the chrome plated steering wheel nut . Where can I get one of those? How much is my tractor worth anyway? I have been told that they built only five of them.
 
I like my massey ferguson 135, 1080, and massey harris 30 & 444 & 555 , yes a diesel version, like them all for different reasons.
 
I'll still take a good 150 over anything in the 40hp class. The Perkins AD3-152 3-cylinder has no equal. 50hp class is wide open. 574IH, 4000 Ford 165MF, 2240 Deere,....All are good tractors for various reasons.

I prefer what I think of as a "row crop utility" style tractor. Everyone has different needs and wants though.

The idea that ANY tractor is ALWAYS better for EVERYONE in ALL instances is purely, simply ridiculous. It's hard to believe how many will fight to the death on that one. ;)
 
Only one choice, for me other than the ETD. (hey, that rhymes!) AC D-10/12 Series 3, with live PTO and hydraulics. Just finished seeding about 2-1/2 acres with a Gentil Shattertine Aerator, and a 60 year old Gandy seeder box (hydraulic drive), on my D-12. Strongest tractor (40~HP) in the smallest footprint, of any American tractor, IMHO.
 
Only one choice, for me other than the ETD. (hey, that rhymes!) AC D-10/12 Series 3, with live PTO and hydraulics. Just finished seeding about 2-1/2 acres with a Gentil Shattertine Aerator, and a 60 year old Gandy seeder box (hydraulic drive), on my D-12. Strongest tractor (40~HP) in the smallest footprint, of any American tractor, IMHO.
 
No tractor is better than the local dealers ability to provide parts and service. Those farmers who depend on tractors to work the ground and harvest the crops can't afford extended break downs. the people who fall into the" Green Acre " catagory need a good dealer to change their oil and educate them on safe operation. So in some areas red tractors might be the best, while in another area green, blue. or orange trators are better.
 
I don't have any favorite tractors. I guess if I were to choose my favorite would be the one that started in the morning and all the tires are up. Now when it comes to motorcycles that'a a different story. I think the Indian Chief has them all beat. stan
 
For the time- late 40s to 60s, Farmall M, super M, followup 400. Next after M would be the WD45- little less capable cultivating but the hand clutch live PTO capability balanced out. For the green guys, 50 hp the A and 60 models- 60 had PTO and Hydraulics to balance the 2 cylinder quirks, decent dealer network. Then Oliver and MF. Fords at time were not 50 hp, not as generally capable 3 bottom plow, 4 row cultivator, 12 foot disc, pull combine and baler usable, more than single row cornpicker. Case I haven"t had much experience with but somebody may provide experiences. I"ve worked the M, JD 60, WD45 of uncles and neighbors Oliver (teasing alert! Oliver is a Farmall painted by JD dealer). This was in Central Iowa corn country- clearance needed to cultivate, Fergies and Fords didn"t have it or handy belt to drive grinder so general use was a limitation on usefullness and this discussion point for the times noted. New 50 hp? don"t know about them much 4430, 4440 JD is now the "small" tractor for sister and bil.
 
That really is a loaded question with too many variables. But, i'll give it a whirl anyway. For me, small time pea farmer 30 acres +/-, the Farmall 140 is the best thing I have come across. It's paid for and have all the goodies to go with it.

Layne
 
There's way too many ways to answer your question. The Fordson probably put tractors on more farms than anything. The original Farmall finally eliminated the need for a horse. John Deere A, Oliver 70, Allis WC, Case CC, and others soon followed the Farmall. Lots of others come to mind as milestones on the road of tractor development.
Still my favorite is my old JD D. There's just something about that old beast that lights my fire.
 
Depends on what some one is planing on use'n it for. As some one down the page said a tractor (used for work) is only as good as your local dealer support. Some times wait'n 4 days for parts just ain't in the cards if you are working it and not just playing with it. That said by far in my opinion the best dealer around here sells blue parts. My vote would be for a 960 if one was needing a tractor for row crop uses. (I have one and for my money there is no better tractor for useing in tobacco.) If some one was needing more of a utility type tractor you just can't go wrong with a 3600.

Dave
 
I would have to agree with the vote for a JD 60 and i really have no prefrence to brand. the only thing i wish it had was a little bit more road speed... maybe another 3mph or so on stock tires. It also has a good range of gears for moving stuff around on the farm when you need it to and hay bailing. The power steering is an extra bonus and they run with little vibration. The rool-o-matic front end is definitly a great option. jsut the litlle things it has is pretty cool. mine has a cigar lighter tachometer and a rear exhuast. Its nice to be able to shut it off for the day and not have to cover the exhaust up. plus it doesnt blow exhuast in your face going down the road. Im really going to regret selling it this spring/summer but i need the money for a new truck. close 2nd would be a farmall 400-450.
 
I do know my grandfather used to look after 60 acres of potato's in the 40's with only a 9N for a tractor and they loved it.I'm not going to say they were the best under 50 hp of all times,but they certainly had their place.Like some others said,they were affordable at the time.These tractors got many away from using only horses when they may not have been able to afford a MH or JD and they did fine.jmho,pd.
 
Lower price or not, the advanced Ferguson system on MF 100 series is without equal and to this day has never been improved upon in a tractor under 50 hp. They were designed and built to carry implements on the 3 pt. and for that use have plenty of hyd. capacity. For a loader they are slow but a front pump could be installed. There are places in the UK that restore 135's to like new condition and they have no trouble selling them for big bucks. Parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. There are other good tractors but when you look at all the factors, it's hard to beat a 135. It was the first tractor to use the legendary AD3-152 engine. Arguably the best engine ever made. Dave
 
Sure the N isnt the best but its my favorite, plenty of things it could have but i like it :) i think the question needs to be reworded to a time period or narrower horsepower rating.
 
(quoted from post at 15:42:40 04/06/10)
Anyone who suggested the N series or other archaic model evidently has little experience with working tractors.
Click to expand...
Don't matter the size...
If N you know how to use it.
Don't offend my N.... :D
 
The Ford N series.
It introduced and weaned the farmer from horses with it's low price. Then the farmer supported other manufactures via purchasing a real tractor.
 
EXCUSE ME !!I was raised on a 52 8N.Ihave owned 40 to 50 tractors in my 30+year farming career.I have and still do profesional tractor repair.I also do quite a bit of(free)consulting for most my neibors.I like to collect and trade in old tractors.my big worker is a1967 IH 1256,my newest is a 1974 IH HYDRO100.He**, I even bought a brand new JD 4040 in 1980.So,I think I know a thing or 2 about tractors,maybe even more than YOU! thank you,Steve.
 
There are dozens of outfits in the UK that restore MF's of all models, Fords, IH's ect, and get "big bucks" for them. 60's and 70's tractors are hot collectors items there. The 135 doesn't really stand out above the others in that regard. You won't have any problem finding parts for quite a few models from several brands.

Again, the 100 series Massey's are good tractors, and the 135 was the #1 seller in that series due to it's lower price and the popularity of the 40hp class tractors at that point in history.

And the "Advanced Ferguson System" had it's issues. It wasn't true "live hydraulics". Push the clutch in all the way and you lose hydraulics. Most of their competitors had continuous hydraulics. That was an issue with many implements used every day on the farm.

You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who's as much of a fan of the 100 series Masseys as I am, but I keep a realistic view of things. They were far from "perfect". And in the name of simplicity of design, they didn't keep pace with improvments that would have allowed MF to stay with the pack in small HP tractors beyond the 1960's. Others did.

Lets keep things in perspective. The 100 series Masseys were VERY popular in their day. They have an almost "cult following" today. The 135 was the most popular of the 100 series due to a number of reasons. A 150 will work circles around a 135, even with their similarities. With that, the 135 wasn't even "the best" 40hp class tractor in Massey's line-up. The deciding factor that made the 135 sell more units? Price....
 
[b:4c0ff8ab96]When you factor in power, economy, user-friendliness, reliability, weight, ect. Which unit, comes out on top??[/b:4c0ff8ab96]

For me, let me add- vintage tractors in my price range-
Best diesel
MF135 (with 2-stage clutch)
best gas
Ford 860/861 (the "6" = 5 speed with 2-stage clutch)

[b:4c0ff8ab96]Or, if you could have one unit, BRAND NEW off the line, what would you pick??[/b:4c0ff8ab96]

Ford 4000
 
Well, under the heading of "the best tractor is the one you've got," that would have to be my '50 8N. It's a good size for our 15 acre farm, I like the vintage Art Deco styling, and it was an easy restoration. I plow, plant, cultivate, harvest, cut, rake, bale, push, pull, lift and scrape with it. It's one of the handiest tools I have.

If I could add a larger tractor to my fleet, it would probably be something in the Ford 4000/5000 size with a loader.

2009_8Nhayrack03.jpg


At the end of the day, I have a bunch of different tools in my toolbox. No way to say one specific one is the "best." They all have their uses.

es
 

It's nothing personal, The question is what is the greatest tractor of all time under 50 HP. The N series are NOT the greatest tractor under 50 HP of all time. Compare an 8N with an MF 135 and the answer should be obvious.
 
Good Choice!! I was waiting for an Oliver to show up in the mix. I knew when I read that heading it was a "loaded" question. Everybody has their own flavor! It's been interesting reading though!
 

I love my Massey 35's and 135 gas tractors .....but I also love my John Deere diesel Utility tractors made in Germany...the 820 to 2040 series. Great strong tractors with good fuel economy as well.
 
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