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40 -50 hp tractors

M

MattCatlin

Member
For small farm work doing less than 20 acres of tillage using 1940s and 1950s era equipment on weekends I think I'd like just a little more tractor than my 1950 N I'm currently using. It is getting the job done, but I think next year I'd like to add another tractor. Thinking something like a MF 65 or a WD45. What are some other good old favorite tractors in this size range?
 
I have a late D17 Allis (series 4) I personally like that tractor.. but it's a little newer than the 50's

A farmall M might work out well for ya too.. As they too are good tractors, in my opinion

Brad
 
I was plowing with an 8N about 35 years ago, and mentioned to the neighbor that I wasn't looking forward to disking (rough ride). He said he had a better alternative, and introduced me to his Oliver 77 diesel. Insisted I take it home and disk with it. The difference was night and day- Sit up nice and high for watching the scenery, smooooth ride, smooth motor, plenty of power- been hooked on Olivers ever since.
 
Brad, I like those too. I'm not married to the 1950s, I just only have maybe 5K or less to spend. I might get a bigger disk, but I'd stay with the implements I already collected. I definately want live hydraulics
 
I tell you what, discing the plow furrows down with my N has me holding on to the wheel for dear life soemtimes. Its a capabale little machine, but I's like a little more tractor
 

A WD-45 with Duals and an IH #37 disc and harrow are very nice..ride well and the width is perfect with no wheel-slip..
The snap-on duals are easy to put on too..

Ron..
 

Any 2-cylinder JD is fine and drive very well with no steering wheel whip, if they have the "Roll-a-Matic" front end..
The sound of them working will get you "Hooked" too..!!

Ron..
 
And I hope you're keeping your thumbs OUTSIDE the steering wheel- those ruts can snatch the wheel out of your hand, and dislocate your thumb(s) in the process.
 
We have several JD 70's (1950's era), one diesel and 3 gas. 50hp range, live pto and plenty of power for our needs.

If you're up north, you can find a decent one for around $3,000.
 
Massey Ferguson 165, Allis D17, Ford 860/861, Ford 4000 (three cylinder or 4).

All have nearly 50 PTO HP, the MF 165, Allis D17 and late 3 cylinder Ford 4000 a bit more.

Dean
 
Matt;

I can sure relate to discing furrows. I have a TO 30 and it can be a rough ride. Fefinitely wakes you up in the morning,

Larry in Michigan
 
A WD-45 would be a good choice. we have 2 of them and love them. handy tractors but they are kinda light for their power. especially if ya got a snap coupler plow. the JD number sereies are nice such as a 60 or 70. we do most of the haying with our 60 and 70 diesel they have live pto and hydralics which is nice.
thats just my opinion but there are a lot of options out there for you
M Puller
 
Do you realy want to crawl on and off a wd-45 and they are one of the most hard riding things ever built. Just run obe for a day then see ifn ya like one.
 
The 70 John Deere is probably the most economical tractor on fuel made, but I heard that a lot of them had trouble with the flywheel comming loose.
 
Get something with a 3 pt. hitch and you'll have a lot more versatile tractor. MF 65, 165, 175, 255, 265 would all be a good choice in that HP range. Even a size smaller like a 135, 245 would still be around 40 pto HP. Dave
 
Well since you already have a Ford why not up grade to say a 601 or 801 series tractor both are a bit bigger as in 31 or so HP for the 601 and around 45HP for the 801. Now if it where me and I could find one I would buy an Oliver Super 55 but those can be a bit harder to find
 
I'd not worry about the color too much.

I'd want real 3pt, live hyd/pto, more gears is better (at least 5 forward...), and a good seat with some spring action to absorb those bumps.

That will be a mid to late model 1950's tractor with the proper options. If you like Ford, the 800/900/4000 series would do well, _if_ you get the right options. (860/861/960/961/etc.)

Massey/Case/Allis is not real popular in my small neighborhood so I can't help, sure there are good options there.

The Oliver Super 55 - 77/ 550-770 are good options too.

Mostly I'd like wide front, unless you have an application that needs narrow front.

--->Paul
 
I picked up a 1650 Oliver, mid '60's model, 65 hp for less than 3 grand. True it's a gas unit but for my operation thats not an issue. Just take your time and you can find something if you don't get in to big a hurry.
 
I like my Farmalls. Have a 44M and a 54 SMTA. Both good machines. Paid $700 for the M $2400 for the MTA. Sure, you end up putting a little more into them as need be, but they're easy to work on and good tractors. Any older tractor is gonna require extra care and feeding. I pull a 3 bottom rollover plow with my MTA, and have a 10' wheel cary disc that either tractor will play with.

Ben
 
Old is right.since you already have an 'N',Go for a 800.your N equipment will fit well,commonality is a BIG plus(I run all IH for that very reason)800s have power steering,live pto,some have remote hydralics.A great 40 horse tractor that will fall right in beside the'N'(keep it).They would make you a great pair of tractors.good luck
 
matt,there havebeen some good suggestions,but remember your only farming 20 acres or so,dont buy something too big.with some of these other tractors,you may have to buy different implements to fit(tractor specific)or modify what you have.make sure it has draft controled 3point.better stay with a Ford or similar.
 
Your choices are many, all good. I personally like the Int 544. Brother has one. Very handy full size tractor in the 50hp range. Tried to trade my 756 to him for it ^&&*&^&^ sucker wouldn't do it. ED
 
We have had a Ford 861 for about 30 years on our tree farm and it does everything and more. Brush hogging, log skidding, maple syrup, furrowing for tree planting. It's major weakness is that in reverse it is to fast for a snow blower. 45HP and the best of all the 01 series.
These tractors are easy to repair and are really easy to get on and off if that is something you do a lot of. (My bigger tractor gets to be a pain getting on and off)
That tractor leaves the place with my very cold body!
 
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