Best Plow Tractor?

jogl · Feb 8, 2011

I'm looking for a tractor to plow with. Right now I'm using a MF 2705 to pull a 6x16 semi-mount in our sandy loam. I'd like to be able to go a little faster. MF 2705 has 125 engine HP and Nebraska tested 100 draw bar HP.

So I'm looking for something with:

120+ drawbar HP
150+ engine HP
Rear wheel drive (for semi mount plow)
An old fashioned injection pump (no electronics)

I guess that's it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
JP.

JDavid · Feb 8, 2011

4850 PS MFD

Hendrik · Feb 8, 2011

Try your tractor/plow combo in some heavy clay type soil and you will never complain again about your speed on your own soil ;-)
In my view, for heavy tillage one must have FWA. Cannot advise on a particular make or model.

jogl · Feb 8, 2011

We used to plow our clay, we no till that now. It was a chore plowing that clay, slow and full of rocks.

We just plow our vegetable ground now.

JP.

NY 986 · Feb 8, 2011

You did not say how much you were willing to spend. If you are looking to go the cheap route then look at an IH 86 series tractor with MFWD, Ford TW series, or White 2-1XX. Good tractors in these series can be found for under 20K.
If you can go 30K plus then I would look at 50 or 55 series Deere or 71XX Case-IH.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 8, 2011

I agree with JDavid, with the powershift you can downshift/upshift through the tough and easy spots and make better time. I plowed alot with a JD 4440 with just the 8 speed powershift, the 15 speed would be great. chris

RodinNS · Feb 8, 2011

With your list of requirements I think the best gain you'll get is by simply twisting the torque screw on what you have.
MFWD is simply the biggest gain you can make on a plow tractor of that size... but if you don't want that I think you're just trading the devil you know for the one you don't. Turn the screw and put some money away for when the MF blows because it'll do that someday anyhow.

Rod

d9gdon · Feb 8, 2011

I'd say a JD 4650 would be just right. They are very good tractors and are very comfortable in any climate. Very stout and long lasting without a whole bunch of plastic.

The Dukester · Feb 8, 2011

Any John Deere of the larger models in 50 or 55 series with a powershift tranny. IH 5288 or 5488 would be cheaper if you could find a low hour one with all the mods done or of course a 7130 or 7140 Magnum too....but they ain't usually cheap, like the John Deeres they got a good reputation and you have to pay for it.

LBH · Feb 8, 2011

International 1066 is the best by far!!!! I have one and I love that tractor. i would rather drive that then my dad's 2006 Kubota with a Cab

olliekid · Feb 8, 2011

if youre looking for something older but more affordable id go with a 1066. They are 125 hp stock but ppl turn them up and they hold up great.

some other options IH: 1086, 1466
-White: 2-155, 2-180, 160, 145
-Oliver: 2255
-JD 4520, 4620 or a 4440/4455 would be the best option if you can afford one.
-AC D21 (people always talk how these things are beasts but honestly ive never drove one

those are some options to consider. hope this helps

Anonymous-0 · Feb 8, 2011

Stick with Massey. Back when I would moldboard plow, I pulled 6 18's with onland hitch with a Massey 3545 4x4. Silt loam gravel with ALOT of hills. Pulled them with ease. A 3545 has the intercooler so the pump can be turned up safely. Never needed to on mine. Superior cab compared to others. Pretty basic tractor that you can coast start if you need to. Almost 9000 hrs, one clutch job and some AC updates.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 8, 2011

How about a late model JD 5020 or the later more expensive 6030? The already mentioned IH 66 series models would be cheap HP.

caterpillar guy · Feb 8, 2011

If you really want cheap power that is durable just find an old Stieger. 300 HP for around 5-7000.00 Plenty of power and easy to get parts for. Mostly truck components. Will save enough you can buy a cheap trailer plow to use. I could even hook you up with one for it.

John A. · Feb 8, 2011

jogl, Loose the 2705 like a bad habit. The 24 speed PS was an an abortion from the get go even when they were NEW. I has to disperse some items for a local neighbor who had Serosis of the Liver and was dieing, there was not 1 local tractor wrecking yard that would even give us a bid on it to scrap out. Tranny had Sh!t canned. the Input shaft broke in half, motor ran like a clock, no problems, 90% rear 42 rubber finely after calling the major MF dealers in the fast line mag, Texas edition, was given the Idea to call Abilene Machine finely got a $1500 bid for it. They sent a truck to Central Texas to pick it up
Cheap HP Green JD 4520, 4620 5020 or 6030, perhaps a old 4840.
Red IH 1066, 1466, Last Gen of IH before Case bought them out, Stay far away from the old Anteater design
There are a boat load of Olivers and Minny Mo s that would work for your application too!
4x4, JD 8630, 8640, Steiger Panther or Cougar,
older 855 Versitile
there are a bunch of good Masseys I am just not a Massey fan. I do know about 2705s stay far away from them. Hope this helps

jogl · Feb 9, 2011

Thanks for the information guys. I'll be watching for bargains.

JP.

Best Plow Tractor?

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