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Re: Got tractor fever and don't know where to start
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Posted by Gerald on April 08, 1999 at 08:44:04:
In Reply to: Got tractor fever and don't know where to start posted by Reed on April 07, 1999 at 19:14:05:
Been there, tried most... At least the 8N Ford. I concluded its overpriced, underqualified (not live PTO, too light) and incapable of handling Iowa snows. With 1000 feet of driveway and no adjacent cliff to push snow over, you can't get rid of a winter's snow with just a blade, front or rear. It takes a big blower or a full hydraulic loader to be able to STACK all that snow. Doing that, weight is a definite advantage. I found by experiment that the MF-135 is far more capable, but still requires tire chains. 135 run more like $4500 to 5500 in decent shape with good tires, which is more than the 8N but are far more capable with power steering a commonly included option. A loader tractor without power steering is a great arm muscle builder (or strainer which ever happens first). The double clutch (for live pto) of the MF-135 is a great thigh muscle builder. Finding some parts for the Continental engine in some gas MF-135 can be a pain, I'm in the process of installing parts I've made from scratch. On the other hand there are many who like Farmall H or M and pay a lot less for the privilege. Manure loaders with trip buckets may need a little help dumping snow, but belly mount mowers do a decent job on large lawns. For just a little more money you can get a JD 3020 and have full farming capabilities but probably won't fit UNDER the trees in the yard. Gerald
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