Posted by Bob Skurka on March 04, 1998 at 04:39:29:
In Reply to: Advice on tractor to buy posted by Joe Crum on March 02, 1998 at 08:53:13:
When buying a tractor you need to look at 2 sets of facts. #1, how much is in your budget. . .you have $3000. I presume that is $3000 for the tractor, the mower and the rear blade. Fact #2, What you need the tractor to do. You said mow a ball field and grade some dirt.
With those facts, any of the previously mentioned tractors will work. But what is best. Brands aside, LIVE P.T.O. and LIVE hydraulics are very nice features. If you can find a good running tractor with those, your jobs will be easier to perform. However, with $3000, finding a tractor in good shape (not needed repairs to run daily) with a live PTO and live hydraulics will not be easy. Most tractors built before 1954 or 55 will not have the live PTO or live hydraulics (there are some exceptions). A Ford 640 might be nice for your described job if you can find a complete set up for under $3000. I looked at them last year, they were all over your price, however. An Oliver Super 55 or better yet 550, would even be better than the Ford, but price will be tight. I've seen ugly, but good running Oliver Super 55s in the mid $2000 range, add a mower deck and blade will put you at $3000.
If you can't find live hydraulics and a live PTO, you can still do your job. Those features just make the job a bit easier. Many a field has been mowed, and many a road graded with a Ford N series tractor, they are plentiful and usually cheap. Parts are also very common.