Posted by Rick C. on March 31, 1998 at 20:57:22:
In Reply to: Need advice before purchase posted by Chuck Dade on March 30, 1998 at 20:31:45:
: I need a utility tractor but don't have much information
: on which one to look for. I want live PTO and 35 to 50 HP
: for intermittent duty and have seen Fords and MFs that
: might fit the budget, unlike JDs and the like. I have a
: $3500 budget. Also, LP/Gas/Diesel? I typically push my
: tools hard. What would a recommendation be from the Net
: Tractor Gurus?
Chuck,
The other guys were right about the price range. $3500 does not buy alot of reliable tractor these days. I think that the best you could hope for is are Fords: Jubilee, 600 or 800 series, or with some luck a 2000, 3000, or 4000, or MF 135 (doubtful). I would hesitate on buying one of the latter at that price as it would probably be in bad shape. If it were me, I'd beg, borrow or steal (or sell something else) and come up with another $1000-1500 and get a decent Ford 3000 or 4000 diesel because of your heavy work requirement. Also, diesel engines are twice as economical as gasoline to operate. Forget about LP.
Rick