keving said:
I've been thinking about adding another tractor to the barn. I'd like to get a classic tractor in the 30hp plus range that is in decent condition that is in good working order. I'll do restoration over time. My budget for the initial tractor is under $4K. 3PH is a must.
This will be used as a tractor, not a show piece. I plan on returning it to its original condition with proper mechanical, body parts, tires and paint.
What models have the most parts available?
I really like the Ford Golden Jubilee NAA Series 800, Farmall H, Farmall M, and the Massey-Harris 30.
Thanks for your input!
Massey Ferguson 135 diesel (45 hp engine, 37 hp pto). That was my choice after running it by the knowledgable folks on TBN. Bought it in July06 for $3600. Runs fine. Has 4600 hours on the tractormeter. Plan to use it to pull my grain drill, sicklebar mower and possibly my side delivery hay rake. The heavy haying chores (plowing, discing, baling) will be handled by the new Mahindra 5525 (55 hp engine, 45 hp pto). The family members like to tool around on the 135 rather than drive the 5525.
It's an orchard tractor. The rear wheels on on 16 inch diameter rims instead of the more usual 28" dia that you find on classic 135 row crop models. My 135 has shorter front spindles so the tractor squats low to work in the orchards around here.
My 135 needed a thorough cleanup (hardly any airflow through the radiator core).
I rewired the tractor, replace most of the gauges, repainted everything. Need to reroute fuel lines for the new vertical exhaust system. I rotated the exhaust system 90 degrees to vertical for haying work. Still need to reinstall the sheet metal. No problem getting parts for the 135.
There's a 1951 Allis Chalmers WD for sale by one of my neighbors for $1200. I may bite and try to do a deal. Don't like those turf tires. Wish it had ags.
And another neighbor has offered me his old Yanmar 1500 with a bent front axle (a freebie). I'll probably rescue that one from the scrap heap also. And I've become attracted to the Farmall H. One of those may be in my future.
It's hard to find time to work on the tractors. My effort lately is on haying implements. Need to get my newly acquired 10-ft Minneapolis Moline grain drill working soon.
Once you get hooked on the classics (tractors and implements) it'll really eat into your me time. It helps a lot if you're retired--like myself.