aschwerin
Member
I've had an 8N for years. Though its a good tractor in its own right, I'm tired of messing with it, and I really need something with more power. I bought a Ford 6600 at an auction. It was way more tractor than I needed. Sold it a few days ago and I'd like to get something that is appropriate for me.
I have a big garden. The 8N works fine, but 1st gear is too fast. I move round bales. The 8N is woefully lacking in hydraulic power and front end weight. I brush hog about 10 to 15 acres. Again, the 8N is underpowered and the tranny PTO clutch is frustrating. The 6600 was too big on my little pastures on big hillsides. I have a flail mower I use in the pastures, and the 8N bogs down. I really like the independent PTO, 16 gears, good parking brake, strong hydraulics of the 6600.
I'm looking at different makes, and narrowing down selections within each make. Looking for 35-50 HP (40 should be enough for now). Hoping to get more acreage sometime in my future. After having a diesel (the 6600), I prefer gas, just because I know how to work on a gas engine. I use very few tractor hours in a year, so engine longevity is not an issue for me.
I'm looking at older, low-cost, reliable models. Selection will depend much on availability and condition:
Massey Ferguson. 35-50. The later 135 with a Z145 engine looks good. Seems 35 is enough, at a lighter weight than a 50. I'm not sure about how I will like the 2 stage clutch.
Ford. 2000 - 4000. 2000 looks light, 4000 heavy. Maybe the 3000/3600?
Allis Chalmers D15/D17. They look like real nice tractors, and there are a few in the are for sale, but I am unfamiliar with them.
I have not attraction to JD or Farmall. I know nothing about IH or Deutz.
I would just appreciate any inputs. After the 6600 ordeal, I know I do not want to be in the business of buying and moving tractors. I'd like to get the right one, and keep it for half a lifetime.
I have a big garden. The 8N works fine, but 1st gear is too fast. I move round bales. The 8N is woefully lacking in hydraulic power and front end weight. I brush hog about 10 to 15 acres. Again, the 8N is underpowered and the tranny PTO clutch is frustrating. The 6600 was too big on my little pastures on big hillsides. I have a flail mower I use in the pastures, and the 8N bogs down. I really like the independent PTO, 16 gears, good parking brake, strong hydraulics of the 6600.
I'm looking at different makes, and narrowing down selections within each make. Looking for 35-50 HP (40 should be enough for now). Hoping to get more acreage sometime in my future. After having a diesel (the 6600), I prefer gas, just because I know how to work on a gas engine. I use very few tractor hours in a year, so engine longevity is not an issue for me.
I'm looking at older, low-cost, reliable models. Selection will depend much on availability and condition:
Massey Ferguson. 35-50. The later 135 with a Z145 engine looks good. Seems 35 is enough, at a lighter weight than a 50. I'm not sure about how I will like the 2 stage clutch.
Ford. 2000 - 4000. 2000 looks light, 4000 heavy. Maybe the 3000/3600?
Allis Chalmers D15/D17. They look like real nice tractors, and there are a few in the are for sale, but I am unfamiliar with them.
I have not attraction to JD or Farmall. I know nothing about IH or Deutz.
I would just appreciate any inputs. After the 6600 ordeal, I know I do not want to be in the business of buying and moving tractors. I'd like to get the right one, and keep it for half a lifetime.