Started with a yard sale $500 Case VAC 4 or 5 years ago as a 'technology demonstrator' and implement collector. I am reasonably mechanical and this is an easy tractor to work on (points, gas engine, generator and NO power steering). Plus, low on the collector list. No issues with the Case specific parts I needed.
Went round-and-round similar issues (save the house and truck garden). But both are out there on a future wish list. Anyhow, started at $5-10k. Then $15k (had a used 3400 Kubota with 120 hours come up). Ended up with a TN55SA (the cab was too cheap to not buy). And spent in the low 20's. Whoops. I too am on the 20 year plan. The cab will be very appreciated for 9 months of the year, and even more as a way to keep the electronics in good condition (20 years to go). But will require high clearance (too large to be ducking under the old apple tree anyhow).
I did a lot of work with a box scraper with the Case. Just took thinking ahead. Gear drive was slow to use when doing a lot of fwd/back manuevering work. New one has power shuttle (nice compromise with hst). Shuttle shift is a big step forward (even without auto clutch).
Live pto would have been very nice (new one has independent pto). Either one allows you to pause the fwd motion and still run a brush hog (etc).
The value call is a 2wd unit. MFD/4wd/etc are a premium. If winter snow removal is a significant issue (versus a rusty pickup with blade)....
Loaders pretty much need power steering if your wife is going to use it.
Older units may have 6 volt systems versus 12 volts (matters is you are going to run 12 electric accessories like a pump -- can always strap on a deep cycle battery, or use a pto powered one). The suggestion on the 3 point is also true -- my unit had just enough to lift the box scraper. It did move the 5' brush hog though. Many old IH's had 2 point hitches (convertible). A lot of older units used drawbar implements. Nothing wrong with it, and many still around (disks, plows, etc).
Wide front end is preferable. And a heavy tractor is easier to use (mine isn't particulalry heavy). That's one of many reasons old IH H & M's (and others) are surprisingly useful today.
Hydraulic pumps can be added to the PTO. Prince makes a popular unit (that's another reason to have a live pto). Not too expensive. And easy to add.
My TN will NOT be anywhere near as easy to repair as my Case -- lots of technology to consider. As to 'green farming' an older propane unit may be for you. Propane engines last a long time, put off less emissions (comparable engines of course). You might look around for some of those old vineyard type tractors too (I seem to remember NY has some wine grape areas). Might have a reasonable resale, as they are kind of odd looking and unknown.
Went round-and-round similar issues (save the house and truck garden). But both are out there on a future wish list. Anyhow, started at $5-10k. Then $15k (had a used 3400 Kubota with 120 hours come up). Ended up with a TN55SA (the cab was too cheap to not buy). And spent in the low 20's. Whoops. I too am on the 20 year plan. The cab will be very appreciated for 9 months of the year, and even more as a way to keep the electronics in good condition (20 years to go). But will require high clearance (too large to be ducking under the old apple tree anyhow).
I did a lot of work with a box scraper with the Case. Just took thinking ahead. Gear drive was slow to use when doing a lot of fwd/back manuevering work. New one has power shuttle (nice compromise with hst). Shuttle shift is a big step forward (even without auto clutch).
Live pto would have been very nice (new one has independent pto). Either one allows you to pause the fwd motion and still run a brush hog (etc).
The value call is a 2wd unit. MFD/4wd/etc are a premium. If winter snow removal is a significant issue (versus a rusty pickup with blade)....
Loaders pretty much need power steering if your wife is going to use it.
Older units may have 6 volt systems versus 12 volts (matters is you are going to run 12 electric accessories like a pump -- can always strap on a deep cycle battery, or use a pto powered one). The suggestion on the 3 point is also true -- my unit had just enough to lift the box scraper. It did move the 5' brush hog though. Many old IH's had 2 point hitches (convertible). A lot of older units used drawbar implements. Nothing wrong with it, and many still around (disks, plows, etc).
Wide front end is preferable. And a heavy tractor is easier to use (mine isn't particulalry heavy). That's one of many reasons old IH H & M's (and others) are surprisingly useful today.
Hydraulic pumps can be added to the PTO. Prince makes a popular unit (that's another reason to have a live pto). Not too expensive. And easy to add.
My TN will NOT be anywhere near as easy to repair as my Case -- lots of technology to consider. As to 'green farming' an older propane unit may be for you. Propane engines last a long time, put off less emissions (comparable engines of course). You might look around for some of those old vineyard type tractors too (I seem to remember NY has some wine grape areas). Might have a reasonable resale, as they are kind of odd looking and unknown.
