i have been wanting a older tractor for quite awhile but really just dont know enough about them to feel comfortable buying one that would be my only tractor to rely on. now that i have a newer diesel with less than 900 hrs on it to rely on and have convinced the better half it would be a good learning experiance for the future needs of the JD i would like to have an old tractor to learn some of the skills and techniqes i have been reading about here. based on the following what would you reccomend.
my skill level-have worked on mechanichal systems such as a/c compressors rebuilding top ends, basic wrenching we all did coming up cause we couldnt pay someone. i am fair with stick,mig,and brazing, i own the old standby lincoln tombstone 225 a/c and have access to a miller trailblazer w/ hi freq box and tig torch though i'm not good with it. general mechanical work on conveyors, hydro gate operators,pumps,pretty varied array of electrical componets,motor starters,etc. i would describe myself as having more skill than knowledge or confidence with tractors
would like to have diesel but may go with gas if benefits are great enough.
parts readily available and preferably economical ut i know thats a stretch
simple and basic-translate-easy for the beginer to work on:thumbsup:
hyd lift 3pt/pto
it would be used for small ag ops, harrows,plows, cultivating, hilling and i have a planter i might use on it.
any suggestions will be appreciated.
thanks.
earl.
It sounds like you want "using machine" to supplement you newer tractor. It also sounds like you're handy enough with tools to do the routine stuff that needs doing on an older machine.
Before I go any further, let me tell you I am biased to the xx00 and the xx10 Fords, particularly the latter. They are rugged reliable machines; the 10 Series even have independent pto;'s and some have remotes. (We own an '82 4610 that did all the heavy lifting on my ranceh untill we a bought a used NH TD95D last fall.) The 4610 is still in the stable and does the appropriate work for a tractor of it's size and type. I also have a '54 Ferguson TO-30 that I pull my irrigation pipe trailer with it, a plow snow, and disk and rip the wife's 40 x 160 garden with. I wouldn't be without the NH or the Ford. While I have a sentmental attachment to the Ferguson, it grows weaker every day. It does not have live pto or live hydraulics and is just not versatile enough for our needs on the ranch. it was designed as a primary tillage machine back in the '40's( plow, disk, and harrow) and I'm no farmer. It, like the other tractors we have is reliable, starts easilly, and runs well.
My recommendation to you is something with a diesel (common fuel for both tractors plus fuel economy) live pto (as a minuimum)and live hydraulics with remotes OR the capabilty of easily adding remotes. The HP depends on the size of the implements you have or want to use. if you want to use it with a loader, I'd recommend 4WD (stonger axle and traction with a bucket load in mud).
I'm strongly considering selling my TO-30 and getting a Ford 2810 or a MF 230, etc. It will do all I am doing with the TO-30 plus give me the ability to safely do things that are diffiicult with the Ferguson. There are enough old duffers around that want to play with antique tractors and go to parades, etc that I won't have too much difficulty getting my money out of it.
I know that's not a specific recommendation but you can find what I call a second or third generation tractor( I define first generation as the Fergusons, the N series Fords , the non-live pto non-live hydraulics machines; the second generation would be the xx00 Ford's etc; I'd call the xx10 Series Fords, etc the third generation) it would probably meet your needs.
You'll note I did not mention JD. That's because the only experience I have with them is the '59 435D and it was a good solid 2nd generation 30 hp machine. They have so many models and I am just not that familiar with them. I'm sure there are some models that will fit you needs but they tend to be priced higher than the other comparable machines I mentioned and I personally (my opinion) do not see the value versus price on them. JD has a big presence where I live and NH is trying to get back in. Whether they suceed or not remains to be seen. Since I do my own workthat's not a big point with me nor is it worth the big mark up versus other first line machines.
Opinions are like belly buttons; everybody's got one. This is mine for what ever it's worth.