Buying Advice Buying my first tractor. Help pointing me in the right direction please.

[Hansen]

Hey ya'll, I am in need of a tractor to keep up with my very long driveway and pull trees and maybe cut grass. Im looking at an old Ford 4000 for $4500 that is in very good condition. I know nothing about tractors to speak of so any help would be nice.

Thanks,

Hansen

 

[GManBart]

There are two basic Ford 4000 models. One has a three cylinder engine, and more rectangular bodywork, and the other has a 4 cylinder engine and more rounded bodywork. They were both available in gas or diesel versions. Realistically, either one will do the jobs you're talking about. Does it come with a front end loader? How many hours does it have?

TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors has the specs for most any mainstream tractor you would run into. R,

 

[Hansen]

its a FORD 4000 TRACTOR - 4 cyl. diesel, 55 hp, 172 cu. in. - No mechanical defects or fluid leaks. Ready to work and no front loader.
im also looking at a 1952 FORD 8N TRACTOR WITH REBUILT MOTOT THAT HAS LESS THAN50 hours on it. 5ft KING CUTTER BUSH HOG USED VERY LITTLE AND 5ft GRADER BOX INCLUDED! for $2500... and it comes with what I need but is it too small?

 

[Hansen]

also looking at a ford 4600 for $5800 and it looks new... is it too big for what im wanting to do?

 

[Shamus M]

also looking at a ford 4600 for $5800 and it looks new... is it too big for what im wanting to do?

Who knows if it is too big. You can keep up with a very long driveway, maybe cut grass and pull trees with a lawn and garden tractor. Your mention of needs is very vague

 

[newbury]

Give more details on maintain driveway - Gravel? Mud? Paved?

What is "pull trees" ? Do you want to uproot 100' tall cypress or drag a 10' long 12" diameter log on a cart?

We love to help but detail is important.

 

[GManBart]

its a FORD 4000 TRACTOR - 4 cyl. diesel, 55 hp, 172 cu. in. - No mechanical defects or fluid leaks. Ready to work and no front loader.
im also looking at a 1952 FORD 8N TRACTOR WITH REBUILT MOTOT THAT HAS LESS THAN50 hours on it. 5ft KING CUTTER BUSH HOG USED VERY LITTLE AND 5ft GRADER BOX INCLUDED! for $2500... and it comes with what I need but is it too small?

The 8N is a great machine, with one big drawback....the gear PTO. If you push the clutch in, the PTO stops, and your mower/cutter will stop, as well. Worse, is when you have to change directions, and lift something lie a rear blade. Stop, take the trans out of gear, let the clutch out, raise the implement, push the clutch back in, put it in gear, let out the clutch to move.....it's slow, and tiring/annoying, at best.

With a live PTO (like the 4000 has), you can push the clutch in half way to stop, change gears, etc, and the PTO will still be working, so the blades keep turning, and the lift arms will work....much handier. You simply push the clutch in farther to stop the PTO.

I would find out what transmission the 4000 has....it can make a difference.

 

[Hansen]

Thanks for all the replies. The main thing i need it for is the driveway. The tress are about 80 years old so some of them are big but I hope i never have to move one of the big ones that missed the clear cut 80 years back.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2g98oyyecjvtau9/The land.jpg
There is a pic of the land, it may give you a good idea. The driveway is gravel and water with a side of mud . I got a 9N today. I could not pass it up. I traded my AR15 for it straight up. it came with a box too. I still think it may be too small but we will find out i guess. Any advise on the 9N would be nice also. Thanks y'all.

 

[Marcus009]

i had 4000 and I was very contented with it (4 cylinder diesel). I've been buying my machines on the Intrenet for a while, mainly on Mascus. Maybe you can find ford 4000 there and compare with the model you are buying - http://www.mascus.com/agriculture/used-tractors. It's just a suggestion. I think 4000 would be sufficient for your land.

 

[Rod in Forfar]

Any advise on the 9N would be nice also. Thanks y'all.

The FIRST thing you buy is an over-running clutch attachment for your PTO. It slides right on and works as a ratchet. Don't even think about hooking up a bush hog without the over-running clutch. If you do, you'll find it works great until you drive up to the garage and try to stop. If the blade on the rotary mower is still turning, so are your back wheels, no matter how hard you stand on the brakes. This has caused a great deal of trouble over the years. Once the extra clutch is in place, enjoy your tractor. Swords to ploughshares...