Buying Advice 1965-1980 - 2 Wheel Drive - 40/60hp Suggestions??

[corl]

Had a IH574Row Crop tractor for a decade and it was great. Traded it on 4x4 and got 70% of its new price after 30+ years. I really liked the tractor. Just needed 4wd so I wouldn't get stuck in the field tilling in the spring. Mine was a loader tractor.

 

[square1]

There does seem to be a big difference in part availability on older tractors. It can be poor or surprisingly good. Parts are a good thing to look at when looking at older machines. Another thing is that a lot of these older tractors came with optional power steering and modern high pressure hydraulics. Definitely look for those.

When we got started with rural living we ended up buying an older 1958 John Deere two cylinder tractor. It wasn't what we were looking for - we wanted something new and fancy - but this couldn't have worked out better. We still have it. This is a John Deere model 530 2 cylinder. Makes about 32 HP.... but those are big horses....
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that your idea about an older 2 wheel drive tractor sure did work for us. We got a keeper for a fraction of the cost of new. A real member of the family.
rScotty

The 400 - 800 series Deeres are great machines. Cut my teeth on a 1958 630 row crop WF. The hand clutch came in handy, at 6 years old I couldn't reach the foot clutch Little older than the OP stated interest in but if one came available it would be worth his time to look at it.

 

[LD1]

The Ford's aren't too costly to rebuild.

I just rebuilt a 5000 motor. And engine rebuild kits weren't any more costly than other makes of similar vintage and size.

The old Oliver's were physically larger for their given HP when compared to Ford's and IH. Great if you are doing field work....not as great for utility type work

 

[bcp]

The two cylinder John Deere is the only tractor that comes equipped with tractor sound. All the others have truck sound.



Bruce

 

[Farmer495]

IH 484/584/574 etc - Parking brake issues, unbearable heat while operating during the summer months, dry clutch issues, and problems starting in cold weather? Also make better loader tractors than field tractors?

Yes parking brake can be issue...but it's operator error (leaving it on and driving away)

Never saw heat in summer as an issue, I've put up a lot of hay in the heat of the summer sitting on one of these tractors.

Dry clutch is no more of an issue than any other tractor, no inherent flaws. We had over 3000 hours on original clutch, loader work included.

Makes a good field AND loader tractor, LH forward/reverse, and I've spent more hours doing field work on one than loader work.

 

[ovrszd]

Definitely go visit the Gingell family. Very valuable resource of information. Also, you can rely on their expertise and interest in years to come. Add them to your Christmas Card list!!!!

 

[RickB]

Yes parking brake can be issue...but it's operator error (leaving it on and driving away)

Never saw heat in summer as an issue, I've put up a lot of hay in the heat of the summer sitting on one of these tractors.

Dry clutch is no more of an issue than any other tractor, no inherent flaws. We had over 3000 hours on original clutch, loader work included.

Makes a good field AND loader tractor, LH forward/reverse, and I've spent more hours doing field work on one than loader work.

Doncaster built IH utility tractors are notorious for short clutch life, especially as hp and loader use increases. Clutch diameter is smaller than many competitors. Your experience is to be commended. That kind of clutch life is indicative of conscientious operation.

 

[LouNY]

For field work I would much prefer a row crop over any utility, I have a 575 and it is a decent tractor quite handy and nimble but for field work and easy of getting on and off the higher flatter platform
of the row crops is so much easier to get on and off instead of stepping over the transmission and sitting down. Therefor; I would recommend any of the IH Farmall 560, 606, 656, 706 or 66 and 86 series would easily be my first choices, the JD 30-40 series where also good tractors as also the numbered Allis's and Oliver 50's.

 

[aczlan]

Massey 150/165/255 - Weak Hydraulics, bullet proof Perkins, run far away from multipower if it isn't working 100%. I heard this can be a very costly fix. Many more available 500 miles south of me.

If it has a loader on it, it may have a crankshaft mounted pump (at the front of the engine below the radiator and power steering, with the hydraulic tank built into the loader frame). If that is the case it would have good hydraulics. Just check on that before you discount a Massey.

Aaron Z

 

[RickB]

If it has a loader on it, it may have a crankshaft mounted pump (at the front of the engine below the radiator and power steering, with the hydraulic tank built into the loader frame). If that is the case it would have good hydraulics. Just check on that before you discount a Massey.

Aaron Z

Look for the same thing on a Ford. Night and day for loader applications.