100+ hp tractor suggestions

[Slippy]

Looking for suggestions for a good 100+ hp tractor to pull a batwing mower. Will need to mow 200+ acres this summer 2x. I know this is larger than most discussions on this board, but any suggestions would be appriciated. Have looked at TW25 and JD4440 and 4450. Will be buying batwing mower too, and this will be its only use right now. May use next year on bailer. But for now, want to get things cut nice and keep it short so I don't have a bunch of dead grass build up that will make for not so good hay next year. If I wait, grass will get tall and big cut will make a mess that won't compost.
Any suggestions would be appriciated.

 

[Seanachie]

Have you considered having somebody else mow it for a fee right now so that you can take the time to make an informed decision without being rushed? I know you know tractors but the last thing you want to do is feel rushed to judgement on this big of a purchase.

Good Luck!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

What is your budget? New Holland has the TD-D line available with cab and FWA and is good affordable hp. As for older tractors, the 66 and 86 series Internationals were good machines. The Ford TW's are good tractors but if you are looking at one have a Ford/NH mechanic look it over for you as they had some issues.

I did not follow the John Deere line to be of much help with them but if you want some great real world advice about these tractors go to Viewing a forum - Machinery Talk and ask these guys. They will give you loads of information.

 

[pekabu]

I work at a farm sometimes and they have a new McCormick CX105. Perkins diesel. I can't compare it to other tractors unfortunatly. Real nice tractor though.

 

[Slippy]

There are many reasons for not hiring it out, although that is a great idea. Lets just say that is not an option for me.

Budget...cheap. I would like to be in the 10 to 15k range. I am looking at older tractors with 4000 to 6000 hrs on them. I only expect to use it a couple of times a year, so I hate to have much tied up in it. Plus, will need a mower that I expect will be in the 4k to 7k range.

I was thinking Deere, Ford or International becasue of parts and service availability. I would think that with 100 to 140 ptohp I can move along pretty quickly.

Robert: I went to the Ag site but can't figure out how to post. Any suggestions?

 

[art]

I'd say a good used Case-IH 5140 or maybe a MX series like the 130 would take care of it with a 12' mower.

 

[pekabu]

Two years ago I ran an older Case CX100 (84hp I think). It was dependable and parts were still availible except the dealer wanted $300 for a new alt. Ended up getting a different one (from something else, not sure what) and making it work. We were under a deadline so getting it rebuilt and back in was out of the question.

 

[flusher]

There are many reasons for not hiring it out, although that is a great idea. Lets just say that is not an option for me.

Budget...cheap. I would like to be in the 10 to 15k range. I am looking at older tractors with 4000 to 6000 hrs on them. I only expect to use it a couple of times a year, so I hate to have much tied up in it. Plus, will need a mower that I expect will be in the 4k to 7k range.

I was thinking Deere, Ford or International becasue of parts and service availability. I would think that with 100 to 140 ptohp I can move along pretty quickly.

Robert: I went to the Ag site but can't figure out how to post. Any suggestions?

I would look at 1980s vintage Case 2WD tractors.

A Case 2594 (180 hp pto) recently sold on eBay for $7611 (7700 hours).

A Case 2390 (150 hp pto) sold for $7800 (4319 hours).

A Case 2290 (130 hp engine) sold for $7250.

I'm not saying that you should buy on eBay. But you should be able to find something at a dealer or in the classifieds in your area.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

We just bought this Case 1200 for $4500. It needs tires and a seat. This is a true 4 wheel drive that is not articulated, has 4 wheel steering, turns very sharp, 120hp.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

You have to set up an account and log in to post on Ag Talk.

What size mower are you looking to buy? There is the Ford 7610, 7710, 7810 which is 87 pto hp but can be turned up to 120hp easily if you feel the need for more hp. They are all basically the same tractor but are slightly different. The 7610 is more of a low profile tractor. Just remember, there are two different Ford/NH 7610 tractors. There is one from the 80's and then there is the 7610S from the late 90's There is also the Ford 8210 which is 100 pto hp. The 10 series Ford tractors are very nice tractors.

Are you looking for just a tractor to pull it with and anything will do or are you looking for any specific options like a cab or FWA? How many remotes will the brush chopper require? Both John Deere and New Holland have more of a price line of tractors that are more of a bare bones tractor like these older tractors and the price of these new ones is not as bad as you might think. It never hurts to ask though as it will give you a basis for how much you will want to spend on a used machine in your area.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

What is your budget? New Holland has the TD-D line available with cab and FWA and is good affordable hp. As for older tractors, the 66 and 86 series Internationals were good machines. The Ford TW's are good tractors but if you are looking at one have a Ford/NH mechanic look it over for you as they had some issues.

I did not follow the John Deere line to be of much help with them but if you want some great real world advice about these tractors go to Viewing a forum - Machinery Talk and ask these guys. They will give you loads of information.

I owned a Deere 4250 for 8 years. Really good tractor! (110hp) The 4440 and 4450 are 2 of the best tractors Deere ever produced. VERY good reputation. Doubtful you'll find any of those models under $15,000 that are still in decent shape though, especially cab models. (Open station models are somewhat scarce) Green paint is apparently very valuable. 4230's and 4430's are quite a bit less money, but carry a few issues.

Robert touched upon a good idea. The XX66 and XX86 International Harvester models are amongst the best ever in their hp class, yet bring far less than comparable Deere's. My personal favorite is the 1066 (125hp on the pto)

Strictly speaking HP per dollar, your best buys will be Case, Ford, Massey, Oliver, and Allis Chalmers.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I'm with FWJ as far as the 1066 Int. Probably find a good one with 4500 hrs for about $8K or so. Parts are phone call away....Go here.....Red Power Magazine BobG in VA

 

[Oleozz]

My friend Steve has a McCromick that's about 110 hp., he says its a great tractor.
In this area the Internationals are very popular, used they are selling for anywhere from $8000 up to $16,000 for one in mint condition.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

My personal favorite is the 1066 (125hp on the pto)

The 1066 is one of the best tractors ever built. But if the original poster is looking for a cab tractor he might want to look for a 1086 as the cab is a lot better on the 86 series.

Around here people know all about the 1066 and what they have and the price is right up there. If you find a 1066 for sale up here for what appears to be a good price chances are the tractor has been beat. The farmers just won't sell them here. I had a friend who passed away a few years back and one of his favorite hobbies was going to auctions in Canada and Ohio and buying 1066 Internationals. He would bring them home and put them up for sale and make a couple grand every time. The tractors never sat there for long either before someone scooped it up.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The 1066 is one of the best tractors ever built. But if the original poster is looking for a cab tractor he might want to look for a 1086 as the cab is a lot better on the 86 series.

Around here people know all about the 1066 and what they have and the price is right up there. If you find a 1066 for sale up here for what appears to be a good price chances are the tractor has been beat. The farmers just won't sell them here. I had a friend who passed away a few years back and one of his favorite hobbies was going to auctions in Canada and Ohio and buying 1066 Internationals. He would bring them home and put them up for sale and make a couple grand every time. The tractors never sat there for long either before someone scooped it up.

And besides the obvious fact that the 1066 is a great tractor, they're a very handsome ride too.

Don't rule out a 966. It's ALMOST the same tractor, just without the turbo and 25hp less.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

And around here the 966 is usually quite a bit cheaper the the 1066.

The 1066 is a great looking tractor.

 

[art]

For you boys on the red the 966 did have a larger cubic engine. It didn't start quite as well in the cold and even by adding a turbo they couldn't match the 414's short stroke for quick rpm gains. The 1066 and the 966 did both use the same chassis and in the 86 series the 10 went to the same rear end as the 14 series.

 

[redlevel]

MF 1100-1105 is a good 100-125hp option. I bought a 1105 ten years ago for $3800, put on two new rear tires, and used it for a couple of years, then sold it for $5000. It was one of the best tractors I ever owned. I believe you could find a good one in GA for $6000 or less. The isn't much demand for older high hp tractors here. Farmers use newer stuff and deer hunters and hobby farmers want 40-60 hp.

 

[Slippy]

Ok, all of you nice suggestions.

I think I failed to mention that 4wd is necessary with ROPS. I am on some pretty steap stuff and with a tractor of this size, I don't think I want to rely on a second chance.

I have done some searching for a 1066 as voted by Farmwithjunk and Robert, but have not found one in 4wd. 1066 must be popular because have not found many of them.

Robert, I think the 87 hp are a little on the light side.

Redlevel: doing checking now on a mf.

I have found a JD 4440 with cab 4wd. The 4wd is hydrualic as opposed to mechanical, any one know much about this, Farmwithjunk?

I am just looking for something that will pull a batwing. Although would be nice if I could find a great deal on something with cab and air, it is not necessary. Will probably use it 50 to 60 hrs per year. Think it takes two remotes to run batwing, one for each wing. So, with that, need two rear remotes.

So, in sum, cheap, stable, 100+ pto hp, parts availability, ROPS, 4wd and if possible, 1000 & 540 pto. Am I asking too much to get something like this under 10K w/ 4000 to 6000 hrs.

 

[radman1]

100+ hp in 4 WD with 4000-6000 hours is going to be hard to find for under $10,000. I have seen a few Olivers that could meet those criteria but now you are dealing with a more obselete tractor. Why 4 WD? 2 WD and no cab is will probably meet your requirements. Cab tractor will bring more that ROPS. Cabs in larger tractor are much more common and have better resale. 4 WD is not really necessary for batwing mower or baler.
We bought our IH 1086 cab 3 years ago for $14,000 from our uncle on his auction. Very well kept, shedded, 3500 hours with duals. 2WD and 3 rear hydraulics.