100+ hp tractor suggestions

[Slippy]

Some of these 1066 & 1086 tractors look narrow. Can the back wheels be set out, or do you have to add duals? Also, can the front end be set out, and if so, is that difficult to the point where it needs to be taken to dealer to do?

 

[Slippy]

I have found 4 more 1086 Internationals in fair to good condition. At this point leaning that direction as the deeres seem to be 3-4k higher for same age and similar hp. Also found 1518 batwing. None of the older tractors I have looked at still have the pto cover. Is that an issue with the JD batwings...safe?

 

[Soundguy]

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.

I'm a latecomer to this discussion.. but if you just need to pull a batwing and a bailer.. then you don't really need 100+ hp.. You can get by in the 80+ HP range.
I'd look for a ford 7XXX series. or 8/9 series.. though the 9xxx sereis can be tough to find parts for depending on what is wrong.

Those large fords will be cheap.. like 4000-6500$

A mf1100 or similar.. or case 1xxx series will also do it.

Big deutz also come in pretty cheap ont he 80-100 hp machines.

A used but serviceable batwing mower should turn up in the 1500-2500$ range.. or at most.. in the 5k range and still be new-ish.

Look in the heavy equipment trader magazines ( yellow cover, 2$ )

get a mower/pto setup that matches your tractor.. etc.

200 ac on a 15' mower .. that's going to be 35-40 hours of no-BS down and dirty mowing.. IE 3 long days.. or 4-5 'full' days.

Soundguy

 

[Slippy]

Found my batwing mower. JD 1518, looks like new, 1997.

Working on an IH 1086. I like the bigger tractor because of my hills and the tall grass. Don't want to be pushed around on those hills. Plan to move the the wheels out to give more stability.

Soundguy, I think you are right about getting by with an 80 to 90 hp. That is about what I am doing with my 60 hp and my 10' cutter. With both, I think things should be managable until I can get a hay market again.

 

[Soundguy]

I think you will like the jd 1518. I have a 1517 and love it.

soundguy

 

[morningwood]

Slippy,

I am in central Ohio, you must be in Southern Ohio as you are talking about hills.

I know a guy that has a Massey Ferguson 1100 ( 94 PTO HP, no cab though ) with 5 hours on a overhaul. Perkins diesels are some of the most efficent, best diesels ever made. It has been sitting for about 10 - 15 years so it would need probably need the injection pump looked at and a through cleaning and fluid change. When I talked to him a few months ago he said that he would part with it for 7 - 8k.

If I didn't have 5k in repair work done to my fordson it would already be in my barn. It is a super nice machine and makes my Fordson look like a toy.

The gentleman who owns it is super knowledgeable about tractors and has a bone yard in my area. He used this tractor personally before he quit farming. If you would like his info let me know and I can pass it on.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[zzvyb6]

I'm surprized no one's mentioned a JD4020. I remember borrowing one a few years back to mow & bale and run a pto alternator. It was a low tractor, easy to get on and off. My friend also had the IH1086 and I used that, too. It was a much taller tractor. No opinion one which is better. I always go for the make with the most dealers close by and an on-line parts view, description and ordering system. The 4020 left a special mark in my memory, easy to use, ran on the road in top gear, easy on fuel, easy to service and always started inspite of the fact that it was left outside all year 'round.

A batwing mower does NOT need that much power or 4wd. If it crawls or drifts on a hill, use the left or right brake pedal to keep the rig straight. You said just a couple of times a year. Just focus on something that starts, or something you can jump start with a truck or car, and has decent hydraulics to raise and lower your wings.

 

[Slippy]

Morningwood: yes would be interested in talking to him. Send me a pm with his info and I will call him, or what ever he prefers. I am getting pretty close though on a 1086 that looks and runs like new at what I think is a good price. More than what I wanted to spend, but if I am ready to get rid of it in a couple of years it should do pretty well. Something that has been sitting for that many year I would be concerned about seals drying up, leaks, electrical problems, etc., but would be interested in looking. Would only be interested if it has a ROPS though.

I have looked at the JDs, in fact the whole line of them. Anything that I have found that is in decent shape is 2-4k more than IH, Ford, etc. Not saying they are not worth it, but others are as easy to get parts for and less money.

 

[morningwood]

Slippy,

Sorry, No ROPS. I am sure you could put on a ROPS.

I definitely don't blame you there. I went to college in Southern Ohio and some of the hills are definitely pretty steep.

Yes, you are correct. You would probably have to put about 1k worth of seals etc in that tractor to get it up to working condition. If you are still interested let me know.

Scott

 

[DmansPadge]

I know a guy that has a Massey Ferguson 1100 ( 94 PTO HP, no cab though ) with 5 hours on a overhaul. Perkins diesels are some of the most efficent, best diesels ever made. It has been sitting for about 10 - 15 years so it would need probably need the injection pump looked at and a through cleaning and fluid change.

Was it overhauled before or after it was sitting up?