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

NC419N · Dec 20, 2017

3000 4000 Ford Diesel with 8 speed really great bang for you $$ plenty of parts out there 65 thru 74 would be my first option. After that Massey 235's are great simple machines as well. I stayed away from Deere's just because of dealer location's over the years in my area. but that's just my .02

Farmer495 · Dec 21, 2017

IH 454 / 574 / 674
IH 484 / 584 /684

diesel power (Some 74 series were gas), synchronized transmission, IPTO, no center sticks, power steering, decent 3pt hitch, diff lock, excellent hyd brakes.

ovrszd · Dec 21, 2017

Ford's parts availability is excellent. Their price is reflective of the tractor's quality. You get what you pay for.

65plymouth · Dec 21, 2017

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it. Looks like the Ford 4600 is in the running based on suggestions about Fords in this thread. Problem is the decent ones that appear to be taken care of are out of my price range. See the link I posted on the previous page.

I am still very fond of the Massey 150/165/255 with the Perkins diesel.

Also considering the IH models like the 574. Do the older IH tractors and Masseys have good parts availability?

Farmer495 · Dec 22, 2017

65plymouth said:
Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it. Looks like the Ford 4600 is in the running based on suggestions about Fords in this thread. Problem is the decent ones that appear to be taken care of are out of my price range. See the link I posted on the previous page.

I am still very fond of the Massey 150/165/255 with the Perkins diesel.

Also considering the IH models like the 574. Do the older IH tractors and Masseys have good parts availability?

Yes, IH/CIH made that basic line of tractors up until the CIH/NH merger in the 2000s. McCormick built them briefly too.

MF and IH should still be easy to get parts, never ran into an issue with our MF.

ovrszd · Dec 22, 2017

In today's techno World, pick a brand/model of tractor that you are considering, then try to find an online part. Choose a part that would be specific to that tractor, not expendables. If you can't get that part or others then avoid that tractor.

rScotty · Dec 22, 2017

ovrszd said:
In today's techno World, pick a brand/model of tractor that you are considering, then try to find an online part. Choose a part that would be specific to that tractor, not expendables. If you can't get that part or others then avoid that tractor.

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. These later model 2-cylinder gas tractors were pretty good machines. They had all the bugs worked out. We didn't actually want a tractor that old or a gasser, we needed for it to do real work and thought we would prefer a diesel, so we were actually looking for a mid-sixties diesel John Deere 3010 or 3020 with 45 to 55 hp. BTW, those are models that fit your description of what you are looking for. Take a look if one comes your way. Many of those were made, and many still working. In fact, those would be my first choice for what you are looking for.

But we ran across this slighly older 2 cylinder JD almost by accident and found out that something that a lot of people don't know about those late model 2-cylinder tractors is that JD equipped them with a a lot of things that were going to be standard on the next generation of tractors. Real modern conveniences like suspended seats, power steering, high flow/ hi pressure hydraulics, remote hydraulic outputs, quick-attach loader, the easy-adjustable cat1/II 3pt hitch with telescoping arms, modern filters, power-adjustable rear wheel width.... the list just goes on and on. Parts are inexpensive and available; my local JD dealer still carries a lot of two-cylinder era parts in stock. And the manuals for those old tractors are things of beauty themselves. They were designed for the rural person who did his own work.

So those late model two cylinder JDs are special. And it is an easy tractor to work on. If needed, I could rebuild both brakes and the clutch in an afternoon with hand tools for a few hundred bucks. In fact, none of the parts cost much. Maybe that's because all these years later the tractor still works like it should. The tach/hourmeter flat work out at about 12,000 hours. When I opened it up (yes, the tach is rebuildable) the bushings were worn clear thru. I replaced it with a brand new one. That was probably the most expensive repair we've done. Cost about $200. All the rest of the gauges and switches are still original. We don't use the old JD much anymore except for field work - but that is more a matter of being spoiled by the convenience of the new tractors with their cabs and HST transmissions. The old JD still works just fine. In fact, for sheer traction and 3 point pulling ability it will pull with anyone. Comfortable to drive, too. No cab, but it does have a clever umbrella for summer.

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

Turbys_1700 · Dec 22, 2017

I bought a Ford 4610 SU 2-1/2 years ago for less than your budget. It was a 2 owner tractor with 2900 hours. The only repairs that I have thus far is a fuel sending unit. I was aware of that issue when I purchased it. The owner of the tractor was a retired farmer and told me the history of the unit. I was confident that it was as described. I added a ROPS, top, front weight bracket, some weights, and a set of rear remotes. Parts are a non issue.

If I can offer any advise try to find one you know the history of if possible. Nothing is guaranteed in a used tractor but the service history and condition is most important.

Quebecguy · Dec 22, 2017

65plymouth said:
Also considering the IH models like the 574. Do the older IH tractors and Masseys have good parts availability?

I am getting a bit worried about the lack of availability of some parts for my IH tractor of the same vintage as the 574. One example: the o-ring that seals the hydraulic filter screen is no longer available and as far as I can tell it is neither a metric nor an American standard size o-ring.

65plymouth · Dec 22, 2017

Wow... I really appreciate all the replies, suggestions, and insight. I have 2 young boys and whatever I buy, I plan on keeping for a long time and possibly restoring it with the help of my sons. That is my plan anyways.... Their plan may differ!

This is specifically why I ask about parts availability. I live in an area of Michigan that is rural and has virtually every dealer for every manufacturer within a half hour or less drive.

The more I read up, the more I am learning. I guess every 65-80's vintage tractor has their issues. So maybe some of you can clear the air about a couple things I have read about the brands that have been discussed in this thread.

Ford 3000/4000 3 cylinders - Not many bad things. Good all around tractors. I have read that the engine blocks are porous and may be susceptible to cracking? Also, that engine rebuilds can be very expensive. Any other known issues with these?

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?

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.

Should I be looking at anything else? The Oliver 1550's are super cool. I really like them... But there doesn't seem to be many out there and I wonder about parts being hard to find.

I was given a local referral to a guy named Dan Gingell and his daughter Rachel who seem to be very popular in the vintage tractor scene.. They live 2 roads over from me. I may give him a call and pick brain or better yet, maybe he knows of something local that I would be interested in.