Advice on Compact W/Loader

[Frank DeForrest]

If you can find a Ford 1920 with low hours, and in good condition it seems like it would be perfect for your needs.
I have the 1920, with 4 wheel drive, shuttle shift, and Ford loader.
It is my backup/light duty machine, and I love it!
I bought mine used with 1025 hours.
If it is a really clean one with low hours, you might expect to spend up to 14K.
I bought mine for $9,500, but then spent 6K to make it look like new.
Too much money?....probably.....but it is my little Ford sweetheart.

I have found a couple clean 1920's in the 5-600 hour range, but no loaders and it seems like a bunch of trouble to source everything to add one later especially given the age of these tractors now. They certainly hold their value and seem rated really high.
And one would sure look nice sitting next to the 3600 in the barn.

 

[fried1765]

I have found a couple clean 1920's in the 5-600 hour range, but no loaders and it seems like a bunch of trouble to source everything to add one later especially given the age of these tractors now.
Not to mention it would look nice sitting next to the 3600 in the barn.

The Ford 7108 loader is the one that fits that tractor.
Maybe you could find the loader first.
Might try Weavers, they are a salvage yard.

Unless you can find the loader first, I would not buy the tractor.
That said, of course, it is ALWAYS preferable to buy the tractor complete, with a mounted loader.

 

[RoyJackson]

Sorry Roy, I was mistaken, its a 790 not a 970.

790 is a nice tractor...owned one for years...but $15K is too much, and the #7 backhoe isn't real strong.
The 955 is a solid tractor...but parts could be an issue. However, of the ones you named...that's the one I'd go for.
One more quick comment about the 790...it has a non-synchro transmission, but it's not that bad. You select the gear you need for the job, not shift up through the gears like a truck or car manual. The biggest downside is reverse...high is too fast, low is practically a creeper. That's the only reason I traded my 790 for a Deere 4400 with a reverser transmission

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Good to know Roy, thank you. Have since found a 955 w/loader and backhoe for $13k about 4 hours away.

Thanks for the tip about Weavers fried. Their website shows a bunch of old Fords with loaders, but I'll admit I'm a little put off with the logistics of finding one, going to get it (or pay the freight) and then trying to get it to work. Turnkey is probably how I'll go.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

As I read and compare, I cant help but notice that while very well regarded, the 955 is a much smaller (weight,tire size, lift capability wise) tractor when measured against its peers. What am I missing? Is it the lower center of gravity and power to weight that made it so appealing?

 

[JonBoyHunter]

I worked at a campground for years when I was younger - put over 2K hours on a 955. I mowed (72" mid mount), did tons of loader work, moved dozen's of heavy campers every weekend, hauled boats in and out of the water constantly, etc. It was a work horse!

When I got my own place, I found a Ford 1715 (non synchro manual) with a 7108 loader. I put 500 hours on that tractor in 2 years while I was building my house. I loved that tractor, extremely stout, never had a single problem with it. The only reason I sold it was I couldn't find a mid PTO kit, and wanted to put a MMM on it. Bought it for $7800 in 2004 and traded it for $7500 on a Deere 3120 in 2006.

I'd reccomend either the 955 or a 1715/1720/1920. They are both great choices. Good luck with your search.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Good info JBH, thank you.