Advice on Compact W/Loader

[Frank DeForrest]

Looking for some opinions. I've got a 60 acres of which 50/50 is woods/open field. My neighbor cuts hay off of 20, the rest I handle with a Cub Zero Turn and Ford 3600 w/ 6ft Caroni flail.
Now Im looking for a 30 +/-horse 4x4 w/loader (backhoe would be nice, but not necessary) for driveway maintenance and whatever else comes up.
Im not wanting new,I'm sorta fond of older stuff (realize parts sourcing can be a hassle) and I'm trying to stay under $15k
I'd really like to find a Ford 1920 to match the 3600 but none to be found with loaders.
Locally there is a nice looking Ford 1720 w/loader and box blade (no shuttle shift) but seems high at $12,500.
Got a dealer in the area with some used JD's; 955 w/loader for $10,000, 790 w/loader and backhoe for $15,000 and a Cub Cadet 7530 w/loader for $8000.
Feel free to tell me I'm nuts or offer suggestions. I respect the tribal knowledge on this forum

 

[RoyJackson]

This one:

970 w/loader and backhoe for $15,000

would be the most capable of the ones you've listed

 

[shooterdon]

Why not add a box blade to the 3600 for your road maintenance? I do not have a box blade (wish I did but cannot justify it). I get by with a back blade and rake. I never use the FEL for road maintenance but I am that talented either.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

This one:
would be the most capable of the ones you've listed

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

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Why not add a box blade to the 3600 for your road maintenance? I do not have a box blade (wish I did but cannot justify it). I get by with a back blade and rake. I never use the FEL for road maintenance but I am that talented either.

Well you're not wrong to suggest that as the most practical option, but I do have other uses in mind that only a loader can satisfy

 

[dodge man]

I looked up the specs on the JD's, both would be decent tractors if in good shape. I think both would handle you flail just fine also.

 

[crashz]

The 955 is hydro and would be a really nice machine. The 790 is great, but it has a crash box transmission and would not be as fun for loader work (I had the predecessor the 770). Also, check the 3pt hitch capacity, as the 790 may have the HP to run your flail mower, it may not pick it up though. I know my 770 could only lift about 800lbs at 24" out.

 

[hks003]

Have you looked at any other brands? I bought a 2014 LS G3038 (38 HP) 4x4 with loader and bush hog for $12,500 just over a year ago. It's been a work horse for sure. The well known ford's, New Holland's, Deere, and Kubota's, even the older ones, seem to be priced much higher, especially in the used market. You'll see people on here warning others about lower resale as a reason not to buy LS, Kioti, Branson, etc. as new, but if you're buying used, use those lower resale values to your advantage.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Flail mower weighs #716 and I'll keep the 3600 for pulling it, but it would be nice to know if the 3600 goes down I'd have a back up.
And yes Im considering other/all brands, just commenting on what Ive seen locally in my price range.

 

[fried1765]

Flail mower weighs #716 and I'll keep the 3600 for pulling it, but it would be nice to know if the 3600 goes down I'd have a back up.
And yes Im considering other/all brands, just commenting on what Ive seen locally in my price range.

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.

 

[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.