Articulating or 4-wheel steering?

[MNBobcat]

Hi Guys,

I need a farm tractor with a very sharp turning radius. I don't want to spend $10k or more on a tractor though. So what I am wondering (and haven't found from searching) is if there were ever any tractors produced in the 60hp or less range that either articulated or had 4-wheel steering? I'm thinking if I could find something old to fix up that would be the most economical. I don't need 4WD.

I'd consider taking old tractor parts and building my own. I do have the tools to do it. You could make a tractor with 4 wheel steering using two front-ends from a 4WD tractor -- but then I don't know how a guy would implement a PTO.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[mostly_gas]

Not sure what turning radius you are looking for, but with a lot of the old tractor you had the ability to independently lock the inside rear wheel and pivot around the contact patch. I did it a lot with my 8N when mowing. When I went 4WD I did it less as Ihad more damage with less turning.
New Holland had a feature called Super Steer the was more maneuverable, but not having it myself I just know it was out there.

 

[kf4uda]

Most any of the old smaller ag tractors would spin around using the brakes as mostly_gas described. My old 861 Ford will spin on a dime and give you change. It will of course damage the ground so I would not do that on turf. Several of the older models were available with a narrow (tricycle) front end. They will turn very sharp without using the brakes. Some models that come to mind are a 560 International (around 65~70hp I think), 961 Ford (48hp), 3020 John Deere (around 60~65hp).

 

[PapaPerk]

What specs are you after? There's many European tractors that are articulated... used in vineyards, etc.

Alpine tractors, flail mowers and two wheel tractors

American Pasquali | 4-wheel drive tractors for sale

Ventrac - Advantages: Center Oscillating/Articulating Tractor

Birth of a 4WD Articulated Garden Tractor

HOLDER of North America - Superior Control and Power - Articulated Compact Tractor Models

Italianate Tractor Design with pictures.htm

 

[MNBobcat]

Hi Papaperk,

It is for use in a Vineyard. I don't want to give up the 25 feet on each end of the row for a standard tractor to be able to make the turn.

I've seen those European tractors but don't seem to see them for sale here in the States or if they are they are newer and too expensive.

 

[Taylortractornut]

Dad has an older Pasquali a 991 model that he bought. A man that works for us bought it new in the early eighties. Its hydraulic articulated and 4x4. It also has a loader. Withouth the loader it can narrow down to 36 inches with the wheels set in but its 48 with the loader on.

 

[rambler]

Narrow front end tractors from the 1950s and 1960s will give you a very tight turning radius.

--->Paul

 

[gengine]

My massey 165 has incredible turning radius. Maybe find on and give it a test drive. It's even the wide front.

 

[bcp]

Narrow front end tractors from the 1950s and 1960s will give you a very tight turning radius.

--->Paul

Here is an example, at about 1:40, 1:50, and 2:00

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIp7G6J0rDE]John Deere model A 1947 - YouTube[/ame]

Bruce

 

[gengine]

I hate to be a nit picker, but that's not a '47. It has electric start which wasn't around yet.
Edit: never mind...my facts were wrong. Electric start came out in '39

 

[hodge]

You say 60 hp or less range, but it is probably more helpful to know from what hp to what hp that you think you might need. It sounds like your budget isn't big enough for what you want.

 

[flusher]

Hi Guys,

I need a farm tractor with a very sharp turning radius. I don't want to spend $10k or more on a tractor though. So what I am wondering (and haven't found from searching) is if there were ever any tractors produced in the 60hp or less range that either articulated or had 4-wheel steering? I'm thinking if I could find something old to fix up that would be the most economical. I don't need 4WD.

I'd consider taking old tractor parts and building my own. I do have the tools to do it. You could make a tractor with 4 wheel steering using two front-ends from a 4WD tractor -- but then I don't know how a guy would implement a PTO.

Anyone have any ideas?

All (or nearly all) tractors have separate braking on the rear wheels to facilitate tight turns. Tight left turn--stand on the left brake and steer left. Similarly for right turns.

If that's not enough for your needs, I'd find an old track layer like a large Cletrac, like this. You can find these under $10K.

 

[rankrank1]

My 1950 narrow front John Deere A (similar to video) will literally turn in place without even using the brakes (by turn in place I mean the inside tire stays in the same real estate). I like my vintage JD A putt putt for hobby work, but for true farm work then I would want a JD 720 or better yet a JD 730 if you desire a putt putt for true farm work although they will command a price premium at least they willl have modern features like 3-pt, live hydraulics, live PTO, power steering, etc..

If the narrow front option works for you then I would be looking for something like an International 656 or Farmall 706 from the mid-1960's. These will easily cover your tight turning requirements and have modern fetaures. and can be be easily found at less than your budget range. If less hp will do then International and Farmall also made smaller models too with less hp with narrow front.

John Deere 2510 or 2520 with narrow front would be very nice too but will command a price premium. (whatever you do though do not buy a JD 2010).

 

[rankrank1]

Just did a little more searching and it looks like Antonio Carraro already makes tractors like you might be interested in. They are articulated, reversible, outfitable with front and rear mounted 3 point hitches. Really the possibilities are endless for configuarations although doubtful to be in your budget.

Regardless it does not look like any of the articulated tractors will turn as tight as the old narrow front tractors if turnig radius is priority #1. While I could not find any turning specs on the Antonio Carraro's there were some posted on Valtracs, Ventracs, Steiner's, etc which are tiny articulated tractors in comparison to the much bigger Anonio Carraro's and the turning radius's were not what I expected even out of the little tractors. My guess is it only gets worse when bigger but could be wrong.