Buying Advice Buy used or new? Need small tractor for 6ac land

[skunker]

We just bought 6ac (see pic for terrain) of country land in Texas (hill country area). Half is open field, half is treed.

What's a good general-purpose tractor for cutting grass and doing basic landscaping? There are lots of used Ford 8ns in the area and they are going for about 2k. We'd like to keep our budget around that level.

Should we buy used or new? how safe is an old Ford 8n without a rollover bar? etc.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[BruceWard]

Cant buy much of a new tractor for $2K, perhaps a box store riding lawn mower.

New tractors come with financing and a warranty.

Used tractors have more maintenance and are hard to finance.

I bought my Kubota B21 (4000 pound TLB) and John Deere LX279 (Lawn Tractor) used. I prefer the lower cost and am willing to repair when needed.

I have not used a 8n. Personally I prefer tractors with front end loaders. I find the FEL to be the most used tool on my tractor.

As for the lack of roll bar, our two 40+ HP farm tractors do not have any kind of roll over protection system. My Dad has used them without problem for hay, bush hogging and discing for 40+ years. His father did the same before him. I would not want to use them for dirt work as it is too easy to roll over when working around trenches and on slopes. Personally my B21 has a front and rear roll bar (FOPS) and I prefer this.

 

[/pine]

My opinion is...if you can afford the time...keep shopping and buy used...look at as many tractors as you can (that would perform the required tasks)...

if you shop long enough and the urge to get in the seat does not inturrupt the shopping...sooner or later you will find almost exactly what you need...attachments included...within your budget...

 

[Grandad4]

As noted by others, you're not going to find a new, real tractor for anything close to $2,000. New tractors cost as much as new cars, and modern used tractors hold their value way better than used cars. So one of those old Fords is probably your best bet.

Plenty of people mow with those old 8N's, or something similar. Obviously, when you buy a 50-60 year old tractor, it's a bit of a gamble. Some have been well maintained, many more have not, so you might get one that will run OK for years, but you might also get one that will need major repairs sometime soon. Nearly all of them need minor repairs and tinkering to keep them working. If you know someone who is familiar with these old machines, maybe they can help you find one in decent condition.

I couldn't recommend you buy something without rollover protection, but your property does not look particularly hilly, and countless people use those old Fords and Fergusons every day, so you wouldn't be alone if you bought one. Please be very cautious, particularly the first few times you mow your property, so you can learn about any sinkholes, ditches, stumps, rocks, etc. that must be avoided.

I am sending you a private message with some additional information.

 

[TripleR]

I used an 8N many, many years ago and much prefer the NAA/Jubilee/600 Series, but a lot of people still use them.

If you can find one in good mechanical condition, it will do what you need, my brothers use old Fords on one of our farms all the time. We only use them in the flatlands, as I used one in the hills for a few years and it always worried me.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto that.. if you are in the budget for an 8n.. then look a lil newer like 53-64 and get a naa, or preferably a hundred series, or 4 cyl thousnd series. best units will have a 5spd and preferably, live pto. *6* in model number for the 55-62 models.

you can get a rops that fits the 8n thru 64 machines.( would need seatbelts /seat replacement too )

soundguy

 

[TripleR]

Ditto that.. if you are in the budget for an 8n.. then look a lil newer like 53-64 and get a naa, or preferably a hundred series, or 4 cyl thousnd series. best units will have a 5spd and preferably, live pto. *6* in model number for the 55-62 models.

you can get a rops that fits the 8n thru 64 machines.( would need seatbelts /seat replacement too )

soundguy

One of my favorite tractors to this day was an old Ford 841 Powermaster. I recently saw an 861 Powermaster in good condition at my Kubota dealer and could hardly resist buying it.

 

[Soundguy]

lotsa hp in a small footprint.. and the 4spd crashbox was easy to use and pretty durable.the 5spd is a bit odd.. but you can kinda use it like a shuttle between 3/R on the top gate. live clutch is nice too.

soundguy

 

[toddol1971]

I know its not a ford, but I think for about $3500 you can get a good massey 35,50, or 65. I think the ford 2000, 3000 would be good. Tractors do not roll over very easily. My massey 65 has an adjustable track width. Its also low to the ground. I wouldnt buy an 8n unless they were giving it away. Then I'd give it to charity!!! No offense to anyone who likes them, but I used one and never liked it. I think there are better choices for the same money or just a hair more money. What sound guy said is good too. good luck

 

[manganos]

One thing to think about is if you are a Farm Bureau member they will help offset the cost of putting a ROPS on your older tractor. Become a member and ask them for the form. You pay upfront I believe then they reimburse you $200 in VA.

Here is a link.


Safety--Virginia Farm Bureau