IH 464, Deere 1250, or Ford 4610 - which to buy

[nepa]

I am looking at three tractors to mow about 60 acres with a brush hog. A Ford 4610 3.3 liter diesel with 1800 hours for $4800, a Deere 1250 2.3 liter diesel with 5500 hours for $4000, or a International 464 with 2.9 liter gas and 1300 hours for $3000. All have gear transmissions. I am leaning towards the Ford because of the power, roll bar that the IH does not have, better shock absorbing seat, and low hours. I would appreciate opinions, especially on how much life I should get on the engines. Thanks.

 

[RickB]

The Ford is an easy choice. More HP, Better features, FAR better OEM AND aftermarket parts availability. Ignition and fuel system parts for the IH will be difficult to find; stay away from that. 50 series Deere CUT parts are spendy and increasingly difficult to find; the 1250 and 1650 had lower production numbers than the 850 and 950 so the problem is worse with the larger models.

 

[Farmer495]

Out of the list you have the 4610. If the 464 was diesel I'd consider it. 4610 is a newer tractor anyways.

1250 Deere is a Yanmar.

 

[ch1ch2]

The IH 464 came in gas or diesel.
If it is diesel, it might be a good buy.
I have 2 IH tractors and they work good for me and I have not had a problem finding parts.

 

[RickB]

The IH 464 came in gas or diesel.
If it is diesel, it might be a good buy.
I have 2 IH tractors and they work good for me and I have not had a problem finding parts.

OP clearly says the 464 is a gasser. I'll stand by my comments relating to that configuration.

 

[ShowroomShine]

I'm a diehard IH guy, but in your situation you need the Ford. Diesel, more power, and more comfortable.

Might I suggest an even larger tractor? 60 acres is ALLOT of land to bushog with a 50HP tractor and 6' bushog.

 

[RickB]

Depending on what is actually being cut, a 7 or 8 foot cutter may be in order.