I'm not a mechanic

[Ford tractor]

While old fords, Case's, Farmall's and Deere's are good machines, they are often lacking in what we today consider basic features. Live hydraulics, independent PTO, locking rear axle, etc. Around the late '60s those machines started to be much more commonly featured. But, they no longer have that "classic tractor" look.

Just thoughts to keep in mind.


Oh, the best way to become a mechanic is probably the way the OP's dad used. Buy a tractor and fix it when it breaks.

 

[timswi]

If you really want a vintage machine and want to learn, buy a good old one...If you want to use it every day and not have to have flexible mechanical aptitude..Buy it new and be done with it...Once that's paid off, find a classic tractor to putter around with.

As others have said, most of the oldies lack the modern stuff.

 

[Soundguy]

UH.. yeah right.. er.. NOOOOO

late 1952.. ford came out with live hyds with the NAA

1959, ford had independent pto ( with live pto available in mid late 1954 ), and a pseudo live pto via hand clutch available earlier than that as a retrofit for 8n and naa.

3 cyl machines in 65 brought in diffy lock on some models.. etc.

independent pto and live hyds and diffy lock were available on many flavors early on. right along with ford.. some before.. some after..

soundguy

While old fords, Case's, Farmall's and Deere's are good machines, they are often lacking in what we today consider basic features. Live hydraulics, independent PTO, locking rear axle, etc. Around the late '60s those machines started to be much more commonly featured. But, they no longer have that "classic tractor" look.

Just thoughts to keep in mind.


Oh, the best way to become a mechanic is probably the way the OP's dad used. Buy a tractor and fix it when it breaks.

 

[crazyal]

One of the best ways to become a mechanic is to buy something like an older tractor and then keep it running. You should be able to rent a tractor if you need one while yours is down. Of course a new Kubota will give you years of trouble free service and if keeping an old tractor running is not something you want to do or have the time for then it's the best option.

 

[super55]

Personally I would look around for a MF 165. If that's what you grew up with and your dad had there is some sentimental attachment to this tractor. The 165 is an excellent tractor fully capable of doing all the task you ask of it. Parts are readily available for the 165's. They were a very popular tractor and came in both diesel and gasoline models I believe.

Old tractors were built around one thing and that was to pull and pull well. I love my old oliver. The tractor seems to sing when it gets a load under it, the governor kicks in gives it a little extra umph and we she don't bog down or miss a bit under a heavy load. I've never had to take it into the shop for repairs but I'm willing to bet repairs would be cheaper than a newer tractor just because labor costs would be so much less.

I'm just curious what your main uses for this are going to be? Hobby farming, food plotting, estate maintenance?