Looking for a "30/30" diesel tractor

flusher · Mar 27, 2006

Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

Now that I've gotten about a year's worth of experience under my belt with my B7510HST (21HP engine), I'm getting the itch for a larger tractor.

Any suggestions on preowned diesel tractors in the 30-35HP range, 30 years old, give or take? I realize that engine hours are more relevant than calendar years, but I like vintage tractors.

Live PTO would be nice, but not essential.

john_bud · Mar 28, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

Flusher, (do we even want to know about that handle???)

You can't go wrong with an old Ford! A 601 series with a 5 speed transmission (model 661) would have the live PTO and about 35 pto hp. Easier to find gas engines than diesel in the 600's though. A step up to an 861 would give you 45 pto hp, and live pto. Easier to find a diesel in the 801 series. A 861D with a loader can be had for $3500 to $5500 depending on condition and location. Here's some decoder ring info on the old fords.

x41 is a 4 speed
x51 is a 5 speed NO live pto
x61 is a 5 speed WITH live pto
x71 is a 10 speed automatic trans that ford called SOS with live pto
x81 is a 10 speed automatic with 2 speed live pto.
You need to check out any SOS trans to make sure that ALL gears work well when cold. $pendy to fix!!

If you want a newer tractor, the ford 2000, 3000 and 4000 series with 3 cylinder diesel engines were some of the best small tractors ever made. NOTE: the first 2 years of production had 4 cylinder engines and were basically the same as the 601 and 801's. The 3 cylinder diesel 4000's can be had for $4000 to $8000.

I'm sure there are JD, IH, Case and other makes that are just about as good (he he - couldn't resist). There is a lot of good vintage iron out there. I would stay away from the "N" series fords as they are probably more primitive than you are looking for.

jb

Soundguy · Mar 28, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

I'd have to agree.. Great parts support for the ford hundred and thousand series tractor. Mid to late 70's gets you some very modern options Ford 3XXX is about where you are looking. Check around, lots of pto and tranny options, as well as pow steering.. etc.

Soundguy

daTeacha · Mar 28, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

The Massey 35 comes in a variety of iterations, all good. Might be a little more tractor than you're looking in some versions, but very common, very reliable, etc.

KJO · Mar 29, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

The Fords are "almost" all bulletproof as previous posters have said. I have a 4400 (just a 4000 Series utility). It has a gas 3 cylinder with about 45 hp. It is one solid piece of equipment and I only paid $2600 for it with the front end loader.
My dad worked for Ford tractor as a mechanic for 7 years...his advise...stay away from the "Selecto Speed" models. Too many problems!

flusher · Mar 29, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

Interesting. My neighbor has a Ford 4400 with FEL that I was eyeballing earlier this week. It's not for sale. An impressive piece of machinery with really wide rear tires. He says it's an "industrial" version. He's had it for about 10 years. My initial impression was that a tractor that large is overkill for my needs. But if one came available around here for $2600, I'd buy it in a flash.

KentT · Mar 29, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

I'd second the Massey 35/135 suggestion. Years ago on the farm, we replaced the 8N with a 135 -- seemed like twice the tractor in only a slightly bigger package...

Old Massey info & pics

KiotiJohn · Mar 29, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

I third the diesel Massey suggestions. They're really very good tractors, and can usually be bought at fair prices. I think they're great looking old tractors as well.
John

Farmwithjunk · Mar 30, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

For reasons that defy logic, you can get a slightly newer tractor for about the same price as some 1950's models. I'm partial to the Massey 150. It's essentially the same tractor as a 135, only with heavier front end, better steering, bigger fuel tank and radiator. According to Nebraska Test's, the 150 was one of the all-time best "fuel mizers". They generally run from $4000 to $5500. The Ford 3000 (or later 3600) is their match to the 135 MF. Those Fords sell for about the same money.

Both are extremely good little tractors. Both are closer to 40 HP. It's anyones call as to which is/was better in it's day. Buying one nowdays, it's all about how well the prior owners cared for it.

KiotiJohn · Mar 30, 2006

Re: Looking for a \"30/30\" diesel tractor

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Both are extremely good little tractors. Both are closer to 40 HP. It's anyones call as to which is/was better in it's day. Buying one nowdays, it's all about how well the prior owners cared for it. )</font>
It may come down to which has the best and least expensive availability of parts. That may be the Ford. I know my brother has an on Ferguson TO35, and sometimes the parts are hard to find, and are always expensive.
Tisco makes a lot of parts for all brands, but I'm not sure which brand tractor would have the least cost in parts.
John