Looking for a tractor

mbrule · Aug 3, 2004

Hi Everyone,

Looking for some advice. I am looking for a tractor, somthing old (read cheap) with a loader. Looking for somthing I can use to move heavy things around my yard, and plow snow. Prefer somthing that runs and is usable, that I can work on and restore someday as need be.

Does anyone have advice on what tractors would be good candidates. I am looking to spend only a few thousand dollars. I live in Massachusetts, and would like to find somthing within a reasonable drive.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Matt

JayC · Aug 3, 2004

Well, I'm not sure of any one candidate over the other as I am not to familiar with the older machines. I do have a few sites in mind that you can use to try and loacate some older machines.

Equipment Locator

Machine Finder

Iron Search

Equipment Trader

Good luck!

Dave___in___CT · Aug 3, 2004

Hi...

Try Bargain News Online...

Ads mostly from CT NY MA...

Look in Yard Tools and Construction & Heavy Equipment categories...

A used compact utility tractor... or a smaller old farm tractor should be in your price range...

Dave...

beenthere · Aug 3, 2004

Try to get to some local auctions and see what is there. Watch the classifide ad's for something with a loader. Being unfamiliar (as your question implies) as you are with what you want, leaves a lot of 'help' we can provide almost impossible. Check with some local dealers, and get them in on a search for you.
Cheap, w/loader, fixable (restore), and 'usable-in-the-meantime' are in the 'twilight' zone, IMO. I do wish you luck.

SPIKER · Aug 3, 2004

you said on ly a FEW thousand: how many? 3, 4 or 5?

there are inexpensive alternitives, and you're local situatiuon may be a bit harder as up there I'm not aware of how many FARMS there are left, much of that older inexpensive equipment may be gone, and replaced with newer stuff.

maybe check into the china forum, you can get a Homier, tractor with loader for the 6~7k range which will pick up and move lots of stuff. around here, people want as much for small 8/9Ns as you can but one of the china tractors NEW for! went to an auction this weekend, wanted 6500 for an old D modle 39 or 49? looked and ran OK to good, but still for that price I can buy NEW and the 9n was 2500 min bid, for a few hundred more you can get NEW diesel power from the Jinmas or Kamas.

also check and watch E-Bay, soemtimes stuff is there pretty cheap, but be warned lots of susposed scams going on. don't even think of bidding if you cant get there to pick up and or see prior to auction close.

Mark M

Ledgemere Farm · Aug 3, 2004

Look in Uncle Henry's if you can find one. They sell them i ME, NH and VT. Maybe MA too. I am not sure. Good luck.

hazmat · Aug 3, 2004

They are on the web

unclehenrys.com

mbrule · Aug 3, 2004

Thanks for all the help, you guys are right, those sources all have potential candidates.

I am looking for a small farm tractor, I already have a Yanmar subcompact with a loader. I want something bigger, and able to lift more (1000 - 1500 lbs at least). Looking to spend $3k or less. I am partial to old American iron (I restore cars for a hobby). The tractor cannot weigh more than 5500 lbs.

Does anyone have any opinions or recommendations on good / bad tractors to look at. I think a Ford n series would probably work well, IH models in that size, Deere (probably pricey). Just looking for experience, what tractors are out there, how parts availability is.....etc.

Thanks again

JayC · Aug 3, 2004

Have you checked old industrial tractors with FELs? I know when I hear that I think of the old Fords. Not sure of model number, though.

rmorency · Aug 3, 2004

I am in Western Massachusetts and I have a 1942 Ford 9N with a loader in really good shape. I also have a John Deere 950 that I use all the time so the 9N mainly sits there. I bought it to refinish and use but with a new job, Graduate school and all the other things that I need to do, I just can;t find the time. It has brand new rear and front tires, new front tire rims, All new hydaulic hoses, new battery, new 6 volt alternator. I have manuals as well. I also have but have not installed two new rear fenders and a new front grill (all still in the boxes). Hood is in really good shape. Starts everytime, even when it sits for a month. I used it only three times this year, mainly just to start up and run. I have a plow attachment to replace the loader bucket for use in dirt, sand or snow. You can buy parts for this on EBAY or any one of the many 9N tractor sites on the net. Check it out. If you are interested email me at rmorency@charter.net and I can email you some pictures. Good luck with your search.