Looking to buy around 40hp

Tarheelman · Sep 19, 2005

I am looking to replace an old 1967 Ford 3000 that has been in my family (grandfather and father) since it was bought new. I have helped my dad over the years but have not been responsible for maintenance etc. Due to illness, he is no longer able to farm and I have taken on the task of manitaining a 50 acre hay farm. I feel like a need a new tractor that will be relatively trouble free as I am not overly mechanically inclined. The old 3000 is just flat worn out. We have a Wesston 530 baler and 1110 conditioner along with a 10 ft rotary cutter that will be the main implements but the tractor will need a front end loader with bucket and bale spear. I also have several cultivating implements that have accumulated for the 3000 over the years. The old 3000 is rated at roughly 37-38 PTO hp, so I figure I could use something around 40 PTO hp as the 3000 is a little underpowered with the 10ft cutter. Any suggestions on a replacement tractor? As you might guess, I don't plan on trading for a long while, so resale values won't be a big deal. No real brand preference although I am partial to blue. Just sentimental I guess.

PS - Great web site. Just what I have been looking for.

Soundguy · Sep 20, 2005

I'd go 50hp for that 10' cutter... depending on if it was drag or 3pt. I do imagine the 3000 was struggling a bit.. I pull a 10' with a NH7610s And have seen them pulled with ford 5000 and ford 5610.

I'd be looking in that range... 5xxx 6xxx 7xxx ford/NH.

If you get an oldie.. don't get SOS.. and if it has dual power.. make sure the ranges work... otherwise.. check the H/L in straight gear models.

Have fun

Soundguy

Tarheelman · Sep 20, 2005

The cutter is a pull-type. Otherwise I would likely be mowing on two wheels. Thanks for the advice. I was thinking I would buy as big as my checkbook can stand.

oldgoat2 · Sep 20, 2005

If two wheel drive is adequate, the John Deere 5103, 5203, or 5303 are about the best HP for the dollar. I think they are all under $15,000.00. If interested, search the forum for more accurate prices.

Slippy · Sep 22, 2005

I agree with Soundguy, 40hp sounds a bit under the mark. I pull a 10' with 60hp tractor, 50 hp pto, and I would not want to go any smaller. If you are cutting flat land with short grass, could be ok. I also have a TC40DAss, real nice, check them out.

Tarheelman · Sep 23, 2005

I have a JD riding mower and know they're expensive. So I tend to overlook JD as being too expensive. In looking at some of the pricing, I think you are right on the money.

Tarheelman · Sep 23, 2005

I guess I have to confess that my favorite right now would be the TC48DA. I've just done research on the internet, but plan on talking to some dealers in the next week or so. Thanks for the advice.

Turbys_1700 · Sep 24, 2005

If you liked your 3000 Ford, you may want to look at Farmtrac. That is if you have a good dealer close by. Many of their ag tractors are made by Escorts in India. They made the 2000/3000/4000/5000 series for Ford in the 80's. Also offer them in 4wd. A few of those ag sized tractors are made in Eastern Europe. Very easy to distinguish the difference in appearance.
The smaller ones are only 8 speed but the 60 & 72 hp offer shuttle shift. You can tell I've been lookling real hard at them. I think they are a great value.

Tarheelman · Sep 25, 2005

There's a dealer about 30 miles away. They are on my list to visit. I've seen a couple of Farmtracs in my area and they do have the look of the old line Ford tractors. I appreciate your help.

frank_f15 · Sep 25, 2005

There is a Farmtrac dealer 3 miles form me , ihave checked out the machines(just looked at them and sat on then) they seem to be pretty sturdy and heavy built, as to the price i can't tell as i had no intention to buy and did not want to take up their time.