Need another tractor!!!

[SteveM]

A diesel MF would run more than the five grand here in Upstate NY, dont know your area. I have a mid forties Ford 2n that is a wonderful worker, though I am not recommending an N given your budget. My point is that I would disagree on looking for a diesel. It isnt hard to find a good clean Ford or MF gas that has either been rebuilt or miraculously maintained, with good compression and no smoke, and my experience has been that old gas engines are much easier and cheaper to fix than old diesels. My uncle has a late 60s Case diesel which is wonderful to run, but super expensive to fix. Also a bear to start in the winter.

Anyhow, not all Ford 3000s have power steering, and not all have the 8speed or live PTO. For real snow removal you want a live PTO and rear snowblower, dont know how deep the snow is you are dealing with. But any Ford 6xx,8xx or three digit will spin a 6' mower easily, and plow and disc with the best of 'em. So I vote Ford. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Deere prices always seem higher to me, and certainly the 'new generation' tractors will push beyond $5k in good shape. I like IH Farmall, but the lack of 3pt hitch is a hinderance, although it can be converted. Mostly around here i see row-crop Farmalls, less IH....nothing more awkward than plowing snow perched way up on a Farmall super H...

I have used my Ford 2n on and off (with extended off periods) under all weather conditions with no problems, supporting my notion that a refurbished antique is extremely reliable, once it is brought up to good condition. It is just so darn simple, that there is less to go wrong and a good chance I can fix it if it does... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Good luck and have fun with your new treasure! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[g42guy]

Thanks for all the responses.

Soundguy, I DO have the dozer (front/mid) blade for the cub. Just really don't want to rely on it to do MN snow removal on a long gravel drive. I wish I had a sickle mower for it. Although I think it would take a long time to mow 6 or 7 acres. PLUS if my wife thought I could do everything with the Cub and/or Kubota then I would not "NEED" another tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Am I making myself clear here. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I have had an 8N in the past and know what they can do. But I have since been spoiled with live hydraulics. That said, if I found a really nice one that I could afford I might go for it. People just seem to run the prices up on them around here.

I have seen a real nice JD 420 U. It has 5 speed and live. It's at the high (and then some ) end of my budget, but real good shape and rebuilt engine. I really like the look and sound of the 420's. Not sure about power, they are about the same output as a 8N are they not? Would it handle a 6ft bush hog??

Guy

 

[RedDog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My point is that I would disagree on looking for a diesel. It isnt hard to find a good clean Ford or MF gas that has either been rebuilt or miraculously maintained, with good compression and no smoke, and my experience has been that old gas engines are much easier and cheaper to fix than old diesels. )</font>



I have also seen plenty of them (gas) that haven't been touched and run fine. Gas powered tractor would be fine for him.


RedDog

 

[g42guy]

I'm also looking into a IH 240 U. Nice little unit and less money, more power than the JD 420 U. But ****, that JD sure is nice /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Guy

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Although I think it would take a long time to mow 6 or 7 acres )</font>

I notice the manual on my IH mower 'claims' up to 2ac per hour... I think that is a tad unrealistic.. unless you mow in third gear.. which I would be a tad um.. scared to do.
A 5' sickle bar would be nice though. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( PLUS if my wife thought I could do everything with the Cub and/or Kubota then I would not "NEED" another tractor. Am I making myself clear here. )</font>
Afirmative good buddy! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lets see.. a 420 should be about 113 ci / 2 cyl.. something like 27 db hp, and 29 pto hp. That is probably somewhere closer to a NAA on the hp.. however i have a feeling the torque on that large 2cyl will outdo an 8n that has a 4 cyl 119 ci engine.

Soundguy