Price Check Need Cheap HP

shibaura_4043 · Mar 2, 2016

I'm looking to buy cheap horsepower for plowing my field that I'll be sprigging this year( I know I'm behind schedule). Last year I plowed a portion of my field with my two 65-70 hp tractors and it was tough on them and I prefer to keep them in good condition and reliable for a few more years. That said I've found a Case 1270 cab tractor. I could buy it and plow with it probably faster and much easier. I was hoping to get advice on the reliability of these old Cases. It's kinda rough, lights don't work, ac doesn't work and I think the fuel tank might have a small leak. Going to look at it this weekend. Can anyone help me out with pros and cons and what to look for as I'm looking it over? What would be a reasonable price for something like this? Should I just put my tractors to work and deal with the potential breakdowns? I use my tractors predominantly for mowing and haying. Thanks

foreman Etexas · Mar 2, 2016

What we talking cheap?

smstonypoint · Mar 2, 2016

I have no experience with Case 1270s. but depending on the cost of the 1270, how many acres you plan to plow/year, and custom rates in your area, it may be cheaper to pay someone to do the plowing.

Steve

sd455dan · Mar 2, 2016

shibaura_4043 said:
I'm looking to buy cheap horsepower for plowing my field that I'll be sprigging this year( I know I'm behind schedule). Last year I plowed a portion of my field with my two 65-70 hp tractors and it was tough on them and I prefer to keep them in good condition and reliable for a few more years. That said I've found a Case 1270 cab tractor. I could buy it and plow with it probably faster and much easier. I was hoping to get advice on the reliability of these old Cases. It's kinda rough, lights don't work, ac doesn't work and I think the fuel tank might have a small leak. Going to look at it this weekend. Can anyone help me out with pros and cons and what to look for as I'm looking it over? What would be a reasonable price for something like this? Should I just put my tractors to work and deal with the potential breakdowns? I use my tractors predominantly for mowing and haying. Thanks

Years ago we had a 970 Agri-King 2 wheel drive Case and it was trouble free, nice quiet running and really liked the 4 range with 3 speed power shift
That has been a long time back, so not sure on how helpful this is but I did like that 970...

oldnslo · Mar 2, 2016

Why was plowing rough on your tractors? Rocks, brush, etc... Would an older tractor survive any better?

DT86 · Mar 2, 2016

How many acres are you plowing?

Farmer495 · Mar 3, 2016

Is your plow too big?

65-70 HP tractor should play with a properly sized plow. 3x16" would be common here on that size.

If a tractor that size can't handle a day of plowing there is something wrong with it. We aren't talking a 25 HP hydro compact.

shibaura_4043 · Mar 3, 2016

foreman Etexas said:
What we talking cheap?

The one I'm looking at I should be able to pick up for 3k.

shibaura_4043 · Mar 3, 2016

oldnslo said:
Why was plowing rough on your tractors? Rocks, brush, etc... Would an older tractor survive any better?

I had my land cleared with a Dozer in October 2014, so there's a little underbrush and roots to rip through, I will probably chisel plow (13 shank- removable shanks)then disc the field with my 12' notched disc plow. With that in mind I figured if I can get the 130 hp case cheap enough I might be better off. My tractors handled the job, it was a slow process though, considering hay season is coming up I'd hate to be short a tractor when I really need them.

shibaura_4043 · Mar 3, 2016

Farmer495 said:
Is your plow too big? 65-70 HP tractor should play with a properly sized plow. 3x16" would be common here on that size. If a tractor that size can't handle a day of plowing there is something wrong with it. We aren't talking a 25 HP hydro compact.

I was pulling a chisel plow with 9 shanks and a 12' notched disc. They pulled them ok just a little slower than I would Iike. I should be able to plow deep and fast with 130hp no problem and limit excessive wear on my hay tractors. I plowed 33 acres last year and need to get another 20-25 acres sprigged this year. The terrain is a little worse on the acreage I need to plow this year, which makes me lean towards more hp.