Need tractor for vegetable farm

[Farmwithjunk]

I actually love the older tractors -- they're easier to work on and very versatile, and it seems like some of the old tobacco tractors might actually translate well into veggie farming these days. There's no new tractor that can do what those SuperAs do on our farm. The new MF is awesome, but it's tricky to access some of the stuff under the hood (because it's a compact; although the filters are easy to get to) and of course there are things like computers and electronic fuel pumps that are way beyond my mechanical abilities. I love the Ford, too, and I think you're right that we can bring the wheels in a couple of inches to make it more versatile for us. Saw a couple of nice 135s and 231s for sale online along with that 4630... and a barely used 2605. I haven't looked much into the New Hollands, but it seems like there are lots of them for sale, which I wonder why there are so many out there -- is there a flaw? Guess the next thing is just to make up our minds! Thanks for everyone's input.

Often you'll find disproportionate amounts of certain brands for sale in a given area, usually due to more of that brand being sold in a given area. Speaks to the dealer strength.....

During the 60's and 70's, we had a strong Ford dealer and a VERY good Massey dealer in this area. You'll find lots of Fords and Masseys from that time frame. Through the 80's and 90's, the Massey dealer was still strong, and we started to see a Case/IH dealer build his business. Lots of those tractors on the used market now. Late 90's and on into current years, Deere dealer, a Kubota dealer and that same strong Massey dealer are the big sellers. So more Deere, Kubota, and Massey late models showing up used.

From my observations, they ALL make very good products generally speaking. No brand has the distinct upper hand in all models, all sizes. Get what fits. Get what you can find a good deal on.

Just about every smaller framed utility tractor I know of will "narrow down" to 52" track width. You do need to be cautious with some compacts that have wider tires/wheels. Even with a narrow track width (center to center) they'll still have a fairly wide over-all footprint.

Also, a VERY capable tractor that sells at a very reasonable price is the Deere/Yanmar compacts. A friend has a 990 that I'm most impressed with. I do believe they even narrow to less than 52".

 

[Soundguy]

Saw a couple of nice 135s and 231s for sale online along with that 4630... .

I pretty much bleed 'blue' and fords are my favorite.. but that MF 135 you speak of is a time tested 'one of the best built' farm machines.. it will stand with the best in it's size range with other brands easilly.

I haven't looked much into the New Hollands, but it seems like there are lots of them for sale, which I wonder why there are so many out there -- is there a flaw?

There are so many out there because... there are so many out there. They survive and keep working... that's why you can hit a parts store and buy a head, manifold, starter and generator and tons of other parts for a ford N series, and it will be on the shelf because so darn many were made.. and so darn many are still running... same carries over for other large production run tractors that lived a long time.

soundguy

 

[Harold_J]

.....
Also, a VERY capable tractor that sells at a very reasonable price is the Deere/Yanmar compacts. A friend has a 990 that I'm most impressed with. I do believe they even narrow to less than 52".

Although they are a little harder to find there was a Deere/Yanmar 900HC model high clearance tractor which is a modern diesel version of your Farmall Super AV's and 140's. There is one coming up on an auction in NE Pa tomorrow along with several IH 265's and 274's. These are nice because unlike the A's they have 3-point hitch.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Although they are a little harder to find there was a Deere/Yanmar 900HC model high clearance tractor which is a modern diesel version of your Farmall Super AV's and 140's. There is one coming up on an auction in NE Pa tomorrow along with several IH 265's and 274's. These are nice because unlike the A's they have 3-point hitch.

I was going to mention them when I made the quoted post. But they're relatively hard to come by. I've only ever ran across 1. One would be IDEAL for the OP's needs.

 

[Egon]

If older is in the running then perhaps one like this could be considered.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

If older is in the running then perhaps one like this could be considered.

Too wide....They will only "narrow down" to 60-something inches track width. Otherwise, their slow speed ability takes a back seat to nothing else.

And they'll probably outlast anything from the modern era............

 

[Soundguy]

Too wide....They will only "narrow down" to 60-something inches track width. Otherwise, their slow speed ability takes a back seat to nothing else.

And they'll probably outlast anything from the modern era............

spendy though.. 720's and 730's around here are one of the more/most expensive usable antiques..err.. classic tractors.. almost cheaper to buy a new base model SCUT they must grind up money to get the pigment for the green paint!

soundguy

 

[Egon]

they must grind up money to get the pigment for the green paint!

Is this a comment of value or just an expression of gross ignorance?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Is this a comment of value or just an expression of gross ignorance?

Please tell us, in to which of the two catagories does YOUR comment fit.

 

[Egon]

Mine is not a comment if you note, It is a question. There is a difference!