New here and wanting a tractor

TAftw · Dec 14, 2009

Hey guys, I've read around on the site and found a lot of info on tractors. I have a small yard, only about an acre, but I'm constantly using yard machines and power equipment. I've decided that a tractor would be beneficial for a lot of the work I'm looking to do, and I can also find stuff to do with it. I'm looking for a tractor that has a PTO for a mower, and if possible a bucket loader. I'd eventually like the option of having a backhoe, but a 3-point isn't totally necessary.

I'm used to International Cubs, I use them at my work. I would like a John Deere, but they obviously come with a price. What brands/models/years should I look for? I'm looking to spend around $2000. I don't want something pretty- I want it to run and get the job done. Any info would be great. Thanks a lot!

dodge man · Dec 14, 2009

To tell you the truth, thats a pretty limited budget. In Kubota, I was thinking a BX sized tractor. They can be had with a end loader and a backhoe. The end loader, mower deck, or backhoe alone cost more than $2000. To get a decent used one you are probably looking at $7000 or more. I'm sure that cost would be similar to other brands also.

You can get a much older used tractor for $2000, but its going to be pretty old and may not have an end loader. Its also going to be bigger and heavier than a BX sized machine, and it doesn't sound like you need a very big machine.

Thomas · Dec 14, 2009

Welcome to TBN.

$2000.oo not much to work with but never give up.

Try checking out equipment/farm auctions..$2000.oo would be good down payment tho.

bp fick · Dec 14, 2009

Spend a few hours looking at prices and equipment at:
Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar.

I'm afraid that 2 Large just isn't going to get you where you wanna go.

Mark_in_NH · Dec 14, 2009

TAftw, I see you made it. You said you would.
Welcome to the TBN.

flusher · Dec 14, 2009

TAftw said:
Hey guys, I've read around on the site and found a lot of info on tractors. I have a small yard, only about an acre, but I'm constantly using yard machines and power equipment. I've decided that a tractor would be beneficial for a lot of the work I'm looking to do, and I can also find stuff to do with it. I'm looking for a tractor that has a PTO for a mower, and if possible a bucket loader. I'd eventually like the option of having a backhoe, but a 3-point isn't totally necessary.

I'm used to International Cubs, I use them at my work. I would like a John Deere, but they obviously come with a price. What brands/models/years should I look for? I'm looking to spend around $2000. I don't want something pretty- I want it to run and get the job done. Any info would be great. Thanks a lot!

Here's a $1300 tractor set up for a mid mount mower. It's a 1951 Farmall Super A that I bought off craigslist last year. This one came with a 6-ft sicklebar mower. There is a mid-mount rotary mower available, but nice used ones may be hard to find. This particular Super A has a 3pt hitch (an option).

Don't think you'll have much luck finding a $2K tractor with a FEL. You might find a Ford 8N with a loader but my guess is that it'll cost more like $3K.

TAftw · Dec 14, 2009

Thanks a lot for the responses. Mark_In_NH directed me here from the garagejournal.com forums. I'm also friends with forum member Bull and we both frequent other forums as well.

On GJ, I posted a budget of $1500. I upped it to $2000 here, because everyone told me it was too little

.

Flusher, what condition did you buy that tractor in? Did it require any work or parts to make it run?

Honestly, I'm not worried about getting a tractor thats too BIG. Most people would say that I don't even need a tractor for my yard, but I don't like small riding mowers. Since I'm a gearhead, wrenching on or restoring a tractor would be a fun project for me. Maybe there would be some alternatives to what I want just so I can get my feet wet?

Mark_in_NH · Dec 14, 2009

TAftw,
I don't know where in MA your located, but a random search of MA's Craigslist turned up these. I don't know anything about them.
The Massey Feruson looks like it could be a decent 2 wheel drive older tractor / loader with cab. At $2750 it is not to far from your new budget.
massey ferguson diesel tractor loader

This old Ferguson probably has a lot of life left in it, if someone had the time, paitence and $ to bring it back to life, but it looks pretty scary in the picture.
But it will at least show you what $900 will typically buy you.
Ferguson tractor

This ones in Western MA $2500 or BRO for a Ford 8N with loader and saw rig
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/grd/1506044754.html

This one might have potential but again it's a little more then your budgett at $2800
http://providence.craigslist.org/grd/1475865968.html

You will find something, just take your time, do your homework and ask lots of questions.

flusher · Dec 14, 2009

TAftw said:
Thanks a lot for the responses. Mark_In_NH directed me here from the garagejournal.com forums. I'm also friends with forum member Bull and we both frequent other forums as well.

On GJ, I posted a budget of $1500. I upped it to $2000 here, because everyone told me it was too little .

Flusher, what condition did you buy that tractor in? Did it require any work or parts to make it run?

Honestly, I'm not worried about getting a tractor thats too BIG. Most people would say that I don't even need a tractor for my yard, but I don't like small riding mowers. Since I'm a gearhead, wrenching on or restoring a tractor would be a fun project for me. Maybe there would be some alternatives to what I want just so I can get my feet wet?

It's running now. Need to adjust one of the transmission forks to get it to shift into first gear reliably. No big deal.

I'm into tractor restoration, so I'll probably tear into that Super A soon, tune it up to factory condition and repaint the thing.

bp fick · Dec 14, 2009

Being a wrench is a HUGE plus.

Last summer, my neighbor, across the road, put up his family's T-30 Massey Ferguson for sale. They had owned it since new in like 1955.
Well, well cared for and gone through. He was asking $2800 and wouldn't budge. Frankly, I don't believe he should have.

That's been my best older tractor I have seen in a year of looking, out of sheer curiosity and my passion for older tractors. A good Fergie or Ford start at about that. Below that, well, let's just say, you'd have to have very deep pockets getting 'em fixed up. That's the issue. Easy to sink a grand into one of these older tractors.

So, keep your eyes open and let your friends and neighbors know you are in the market.