philisophical question

[carterbeauford]

you go to a Mahindra dealer and there are about 10-15 shiny new Mahindras sitting there. over in the corner, you spot a smaller, late 1950s Oliver in decent shape for its age. which do you buy?

this is the exact scenario at a local Mahindra dealer and I am curious how others feel.

 

[dave1949]

Are you looking for a parade tractor or a work tractor?

 

[carterbeauford]

I'm not personally looking for anything at the moment, I restore tractors to parade condition, but only tractors that can do work when they're restored

 

[MasseyWV]

The Oliver will probably be running long after the Mahindras have been melted down and made into something else so...

 

[dave1949]

I'm not personally looking for anything at the moment, I restore tractors to parade condition, but only tractors that can do work when they're restored

Just joking. I've spent a few hours on Oliver 1600 and 1800, and Oliver 70. They probably will last forever doing the field work they were intended for. But field work isn't what a lot of tractors get used for now. I would miss the four-wheel drive, the nice loaders and so forth. I guess it really depends on what you want to use it for.

 

[whirly]

The Oliver will probably be running long after the Mahindras have been melted down and made into something else so...

I second that opinion:thumbsup:

When I was looking for a tractor, I found a '59 Fordson Power Major that had been sitting for over 9 years in a barn. Put a new battery in it, fresh diesel, checked the oil levels and turned it over. It took some time because I didn't bleed the fuel lines first but it started right up. Smoked a bit at first but it's been a worker ever since. I have more tractor, le$$ into it and I would do it all over again.

 

[jenkinsph]

Like Dave said field work isn't what I use tractors for now in general. I would bet the older Oliver with a little work would do everything it could ever do and do it for many more years. If I were to buy the Oliver it would be with disposable income and be for personal enjoyment because I don't need it. The Mahindra I would pass on because this would be a present day tractor to make a living with and there is no dealer support in my locale.