Several Tractors to choose from

[lipripper]

Hey all, Brand spankin new to this forum. Came across it during my search for the best tractor for my needs.
Short story is ; Have 6 acres in Mid Tn that needs cutting,would like to plant a small garden, deer plot, etc..
1000' long driveway back to barn that needs attn ever now and than.\
I work for a utility/grading contractor and have access to mini ex,backhoe , etc for big work but they can't pull bush hog,etc. Plus hauling to the house is a pain, but doable..
So I have found the following available in my area
Yanmar 1500 ,$2500
Ford 1700 , $3500
JD 1020 , $4400
IH B414 , $3000
So my price range is pretty low $5000 or less.I do have some time before I pull the trigger on anything and will continue looking, but any input on what to look for or to stay away from would be great.. Thanks all and i look forward to becoming an active member of this forum

 

[murphy1244]

I like the JD 1020 but you can forget about a FEL.

 

[GManBart]

Of those, I'd be most interested in the 1020...plenty of power, independent PTO, enough weight to it, and power steering. Murphy brings up a good point bout the FEL. I'm sure it varies with location, but the Ford 3 cylinder 2000-4000 series seem to be a good value in that vintage, and size tractor, and parts are readily available. Similar vintage Massey Fergusons (135 seems to be the most popular) are another I'd keep my eye out for.

 

[lipripper]

Thanks guys,
I have been searching the threads and gathering info.Seems to go like this . Up to 6,000 I could get a small tractor with maybe an implement or two for the 3pt, FELs on this price range tractor would be worn out. 10K tractors open up a lot more possibilities.Another question I have as this is my 1st search for a tractor but do prices seem to drop in winter(like boats,campers,etc) b/c I can wait til then. Thanks again

 

[Tx Jim]

I like the JD 1020 but you can forget about a FEL.

I've seen several JD 1020's with FEL's. They work just fine for there size.

 

[murphy1244]

I've seen several JD 1020's with FEL's. They work just fine for there size.

Yea but add the cost of the tractor to the cost of the machine. Is that a good deal? You know JDs much better than I.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Welcome.

Keep looking. If you want a FEL buy a tractor that already has it installed. Not sure what he paid but a friend picked up a 245 MF with a Freeman FEL with a subframe and he only has to remove four pins and quick connect hoses to take off the loader part.

They are out there but most are not for sale if the owner is still walking and talking because they cost next to nothing to keep and a few thousand dollars is not going to improve their quality of life in most cases.

Ask around. Some would sell but would not be pro active about it.

 

[jenkinsph]

For $5000 I would forget the fel and look at the individual tractors condition to decide what to buy. I would probably give the 1020 a hard look to see what kind of shape it is in because I personally like the old 20 series. I sold my 820 canopy tractor this summer for $5900 in good condition so depending on what the 1020 needs to fix it up that might be a decent deal.

Fels are very nice to have but with a limited budget I would rather get the best tractor I could afford for the money. I haven't seen any good tractor/fel combinations for $5000 available that are worth having. I do think you can find a good basic old tractor in your price range that will get most of your work done.

 

[Sysop]

Another question I have as this is my 1st search for a tractor but do prices seem to drop in winter(like boats,campers,etc) b/c I can wait til then. Thanks again

I've found anything an individual is selling can generally be purchased for less than they are asking within the month or two before Christmas.

 

[GManBart]

Thanks guys,
I have been searching the threads and gathering info.Seems to go like this . Up to 6,000 I could get a small tractor with maybe an implement or two for the 3pt, FELs on this price range tractor would be worn out. 10K tractors open up a lot more possibilities.Another question I have as this is my 1st search for a tractor but do prices seem to drop in winter(like boats,campers,etc) b/c I can wait til then. Thanks again

I think you can manage to stay well under $10k and get a good machine with FEL, but you'll have to so some looking.

Here's one I saw locally....looks pretty solid.

Massey Ferguson Tractor 3165