Suggestions on which tractor wanted

[EquipmentJunkie]

The green tractors that used to be built in Cologne didnt have a galloping goat on the front... Deutz used to build tractors in Koln and currently at their combine facility in Lauingen.
Deere obtained their European tractor works by taking over Heinrich Lanz works in Mannheim, somewhere in the late 50's. Thats where they still come from.

Yes, you are absolutely correct about John Deere's Mannheim works. Thank you for pointing that out and correcting me. I can't believe that I made that mistake! I got my factories mixed up. Ford used to build an automotive engine in Cologne (Koln) and I guess my previous thoughts on Ford tractors must have triggered my brain to think in terms of Cologne. I am getting old. That is my only explanation for my mistake. My face is red.

 

[JasG]

Couple of problems with Flushers idea. Most of this style tractor are "bare backs". No loader for that type of tractor, most no PTO, no 3 point hitch, and they are true fuel hogs, but you can get them cheap. Also the 3160 engine is a V-8, not many of them, the early ones didn't hold up very good. Most machines that use Cat engine use a inline 6 due to this.
If a tractor that larger is a option a IH 3388 also know as a two plus two would be a good one. Going to be around 130-170 Hp depending on year and model, has 3 point hitch and PTO. It's one of the few models in the HP range that some had both the 540 and the 1000 RPM. Most older tractors once you get over 130 Hp they only have the 1000 if they have one at all. Just stay away from ones that have duals all the way around. It was made as a row crop tractor, so duals on the front would over stress the drive line. Again with this stye frame, no loader can be put on it.

 

[flusher]

Flusher, I never really even considered anything other than a traditional tractor. All but about 150 acres is timber. I maintain several right or ways and lanes for hunting and wildlife habitat. I work on cattle all day but don't own any so I don't bail any hay. However each year I do some moderate disking and shredding. Sometimes the shreading is some 3 or 4 year old stuff so a large tractor and heavy duty shredder would really come in handy. What price range could one of those older articulated rigs be found in. Also, I really need the front end loader much of the time for piling brush / logs ect. Thanks for the advice, I will give it some consideration.

Roger that.
You normally don't see FELs on ag tractors in the hp range you're considering. Which is why these articulated beasts came to mind after I saw the size of your property. Just something to think about and file away. I've seen Steigers in good condition go for under $15K at local auctions. They are definitely big boy's toys.

 

[slowzuki]

A big 4wd articulate isn't a fuel hog if you're using it for what its meant for. I don't think its what you need though.

 

[chh]

I'd say that is a wee bit of overkill. Those rigs were meant for truly big grain farming operations.

 

[chh]

You have gotten some good comments on the Ford, JD's and IH's. If you are not too much against a MF again you might look at the 383's and 393 tractors. Nicer(and more complicated) are the 4200 series, in which the 4243(I own one of them) and the 4253, but you would be looking at quite a bit more money than the 6610 or 7710 tractors. The 300 series all had a good reputation and many are around that are still good solid tractors. I just don't see many with MFWD around though. A lot of the newer 400 series(471, 481 and 496) would fall into your size rating and many have MFWD, but again you would be taking a step up in price(but maybe not as much as one would think). All mentioned have the proven Perkins diesel engines in them.

My neighbor has a 6610 with a cab, MFWD, and a loader on it. I can say that it has never been babied and abused might be closer to the truth. The A/C is a regular problem on his. His main maintence issues are mainly age related hydraulic leaks and his is a bit of a hard starter and isn't making full power due to(most likely) clogged injectors. It has been that way for 3 years that I know of. When he bought it several years ago it had somewhere over 5000 hrs and he used it to bale and batwing with. I have run it and shifting is actually pretty good. Much better than a lot of the old IH's I have run and much, much better than the old Ford 9600 that I owned.
With all that said, I would have to say they are tough tractors and if you can find one in better shape than his they can be a good buy.

As an opinion for someone who has had both tractors with duals and MFWD. MFWD is better for anything with a loader on it, especially in wet weather and the larger front tires make for a smoother ride otherwise. Duals are great for high traction needs in fieldwork, not very good using a tractor to brushhog with and can be a real pain (IMO) to take on and off.

 

[Oleozz]

You have gotten some good comments on the Ford, JD's and IH's. If you are not too much against a MF again you might look at

My neighbor has a 6610 with a cab, MFWD, and a loader on it. I can say that it has never been babied and abused might be closer to the truth.
As an opinion for someone who has had both tractors with duals and MFWD. MFWD is better for anything with a loader on it, especially in wet weather and the larger front tires make for a smoother ride otherwise. Duals are great for high traction needs in fieldwork, not very good using a tractor to brushhog with and can be a real pain (IMO) to take on and off.

I agree about getting the duals off and on, a pita for sure. I'm thinking about buying the Bierman's EZ Dual Tire Changer. The video on their site makes changing tires look easy!!!!!

 

[slowzuki]

Having a nice compact tractor with a hydrostatic tranny and loader makes duals easier to change, but loaded duals are still a bit heavy.

 

[pharmvet]

Found a John Deere 3155 MFWD about 20 miles from me. Dealer says he used it personally for about 3 years. No loader. 4 post canopy with the controls on the rt. Not sure of the hours, I think the odo is non functional. What do most of you die hard Deere guys think if the 3155 model? Are there any really weak or really strong points to this model? Is it a generally reliable model? Can parts be found? Will dealers work on them? thanks

 

[JasG]

3155 is a very good choice, no weak points I know of. I think they started making 3155's in 1988 or 89. One thing about Deere, and this is why they hold value better than any other make out there. Deere supports machines they made better than anyone. You can get parts for an A, B, G, M, 420, 4020, etc. So in answer to your question yes a dealer can and should support this machine, and yes part are easy to get. You can look up parts at Deere.com very easy.

This size tractor would also be easy to find a loader that would fit.

I know a few people with 2940, 50's and one with a 3155. All have liked the machines.