What used tractors should I consider?

[HCJtractor]

My wish list includes another tractor (I have a 70 horse Kubota with a FEL for primary use). I have often wished I had a smaller one for bush hogging and for pulling a drag harrow, to speed things up with multiple users. My criteria are first and foremost, cheap, say $4 to 6,000 tops. Just can't justify more $. Also, don't want a FEL, and don't need 4WD. I also want something with good parts availability, simple, with a ROPS, and Ag tires. So far, some of the older Fords or Massey Fergusons have caught my eye. I like their weight and simplicity. I want something in the 30 to 45 hp range. I saw one nice Massey 231 in my range but it had 5000 hours. Where I live, used tractors are not plentiful, but I keep watching Craigslist. What makes and models should I keep an eye out for, and how many hours would be reasonable?

 

[bthornton]

HCJ

I chose a '76 Ford 5000 diesel. The info says 67hp and 62hp pto. These are solid old tractors and built like a tank. I know its a little more tractor than you asked about but this girl will do what you want and also sub for your main tractor. The money will be in the ball park. I have found the bigger the tractor the better the price, smaller units hold their value longer.Just my opinion. :tractor:

 

[chim]

For a long time I've had the hots for a MF 135. I find them very appealing - especially the Perkins diesel models. It would fit the bill except the ROPS part. Nearly bought one a couple months ago. I even had a cashier's check to close the deal, but the tractor was in bad shape, so we drove back home with an empty trailer.

 

[tessiers]

I've got a massey 135 with the perkins, simple reliable machine and hard to beat. ROPS are available for them or simple to build for any fabrication shop, although for liability reasons maybe hard to get them to do. I also have a forn NAA and I love it as well. Mine has a ROPS. If I were replacing it I would lean towards the hundred or thousand series. It is an awesome little tractor and it has raked more hay than I care to think about, it alway humors me when I see a 100 hp tractor raking hay when fuel is 3.50 a gallon plus.