Will "these" tractor outlast our parent's/grandparent's tractors?

[Farmwithjunk]

Just opinion, but I THINK the "best tractors" (most durable/longest lasting) were built in the 1960's/1970's. Old school technology had improved to within a tick of it's fullest potential and "modern technology" hadn't really completely kicked in with regard to built in obselescence and our "disposable" mindset. For the most part, it was still farmers buying tractors back then. They wanted equipment that would outlast themselves. Todays society wants instant gratification with little thought to what happens 20 years down the road.

JMHO, and worth AT LEAST as much as you paid to hear it.

 

[Grrrr]

On a similar note to this thread, what sort of hours do the most used compact tractors clock up? 2000 hours? 5000 hours? 20,000 hours?

We have machinery and tractors from the 60's and 70's that have been round their clocks more than once.

A MF135 that is still in daily use, is on about 13,000 hours and still going strong. Its had some work done on it and been restored a few times, but still works a champ. Its in my avatar.

A John Deere 2850 from the 80s, with 18,000 hours on it. It looks a bit rough, and could do with a new clutch, but still runs fine.

I think a lot of how long the tractor will last is how well looked after they are and how much they are used. If you look after a well built tractor, they should just keep going - they were built to last.

I don't have a lot of compact tractor experience, but when I look at them, I just can't see them lasting like the oldies do, it seems to me as if they will just wear out eventually, beyond the point of economic repair.

Do manufacturers have a sort of estimated lifespan? I think with most cheap ride on mowers from stores are meant to last about 500 hours, before they are just plain worn out.

 

[Soundguy]

For sure, maintenance effects a tractors ultimate life span. Not uncommon to see 4000-6000 hrs on diesels int he 30-50 hp range from the 60's thru the 80's.. and more like 8-10-12k on larger diesels with a lil bit of care.. etc.

I consider 1k hrs 'just broke in' on a diesel.. etc.

soundguy

 

[crashz]

An exception to the rule would be the economy gear drive models of 30ish hp from John Deere, NH and Kubota. These long running economy models aren't often changed much, probably due to the manufacture trying to keeping the cost low. And for that niche of the compact market, the buyers aren't looking for electronics and fancy styling.

Take for example the John Deere 770/790/3005. While the model number has changed, hp has increased slightly and there are probably a few minor changes, it is basically the same tractor, now approaching its 20th year of production. There is no doubt in my mind that a new 3005 bought today will last just as long as my 19 year old 770 and with proper maintenance from day one, probably twice as long. Most parts are interchangeable, so parts availibiliy should be easier for all of those models. And availibility for used parts should be easier in the far future due to that long production run. As far as aftermarket availibility, well its anyones guess. 30 years from now I doubt many people will be really interested in restoring a 1989 model 770, but I could be wrong.

I'm not as sure on the standard L series (L2800 and L3400) by Kubota or the TC30 from NH, but I beleive these are also based on the same drive trains as their ancestors.

BTW - when I bought my 770 a few years ago,I knew nothing about compact tractors, so none of this was really a concern. But it makes me glad to know that my 20 year old tractor is basically a current model.

 

[Soundguy]

Nh has made significant changes to it's lineup.. there is little in common with a 1720 / 1920 and a tc30 / 35.. no legacy issue there..

soundguy

 

[pitt_md]

For a great majority of the people I see posting to this forum a tractor is not a neccessity, more of a fun but useful tool. Growing up on the farm when your tractor broke down you would move heaven and earth to get it back up and running. EVERYTHING depended on it. It also seems like the new tractors rev so much higher that even with advanced designs they will wear out quicker. my Kubota is a simple unit and seems to be built very well but I only have it to make life with horses more managable. I also doubt that my two kids would want anything to do with it if I were to pass it on.

 

[RobJ]

An exception to the rule would be the economy gear drive models of 30ish hp from John Deere, NH and Kubota. These long running economy models aren't often changed much, probably due to the manufacture trying to keeping the cost low. And for that niche of the compact market, the buyers aren't looking for electronics and fancy styling.

This is a point I was about to make. My L is your example. I can use it all day with no battery, working alternator, and start it with a screwdriver, who needs a tack. Mechanical oil and temp gauge. It's gear so I can even pull start it. The only down side is the engine isn't sleeved. The only other replacement is a +.5mm oversize piston/rings.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

This is a point I was about to make. My L is your example. I can use it all day with no battery, working alternator, and start it with a screwdriver, who needs a tack. Mechanical oil and temp gauge. It's gear so I can even pull start it. The only down side is the engine isn't sleeved. The only other replacement is a +.5mm oversize piston/rings.

Take a look at the Massey Ferguson 500 series of utility tractors. The 533 is an updated version of the classic 135. They are as simple and functional as a tractor needs to be. Price is very reasonable too.

 

[RobJ]

Take a look at the Massey Ferguson 500 series of utility tractors. The 533 is an updated version of the classic 135. They are as simple and functional as a tractor needs to be. Price is very reasonable too.

I don't know those tractors but it sounds like most of the electronics have been left out. A good thing!

I should add that my guess is the new tractors still have a stop lever somewhere(see dump the clutch in gear...HST???SOL perhaps ) ...or it can be put back on. Remove the fuel solenold, bypass all the safety crap and you are good to go.

 

[Egon]

Whats the specifics of how long a tractor will last??

Is it hours or age as there can be quite a difference.

Now I know that there a lot of 8N's around but what have they got for hours and how many are a main farm tractor?? May be stand to be corrected but was not the 8N engine a clone of the model A engine.

Yep, I know, Egon hates old tractors but realism is another thing.

I sure liked the Farmal H we had but seems my Dad sold it for a more modern tractor of about 1960 vintage. He was an active farmer of 320 acres who had to make a living. This was a small farm by the way.

If I can recall correctly the most popular and well used tractors where I grew up are hard to find. I think they wore out after a number of rebuilds.
Farmers, being practical sold them for junk metal.

I have no idea how long todays tractors will last but I do know how long yesterdays tractors lasted under active farm work! This can be observed in Farmland.