Mid 30hp tractor choices

Prawn Farmer · Jan 23, 2014

Has anyone over time owned/used ALL three of these mid-1950's tractors for an unbiased comparison and what was your favorite? JD-60, IH H/300, WD-45? About equal in size?

old · Jan 23, 2014

As per the Neb test list. The JD-60 is 40hp the Farmall H is 26HP. the 300 is 38hp and the AC-WD45 is 43HP. That said all of them have there good and bad points so hard to compare them for not know what you want to do with one.

rrlund · Jan 23, 2014

Oliver 77 hands down going away if you're talking that size and era.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 23, 2014

More differences than similarities, and everyone has their brand/color preference. You would need to tell the assembled geniuses here what you intend to use this tractor for if you want useful information.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 23, 2014

Much more comfortable to operate and as capable as any of the others.

old · Jan 23, 2014

Yep you sure can say and Oliver by far has the better over all ride and comfort if your going to be on one for an hour or more.

Ultradog MN · Jan 23, 2014

Not on your list but in that hp range and from that era would also be a Hundred Series Ford.
They are not a tractor to be despised.

Camboted · Jan 23, 2014

You asked if I've run all three. Yes, so here is my opinion:

1) IH 300. Why? Easiest to operate, good live pto and hydraulics (usually 3 valves) and TA (two speed power shift) gives 10 speeds forward & 2 reverse. Best steering brakes that can be locked together for highway use.

2) WD-45. They are hard on my back. The pto is only live with the hand clutch. Usually only one remote hydraulic valve.

3) JD 60. That hand clutch! Hydraulics are strong but limited in flexibility. Mine hard to start in winter.

buickanddeere · Jan 23, 2014

Depends? Ploughing, cultivating, blowing snow, loader work?

oldtanker · Jan 23, 2014

If you are looking at full sized ones what are your local dealers like. Will they be able to support the tractor in question with parts and possibly repairs? Here JD and IH have about the same support while anything supported by AGCO is a problem. This is a dealer problem, not AGCO. So right away I'd forget an AC.

Now if looking at utility sized tractors I'd really point you at the Fords. Good support in most areas, easy on fuel and reliable.

Rick

RLA · Jan 23, 2014

as my father once told me,, So you do what you
think is right, if it turns out wrong there is
only one person to blame.

You can have 1000 answers to your question &
each one who answers however different the
are, each think they have it right.

Mike M · Jan 23, 2014

Well here's some things to think over.

JD 60 no normal 3pt. avail. go with a 620 or 520-530 maybe a 420-430 if you can get by with less HP as these are lower to the ground.

IH 300 brakes never seem to be the best on Farmalls. Lack of 3 pt. but may have a fast hitch.

AC 45 not a very good operator station. no 3 pt.
a newer model AC may be ALOT better choice.

Well of coarse I am biased towards JD, but it sure would depend on what I needed to do as to what I'd pick. I have plenty of old JD 2 cyls. at my disposal to use, but for what limited things I do they are not as well suited as a newer tractor.
Once you get spoiled on something newer it's hard to go back !

Dave H (MI) · Jan 23, 2014

If you want a loader on it, pass the 300 by.

Prawn Farmer · Jan 23, 2014

Camboted,
You pretty much answered what I asked -thanks. The first tractor I ever owned was a WD-45. I've owned two 60's and a 620 but have never owned a H/M/300 (although I do have an Industrial A). Thought I might find something to work on a little different. Very few MM or Olivers in my area.

Larry NEIL · Jan 23, 2014

I also agree, either an Oliver 77 or a 770. The have good power, handy hydraulics with live power, could get both with a 3 point hitch and a 770 also can be found with a "power Beyond" two speed giving them 12 forward and 4 reverse gears.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 23, 2014

I have an IH C, around 20 hp, no 3 pt. Later IH made a 2 pt, but where can you find any 2 pt toys?

I went with a Jubilee, just for the 3 pt. Wish I had a 600 over the Jubilee. Better yet with I a 900 with ext hyd, live pto, power steering and a few more ponies.

I'm thinking some of the later WD 45 had 3 pt, could be wrong.

I would want a 3 pt.

old · Jan 23, 2014

I have a 1950 Oliver 77 with a home made 3 point and I also have an Oliver S88 both or which I use in the hay field every summer. They are 2 or my preferred tractors

Old weldor · Jan 23, 2014

Here's mine,twelve volt,electronic ignition,starts easy. Great for plowing snow.

BushogPapa · Jan 23, 2014

A 3-Point can be put on any Row-Crop JD 60, it just will not have "Draft Control".

The WD-45 sure CAN have a 3-Point conversion installed (about $300.oo if you Buy it).
I can send pictures of the simple way I made sway-blocks for mine..

You would never regret having a JD 520, that IS a Fact..!!

Ron.

BushogPapa · Jan 23, 2014

I was made a believer in keeping it as Simple as possible...

The only real major accident we ever had with equipment came from a neighbor alternating between WD, JD and Farmall "H"..

He brought 2 loads of hay from the field, to the barn and elevator each trip, different tractor every time..

He got confused while on the WD, pulled the throttle wide open by mistake and ran completely over that NEW McCurdy elevator, both wagons and all, wrapping the elevator around the Milk-House.
Came real close, but no one hurt and we finished that farm, throwing the bales from the wagon to the mow..

Always be aware of the potential for confusion, when using mixed equipment..!!

Ron..

wolfman · Jan 23, 2014

I owned all three of those. The 60 had 3-pt and PS. The 300 ps & FH, the 45 wide front ,ps SC 3-pt, and three sets of weights. all good tractors. My choice 1,2,3; WD 45, 300, 60.

Ultradog MN · Jan 23, 2014

Looks like you moved all of the snow out of the whole neighborhood.

buickanddeere · Jan 23, 2014

While I bleed JD green. To be fair you have to include the 1950's Massey Ferguson tractors
50 35 65 95 85 &88 in the comparison.

Mid 30hp tractor choices

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