Working the Prairies with old Machinery

Bill from Scotland · Aug 28, 2017

Just thinking earlier today if any of you guys still use old tractors to work the Canadian prairies or for that matter the US. I know here in Scotland its nearly all new stuff working these days, nobody would think of going to plow or break in land with tractors from the 50's or 60's. Im thinking some of you folks still go to work with the old Case 500, International 660, MM 705 or JD 830 ETC. Id be interested in any examples you can think of and the state and general area they are from. Just interested.
Bill

Janicholson · Aug 28, 2017

From my location on the Eastern edge of the prairie St. Cloud Minnesota. To th hills of Western Dakotas and much of Northern Montana, you are correct. Big 400 to 500 hp machines are prime movers. But there are small farms and Religeon based collectives that are still functioning with the "old" big wheatland style tractors. I will also include the bigger rowcrop and 100 to 200 HP wide front tractors. There are many collectives using Horses. I have seen a 6 abreast hitch pulling a 20 foot spike drag. Jim

moresmoke · Aug 28, 2017

You might find a few, but not many of the 2wd wheatland tractors out working. You can find plenty of the big 4wds from the mid 80's still going strong. Not too many of the lime green Steigers, but plenty of Versatiles still earn their keep.

DavidT1 · Aug 28, 2017

Depends on how many acres you are thinking. I farm part-time on 40 acres with a JD 620, 4 bottom plow, 12 foot disk and 14 foot of drill. That is all in wheat crop each year. Will be using the same tractor to spray too soon. It takes time to get it done, but the input is very low and its all I have as I am just starting in it.

Philip d · Aug 28, 2017

The only thing we use our old oldies for is running a grain auger during barley harvest. Like others have said maybe bigger tractors from mid 80's up here and there but mostly newer tractors and equipment on any commercial scale. Help isn't easy to find and is expensive so most people need bigger dependable and creature comfortable tractors to stay competitive.

ajl · Aug 30, 2017

Around here (Edmonton AB) you will see older 1970 and 1980 tractors working such as Versatile and Green steigers as well as 30 series JD. etc. The cattle guys use JD 4020 and the like to make hay.

Working the Prairies with old Machinery

Bill from Scotland

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Janicholson

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moresmoke

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DavidT1

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Philip d

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ajl

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