Which tractor to buy?

I'm looking for a budget tractor to use on my acreage for feeding horses. I have found a few on local adds for less than $4500, all old iron with loaders in running condition. I'm a heavy duty mechanic by trade so fixing small issues wouldn't be an issue but I would like something reliable that will last a long time without major issues. These are the 4 options that stand out to me.

1: 1949 McCormick W6 tractor. My grandfather had one and said it was a good tractor back in the day. We also had a super WD9 so are familiar with it. Still any more info would be nice. I know the 9s had issues with cracking heads, is this the same with the 6? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/calgary/1949-mccormick-deering-w6-tractor/1514839871?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

2: Massy 44, gas, year unknown. Has a bunch of new parts. https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/strathcona-county/massey-harris-44-tractor/1511374047?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

3: 1958 case 400 diesel.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/red-deer/tractor-with-loader-in-good-working-condition/1509637302?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

4: John Deere 70 diesel
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/red-deer/john-deer-70-tractor-diesel/1507538046?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Any thoughts or knowledge about any of these would be appreciated. [/img:298e8d75a3]

You already asked the question, about 3
threads below.

Is 4,500 dollars your magic number? Is shifting ease for loader work crucial? Most 1960's tractors under 50 HP would fit what you want to do. Not a popular tractor on
this board but if you could find one in good condition a JD 3010 diesel would have a synchronized shift between forward and reverse. Ford 4000 3 cylinder with Select-O-
Speed would be another choice. If shifting ease is not critical then many 1960's tractors would fill the bill and have modern features such as independent PTO, power
brakes, high capacity hydraulics, etc..

Should say "Most 1960's tractors under 50 HP would fit what you want to do IF FREQUENT SHIFTING IS NOT REQUIRED."

You are not that far from saskatchewan. Look on kijiji and wait till a 1650 Cockshutt goes
for sale. They sell for 3000-4000 all the time. I almost bought one on the west side of
sask. a month ago. I am central Manitoba and found something closer. Paid $1200 but it needs
a clutch. Other than that runs good.

730 , 830, 930 case with loader will be in that $3500 mark.
I do know that Manitoba is cheaper than alberta and sask.
Might think of getting one from here.

As much as I like the JD 2 cylinders, they make lousy loader tractors.

I like John Deere, they seem to hold good used value if taken care of.

Have had a 930 diesel for many years. Very economic tractor. Only weakness is power steering with bucket loaded.

Shifting ease is good on a 3 cylinder 4000 Ford with 8 speed tranny, Had loader on one. Would never consider s SOS version. Ford Dealer had a mower mounted on a SOS tractor that we were considering buying. Due to bad preformance of that tractor he did not sell the mower either.

Many 1960's tractors that did not have a synchronized or power shift transmission shifted decent but not as well as the ones I mentioned. Some people such as myself can get along with almost anything and some people want to shift instantly without issue. If I had to I know I could make a 4000 8 speed do what I needed it to do but life would be easier with a synchronized or power shift transmission equipped tractor.

You need an extra arm.

On classic view the threads seem to split into separate threads to make it looks like duplicate posts when they are really one and the same. Not sure why it does this.

A W6 is a tractor that you put in gear and let the clutch out and drive around the field until lunch time. The pedals are not conveniently located, or easy to push. Better than a shovel, good for developing your abdominal muscles, but any of the other tractors would be better IMHO, but frankly they're all poor choices for loader tractors.

I just don't understand these "HAS to be A, B, C, or D" threads where all the choices are poor.

Here, my answer is NONE OF THE ABOVE! If you are not in desperate need of a tractor, keep looking, and save as much additional money as you can for your tractor fund.

wouldn't want any of those as a loader tractor

(quoted from post at 08:37:23 08/17/20) A W6 is a tractor that you put in gear and let the clutch out and drive around the field until lunch time. The pedals are not conveniently located, or easy to push. Better than a shovel, good for developing your abdominal muscles, but any of the other tractors would be better IMHO, but frankly they're all poor choices for loader tractors.

I just don't understand these "HAS to be A, B, C, or D" threads where all the choices are poor.

Here, my answer is NONE OF THE ABOVE! If you are not in desperate need of a tractor, keep looking, and save as much additional money as you can for your tractor fund.

Click to expand...

I wouldn't spend money on any of those tractors either, but for the OP, if you want something to lift a few bales once in a while versus not lifting them at all with a toy size compact etc. I like the Case 400, looks like decent shape. Deere totally out because hand clutch. 400 not any better tractor than a W6 or 44, but looks like a nicer loader.

MF 65?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/edmonton/mf-65-tractor-w-loader/1515198304

Deere 4020 (if you can read to ad...sounds luke 3500 for a 4020 with loader
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/lethbridge/2-4020-johndeere-2-4010-john-deere-2-3010-john-deere/1513834974

(quoted from post at 12:59:12 08/17/20)
MF 65?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/edmonton/mf-65-tractor-w-loader/1515198304

Deere 4020 (if you can read to ad...sounds luke 3500 for a 4020 with loader
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-farming-equipment/lethbridge/2-4020-johndeere-2-4010-john-deere-2-3010-john-deere/1513834974

Click to expand...

I actually just saw the 4020, I'm waiting for the guy to call.

Massey 135,235,165,265 and similar models .