Which tractor? John Deere 2150, 2240, 2440, or 2555 wit

Just wanted some review/feedback on 4 tractors I am comparing before making a purchase.
My main uses would be planting wildlife food plots, tilling, mowing with 6 ft brush hog, using 8 ft disk, and Id like to use a 7 ft king kitten rotary tiller.

Tractor option 1: 1981 John Deere 2240. 39.6 hp drawbar. 50.4 hp PTO
Tach shows 5,800 hrs(might not be accurate), JD 145 loader, 2 rear remotes, no ROPS, average condition. Engine sounds good, PTO works, and hydraulics/3 point hitch. Owner asking $8,000

Tractor option 2: 1980 John Deere 2440. 50.4 HP drawbar. 60.7 hp PTO
Tach shows 7,800 hrs(might not work), JD 146 loader, 2 rear remotes, no ROPS, slightly better than average comdition, engine sounds good, PTO works, hydraulics/3 point hitch. Owner asking $10,500

Tractor option 3: 1990 John Deere 2555. 56 hp drawbar. 65 hp PTO. Engine 77 hp
Basic model, no turbo, 2 wd 1,633 hrs 2 owner tractor, excellent condition, JD 175 loader, Canopy, 2 rear remotes, 540 PTO
Knowledgeable owner with good service records. Asking $19,000

Tractor option 4: A friend also found a possible 4th option with a John Deere 2150. Dont know much about this one except it looks nice, has a loader and cab, with 3;800 hours for $8,600. All rear remotes are used by loader.

My thoughts are considering option 3 because it has the most power comparing all 3, most likely several thousand hours before major service, and I can use it to do hay work in the future.

Interested in feedback and using this to make my decision. Thank you.

Dad has a 2440 with loader, since about 1979. We are probably 3rd owner and he put the loader on. Have used it for some hard work including running a JD 24T baler plus wagon on fairly flat ground. Also runs a 709 mower very well. No major issues ever. Has good weight and power for the size. I would like 4x4 when doing loader work on slick ground. But who wouldnt.

I agree....all are good but the 3rd choice is your best bet. Being the latest version of those utilities , it will have all the updates and improvements. Go for it and enjoy!

Ben

The 2555 would be my choice. JD 55 series tractors were the best tractors ever built. You'll also have more power to operate that rotary tiller.

I'd pick a Waterloo built tractor, but choice 3 is the best, provided it is in the best shape.

2555

I'd choose the 2150 with ""cab"" & FEL for $8600. 50 HP will handle a 7' tiller & should be fine with 8' 3 pt disk harrow

Depending on your soil, you may need a creeper gear to rototill.

Id suggest first determine if you want a front loader tractor. If yes, consider something with front wheel assist. Much newer 5xxx Deeres are available for not much more than what you are considering, and usually get you a much more modern machine, with many useful features. Thats why we ended up buying a used 5425.

If you dont really want a loader, then youll find that a utility tractor without a loader is less money, and generally in much better shape. Its also much easier to maneuver without a loader sticking out front. Thats why we have a 2240 with a 7 brush mower on it.

Tractorhouse.com has some good sorting tools in their advanced search feature that can help you find several options.

Good luck!

Thanks Steve! I need the loader about half the time. I agree with having the more modern features. Though I still like the older tractor tires that I can work on. Since you have a 2240, do you think it will run a 7 ft king kutter rotary tiller? Id like 7 ft wide to match the width of the tractor. They recommend 50-65 hp for the tiller. I havent mowed or operated with a loader and from what Im hearing sounds like no one wants a loader on unless your using it.

The main thing about a tiller is having a super low gear. Hydrostatic is best. Some tractors have creeper gears for that reason. Our 2240 could certainly run a 7 ft tiller, in some conditions. In part because it has the two speed power shift feature, that in turtle would slow down the ground speed. But the soil would need to be relatively light and workable.

Bottom line, for running a tiller, look for a tractor with a low ground speed (at rated PTO RPM) in first gear. Tractordata.com can help with that.

Regarding the loader, if youll need it 1/2 the time, then youll need a loader. Just take it easy if you dont have front wheel drive. A heavy bucket full takes a lot of weight off your rear tires. Double check the condition of the front axle system (steering, pivots, etc) of used loader tractors.

When Steve is talking about "slow" he is talking FRACTIONS of a mile per hour at PTO speed. 2.1MPH sounds slow, but for a tiller it's WARP 9.