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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Help on buying a first tractor

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Joe Hill

11-05-2005 20:35:19




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My brothers and I have a 20-acre plot in Michigan that is trees and meadow, and would like an old tractor to do various light work: mowing and brushing, dragging trees, lifting logs, etc. What brands/models should we be looking at. I am a backyard auto mechanic, among other things, but I am not looking for a project (already have too many, like a 64 Dodge). Looking to get a pretty good machine with implements so we can get right to work (play?). Thanks for any help you can give.

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tg in VA

11-07-2005 03:52:58




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-05-2005 20:35:19  
Look at the next level tractor. I was looking for a MF135 and ended up with a MF165 for less money. 52 HP vs 38 for the 135. As the old saying goes, you can do a small job with a big tractor but you can't do a big job with a small tractor. I had (and still have a TO35) but it has been relegated to finish mowing and pulling the arena drag. I still can't believe how much easier and quicker farm tasks are with the 165.
Finally, its folks like us (small operators) who keep the pricing for small tractors (8N's, 135's etc) inflated. Around here, the higher HP tractors such as the 165's go for less because the perception is that for a small operation (20 - 50 acres) you only need a small tractor. My 165 is a category 1 and uses the same equipment I was using with the TO35, only quicker and eassire.

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Christos

11-06-2005 20:27:41




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-05-2005 20:35:19  
You can't go wrong with a Massey-Ferguson 135. They are about as commmon as the 8,9, and 2ns and they come with Live PTO, Power Steering and if you get the gas with a Perkins engine in it those things are virtually indestructable. Just try and avoid the ones with the Continental Motors Z series engines in them. Those parts are pricier than the perkins.

Christos



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Coloken

11-06-2005 05:36:32




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-05-2005 20:35:19  
While the older ones are a lot of fun you need: 3 point..absolutly live PTO...all most absolutly Power steering....if you don't, you will wish you did.
Kennyp



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Joe Hill

11-06-2005 10:43:10




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Coloken, 11-06-2005 05:36:32  
Thank you for the feedback, that is helpful. What do folks think of the Ford 9N for these tasks?



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wayne2

11-06-2005 15:51:18




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-06-2005 10:43:10  
to small-to OLD



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Kirk Grau

11-06-2005 12:32:50




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-06-2005 10:43:10  
I own a Ford 3600 with a loader and my FIL's 9N is parked at my place for my use if needed. The 9N works fine for many tasks, but almost all of my seat time is in the 3600. I have a run-in shed with a low entry door that I can't get the ROPS of the 3600 under so I use the 9N and back blade to scrape that one out. Otherwise, it is hard to beat the power steering, live pto, etc. of a little more modern tractor.

Of course I have about $8000 in the 3600 and my FIL picked up the 9N for less than $2000.

A tractor purchase should really be preceded by a list of tasks needed to accomplish along with how much time you can alot to these tasks. You can mow your 20 acres with a 9N and a 5' mower, but it may take you several consecutive weekends to finish or you can have something bigger and a 12-15 foot mower and get the job done in an afternoon. Of course if you are trying to mow around trees and paths the 12 footer might not be practical.

Good Luck whatever you decide and the old iron really is more fun if you don't mind turning a wrench once in awhile.

Kirk

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wayne2

11-06-2005 15:55:21




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Kirk Grau, 11-06-2005 12:32:50  
Jump up to Ford 600-800, Case 4-5-800 with Triple Range good machines-Can't say JD never could afford one LOL Wayne



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phillip d

11-06-2005 05:00:30




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 Re: Help on buying a first tractor in reply to Joe Hill, 11-05-2005 20:35:19  
Hi Joe,we've got a 4610 Ford at our farm,had it since new.It is ultra reliable,easy on fuel,exellent cold starting(maby not an issue for you?),can't say anything bad about it.Should you purchace a Ford,you will have to change the antifreeze every two years because there apparently aren't any sleeves in the block.Other than that minor detail,should you end up with one,you won't be dissapointed.I'm sure there are hundreds of other tractor makes and models that would also suit the job just as well,but this is one I would add to your list of considerations.

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