More Big 4WDs

OK Gentlemen,

Here are some tractors I'm looking at. Can I get some more opinions?

The first one is JD 7520. Engine has been overhauled but no one knows when. Every thing works fine, very good tires, no big leaks, overall clean tractor, $10,000. Ready to work.

You don't even want to KNOW what it costs to OH, or do any major repairs to the V-8 Cummins engines in the AC or the Versatile. Recon heads or piston/sleeve sets are astronomical.

The red??? Steiger has a common Road Ranger tranny, and the CAT COULD be replaced by an engine salvaged from a truck. Still a SCREAMING V-8, though.

Me, I'd look for a Versatile or a Steiger with an in-line 6 Cummins. They are reliable, and parts are as reasonable as you're going to find, and clutch or tranny repairs can be done without removing the engine.

(No live PTO there, either, should that be important to you.)

Steiger-built IH's with the IH 466 engine were pretty good, to.

That being said, when I farmed, I run the hourmeter on this Deere 8630, considered by many to be a disaster, to over 9000 hours, with NO engine or tranny problems, except for replacing the planetary 2-speed at a parts cost of about $1500.00. It still have it, and use it once in a while.

Next up, an AC 440. One owner, maintained very well, engine overhauled with around 100 hrs on it, tires not all that great, $10,000. Ready to work.

Stieger repainted red. 3208 Cat was run without oil in it and has a rod poking out, otherwise the rest of the tractor is in very nice condition, tires are brand new - you can still see parts of the stickers in the picture, $4,500. I am able to swap engines, but, do I want to? Will it be worth it? Where can I find one?

Versatile 555. Runs well, needs some brake work and the power steering unit has some sort of leak, $6500. These repairs appear to be fairly minor.

Let's hear what you guys think about these.

The 440 was built by steiger for AC, so it too is a good machine. My dad had one way back when I was young. Did a lot of work in its day.

I've ran a 555 too for a bit. It ran good, but I believe the axle housings were a bit weak if you hit many washouts that you cant see. The tires on the 555 sort of give me the impression that it has'nt had the best of care.

Those would be my choices if I were in your position. I would'nt touch the other steiger. If it had been run out of oil, who knows what else its had go without oil.