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For that HP range, the Massey 285 would just about have to get my top vote. We've had one since the early 80's and it's been a real workhorse. Second would be a 17-18-1950 or 55 series Oliver. We've got a 1855 w/ a ROPS and canopy on it which is better than a cab w/out AC in the summer, and for sure better than nothing over your head. They ussually go fairly cheap and have good power. We got our 1855 for $5500 with a recent overhaul, newer paint, and OK rubber. I got the canopy for another $350 (a real steal) 3 more slab wieghts ($105), duals ($300) and a few other extras here & there. I also just got a set of fuel tank fenders for it that I still need to mount, and the will triple the current fual capacity. (Don't need to, but I wanted a set of those fenders) Either the 285 or 1855 runs our 14' Hesston 1014+2 hydro-swing haybine, but the 285 is our main haying tractor. It works very well with a round baler the couple times we've borrowed or rented one, but we've also run one with a 1755 we have (engine lost oil press later on with the plow) and it worked pretty good. I just don't like having to rev the engine so high compared to the 285 for the 540 PTO speed. (1750 rpm vs. 2000) Either one can have 1000 RPM PTO, although it's considerably harder to find the shaft for the 285, and almost impossible. They turn up on a regular basis for the Olivers. In my mind, a good Massey 285 will go for $8,000+, where you can purchase a good Oliver for around $5-6,000. There are also White tractors. They bought out Oliver around 1960 or earlier and kept the name going until I beleive 76. Then the 55 series Oliver became White tractors. They had the 2-85 and 2-105 which would be in your HP range. They were the same basic rear end as the later Olivers, just a different engine and paint scheme. A good White would probably go for around $8-10,000. The Whites had a few more cabs, but they were available on all of the models I listed, either aftermarket or factory or both. I can't say much about the other brands because Massey and Oliver is what I was brought up on. I've been on a few IH's but they didn't impress me much. Same with Ford. JD is ok, but the price becomes an issue. I would look around at what dealers are in your area, and which ones have better customer service and parts support. Olivers are still fairly easy to find parts for, but you need to know where to look. They are now owned by AGCO, but not all AGCO dealers are liscensed to sell Oliver/White parts. Find a dealer that used to sell White (they got taken out and replaced by AGCO brand) and they will be able to help you. Massey is also owned by AGCO, but almost every AGCO dealer seems to be liscensed to sell MF. Overall it's your decision. Do your homework and don't jump on the first tractor you see just because it's got new paint. Look it over really good and if your stuck, come on back and pick at our brains for a little while.
Donovan from Wisconsin
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