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Ford Powermaster 861 vs. International Harvester 424 (Diesel

L

LJS30

Member
I know many times it boils down to preference but which one would you choose to do light duty with? By light I mean brush cutting, collecting branches, orchard work.
 
I would say Ford because of parts and service, you can get parts just about anyplace and if slightly mechanical do the work yourself. International, trouble even finding a dealer that knows what it is let alone finding the parts then needing a full dealer survice department to work on it.
 
The Ford is older, but a bit bigger, has about 10 more ponies: ~45 versus 36 for the IH at the PTO, so if you have heavy brush or a large hog to run, the Ford would get the nod.
Probully easier to get parts for the Ford, too, but depends on dealer situation in your area. The IH is lighter so maybe gets around a little easier. I guess it depends on what you can find in your area and what deal you can get. I would prefer the IH but that is largely because I have a soft spot for the IH 424 since we had one on the farm when I was growing up. Both are good machines, tho so it comes down to whatever you find first that is in the best shape for the price.
 
With EITHER tractor, you're dealing with machines that are old enough to be worn out 10 times over, OR, they may be the best examples of their respective models in existence. Point is, it's all about which individual tractor is in better condition. The Ford is just a tick older, but at those ages, who's counting a few years? Case/NH (CaseIH) supports that tractor fairly well as far as parts go. Same applies to the Ford. Around here, dealer proximity is about equal, so speaking from personal experience, no distinct advantage to either one. I'd look at which one seems to be in the best shape and has the best price tag.
 
I vote for the Ford assuming it is an 861. An 871 (Select-O-Speed) would be a different story. My uncle had an 861 that I drove and my cousin inherited it. As good a tractor in that HP class that there is. When I see one for sale (in my area) it's always at a premium price and it's sold fast. That tells me they're good tractors. Lots of people own them around here and they hang onto them. I don't know anyone who owns a 424. The Ford gas engine will use more fuel. Especially when working hard. Probably about twice as much as a diesel.
 
Neither one would be my pick of the litter because both lines have better tractors out there for not a lot more money. That said, probably either one will work fine for you. Parts support will be about equal on both.
I'd suggest you look at individual condition on both vs price.

Rod
 
Can't speak for the I.H., but my grandpa had an 861 Ford as his "big" tractor when dairy farming from 1960-1980. It was used for just about everything, and that included loader duty too. I still have that tractor and it still runs excellent with nothing but a valve job since 1960.
 
I've driven both and would choose the Ford. Better aftermarket parts support for the Ford and many more sold, so used stuff is relatively easy to find. CIH is light years behind JD in supporting the older stuff and not much "ginger bread" ie cosmetic parts are available for even the late model IH tractors. Although NH parts support isn't great, Ford does not suffer as much because so many were sold.
 
I have no experience with the Ford, so I can't comment on it.

I DO have a 424, and it's been a GREAT little tractor.

<img src = "http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/27Grainfield/424IH/424FallCleanup.jpg">

Parts availability from CNH has been GOOD. No need for bashing there! (And, I tend to be a Deere guy!)

As far as either CIH or CNH having the edge for parts availability and service, they are ALL one company, FIAT.
 
Why are you limiting the selection to only those 2 models? There's lots of other good tractors in the same HP range. Dave
 
Well aware that they are all one company and all or mostly owned by Fiat (I thought Fiat owned only 80%). Also aware that CIH isn't supporting older IH stuff well and would guess very likely not Case parts either. From what I've read/heard, your opinion concerning parts support by CIH is not shared by many. My guess is that NH would be a better supplier because a bunch more Fords were sold and therefore the potential market is much bigger. Would readily agree that the 424 is a good tractor and also are the Oliver 550 and many other numerous examples. But I've driven both and between the two, firmly believe the Ford wins.
 
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