I am trying to find a older tractor due to costs and I am partial to the older Ford tractors since my dad had one. The only problem is a lot of the older ones seem to not have a front end loader or power steering. Should I be looking at another brand or maybe find a newer model that Ford made such as the "10" or "20" series tractors. I don't need a lot of horsepower behind the tractor because I would be just using for minor projects around my property. Any input would be much appreciated!!
- Thread starter Corey148
- Start date
Features to pay extra for:
Power steering
Live hydraulics
Live pto
More gear speeds
I've run tractors from a 4 speed F20 to 1990s full featured machines, and while you can sorta bale or blow snow or cut hay with an old N tractor, it is much more enjoyable and safer to have something from the late 1959s on where the above features showed up. Without live hyd, live pto. Farming is grunt work.
Do you want to struggle with using the tractor, or enjoy your time on the seat?
Just my thoughts.
A 660 or 860 Ford is a little harder to find, into the 2000, 3000, 4000 models, but you will have a lot more.
Paul
Power steering
Live hydraulics
Live pto
More gear speeds
I've run tractors from a 4 speed F20 to 1990s full featured machines, and while you can sorta bale or blow snow or cut hay with an old N tractor, it is much more enjoyable and safer to have something from the late 1959s on where the above features showed up. Without live hyd, live pto. Farming is grunt work.
Do you want to struggle with using the tractor, or enjoy your time on the seat?
Just my thoughts.
A 660 or 860 Ford is a little harder to find, into the 2000, 3000, 4000 models, but you will have a lot more.
Paul
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
I thought you said it was shot--that's why you bought the Fiat.
Traditional Farmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- Virginia
Neighbor has a Ford 1920 4WD with a loader and its a nice well built outfit.
I agree with everything posted above. Go with a mid to late 1950s tractor as your oldest choice. Most have PS, live PTO and live hydraulics. Those features all make using the tractor much easier. Spending an extra $500 or so get those options up front on a tractor is money well spent.
Often older tractors and lower costs don't go together. You should be able to inspect an older machine for mechanical issues and decide if you can deal with them or have to pay to fix them.Its easy to put enough money into an older tractor to have been able to afford a bit newer and less issues.
John Fulton
Member
I have a 1967 Ford 5000, diesel,65 HP, power steering. Paid $6000 for it 10 years ago. A front bucket will run another $1500. The old 5000's are a good tractor for the cost, plenty of HP for most jobs, and are easy to work on.
Geo-TH,In
Well-known Member
Depends on what you need a loader for. I grew up with a 1940 IH H with a front loader. If someone were to give me an H with a front loader I would remove the loader and send it to the scraper. I'm sure this will upset some so I'll say I'm sorry, but I have absolutely no use for an old style trip bucket loader. If you have a use fine. After having a backhoe, 2 way hydraulics, there is no way I would want anything less.
Most older tractors with add on loaders can't handle the stress. We cracked our H in half with the loader. Oh yes, no power stearing.
Most older tractors with add on loaders can't handle the stress. We cracked our H in half with the loader. Oh yes, no power stearing.
Longmeadow farm
Member
Older (antique) tractors that have had loaders on them for many years may be a bit worn out. Dry engine clutches, front end pivots, spindle shafts, wheel bearings, etc., are all areas that will show considerable wear. The heavier the tractor the worse it usually is..especially if used on an active farm. Try finding something in the 35 - 45 HP class used by a hobbyist or weekender for a number of years. The smaller Fords are good choices, as they are too light in the rear end to do much damage. However, an Allis Chalmers "D" series, with auxiliary hydraulic pump is also a good choice. The advantage regarding the AC is that they have a wet clutch arrangement which is great for loader work...I own an AC 175/loader tractor with about 7000 hours on it... use it around the barns as a chore tractor..original clutches..but then again I'm rather careful to use the tractor for actual loader work and not as a bulldozer.
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