Suggestions on which tractor wanted

[pharmvet]

Ive had a Ford 3930 and a Massey 135. I liked them both just fine but it seems that each time I have a big job Im always having to borrow a larger tractor. I would like to find a tracor in with 80-110 hp. I would like it to be a no frills tractor with straight hi and low gearing and very little electronics. I want it to be 4wd and either a Ford or Deere. I would like for it to be a bulletproof re-buildable model that can ealily be worked on in the dealership, I would go Cab/air or open top canopy. Some have suggested the 6610,7710 in Ford and the 4030 in the Deere. Please give me some models that fit my description so that I can get down to some serious research. Also, if you have time and feel like it, please give me some insight as to why the particular models you suggest are desirable. thanks a million.

 

[JasG]

I would stay away from Deere 30 series. I love Deere and 20's, 40's, and newer etc would be a very good choice. The 30 series were a lower compression diesel, which they had less torque and started harder than any other series made. If you want 4wd I would recommend a 2940, it's one of the few 40 series that was MFWD vs HFWA. This would be about 80-85 Hp. Any 30 series in the size you are looking at would be HFWA, it was a great idea in theory but in practice didn't work very well.
3150, 4050, 4250, or any in a 55 series would be a good choice.

One note: make sure you ask a reputable dealer about parts for IH, Ford, Case, and CaseIH. I'm hearing that parts for the older lines now that they have merged are becoming and issue. This is coming from a friend of mine that has 06 and 66 series IH tractors. It could be his dealer isn't stocking as much or due to the size of the lines they now support they are phasing out older model support and parts.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Im not sure how many of the Ford 10 series tractors were sold in the Us with MFWD. I just didnt see a lot. Same with the Greens most of the green MFWD in that age range is imported used like from Europe.
The later Green or Blue tractors like 95 or later are more common with mfwd.
I dont know of parts or service issues with either color. Blue is more popular in the non row crop areas for some reason.
I would probably go to a less than 5 year old model to get what you want of any color. check craigslist for individuals selling, or estate sales.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

I am a fan of the Ford 7610 and 7710. As I recall, the prices are pretty strong for these tractors...that tells me that they are worthwhile looking into further.

I have never heard much good about Deere 4030 tractors. I always chalked them up to be a newer version of Deere's 2010...a dog. Like JasG says, if you could find a Deere 4030 with front wheel assist, it would be a hydraulically-powered system, not a mechanical MFWD. That is another downer in my opinion.

I will second what JasG says about the Deere tractors built in Cologne, Germany. Take a good look at Deere 2955, 3055, and 3155 tractors. Many more of them were MFWD, but you may need to hunt a bit more to find one. A good friend of mine who works at a red dealership likes those Cologne-built Deeres. That speaks volumes.

If you step back in age a bit, IH had some tractors that had either an Elwood or a Coleman MFWD option. They didn't turn very tight, however.

 

[JasG]

I would stay away from IH 66 series with MFWD. They had at least 3 different versions and 1 of them was just horrible. The 1st version had shaft that ran from the top of the transmission down to an offset pumpkin, It had no planetary gears in the front wheels. If you were on hard soil and turned to much or backed up it would twist the drive shaft off. The second version had a larger hub assembly in the front wheels. If you looked at it from the side it looked like the hubs from a Deere HFWA tractor. The last version is more like what we see today. None of them turned very well. I liked IH tractors, tons of torque, good on fuel when under a light load, pulled great under a high load. 2 things I never liked, the stacked PTO, always puts extra wear on the 540 drive shafts. The 2nd is the torque amplifier. I know many people who had issues with that, and they were not cheap to fix. They also made a hydro transmission option that was very poor.

IH motors when taken care of do seem to run forever.

If I could find a 966 - 1466 with the last version of MFWD, I would consider it if I needed a tractor. The 86 series IH had a good MFWD system, but they shortened the wheel base to give better turning. Due to this the ride was bad when compaired to other similar tractors.

 

[Oleozz]

There are quite a few 66 and 86 series IH's that would fit what you are looking for. In the 66 series I have seen some nice 766's and 966's. The 766 has about 85 hp and the 966 has about 105. In the 86 series the 886 and 986 have about the same horsepowers but are newer tractors. They are all non-turbo, to get into the turbo you would need a 1066 or 1086. They don't have a lot of fancy electronics, biggest problem seems to be cavitation but a water filter plus keeping the antifreeze fresh will help with that problem. NONE of these tractors were normally four wheel drive but I'm not sure how important that is with a tractor this size. If traction is a concern get duals on the rear.

 

[Renze]

I will second what JasG says about the Deere tractors built in Cologne, Germany.

The green tractors that used to be built in Cologne didnt have a galloping goat on the front... Deutz used to build tractors in Koln and currently at their combine facility in Lauingen.
Deere obtained their European tractor works by taking over Heinrich Lanz works in Mannheim, somewhere in the late 50's. Thats where they still come from.

I am a fan of the Ford 7610 and 7710. As I recall, the prices are pretty strong for these tractors...that tells me that they are worthwhile looking into further.

Maybe you guys should pick them up in Europe... they are have just a modest popularity here, because they are fuel hogs (just like Deeres 40 series and older) and need a strong arm to force it into gear.
Most popular used tractors around here are older German built Case (the english built ones are disliked for their poor reliability) and certain ranges of Deutz tractors. Older for 1000 and 600 series are also popular for the light jobs.

Older Zetor Crystal tractors, and their Polish twins from Ursus, are very scarce all over Western Europe even though they were sold quite good in the 70's and 80's: They are all bought by people from the east that took them back home. Often for better money you could get for a similar MF or Ford. Right now they are getting a sought after collectors item, a modern classic.
I guess fuel consumption isnt such an issue in north america.

 

[flusher]

Ive had a Ford 3930 and a Massey 135. I liked them both just fine but it seems that each time I have a big job Im always having to borrow a larger tractor. I would like to find a tracor in with 80-110 hp. I would like it to be a no frills tractor with straight hi and low gearing and very little electronics. I want it to be 4wd and either a Ford or Deere. I would like for it to be a bulletproof re-buildable model that can ealily be worked on in the dealership, I would go Cab/air or open top canopy. Some have suggested the 6610,7710 in Ford and the 4030 in the Deere. Please give me some models that fit my description so that I can get down to some serious research. Also, if you have time and feel like it, please give me some insight as to why the particular models you suggest are desirable. thanks a million.

Gee, with all the acreage you own, I'd think you'd be looking for something a little larger in hp.

If I were in your situation I'd be looking for a true 4WD articulated tractor in the 150-200 hp range. One of my neighbors uses a Steiger Super Wildcat (200 hp engine) to farm about 200 acres of hayfield

Another neighbor uses an IH 4366 articulated tractor (160 hp on the drawbar) on his 30 acre alfalfa field

Both of these tractors are simple, no frills machines from the 1970s and 80s.

The Steiger is powered by a Caterpiller 3160 diesel which is a fairly common engine found on all kind of heavy equipment in the construction and transportation industries. Shouldn't be a problem getting it serviced in the field.

The IH has a 6-cyl DT-466 turbo-diesel engine apparently made by IH. It probably can be serviced by a CIH dealer in the field.

 

[flusher]

Gee, with all the acreage you own, I'd think you'd be looking for something a little larger in hp.

If I were in your situation I'd be looking for a true 4WD articulated tractor in the 150-200 hp range. One of my neighbors uses a Steiger Super Wildcat (200 hp engine) to farm about 200 acres of hayfield


Another neighbor uses an IH 4366 articulated tractor (160 hp on the drawbar) on his 30 acre alfalfa field


Both of these tractors are simple, no frills machines from the 1970s and 80s.

The Steiger is powered by a Caterpiller 3160 diesel which is a fairly common engine found on all kind of heavy equipment in the construction and transportation industries. Shouldn't be a problem getting it serviced in the field.

The IH has a 6-cyl DT-466 turbo-diesel engine apparently made by IH. It probably can be serviced by a CIH dealer in the field.

BTW: the IH 4366 body and frame were made by Steiger under contract to IH. IH supplied the engine.

 

[pharmvet]

Flusher, I never really even considered anything other than a traditional tractor. All but about 150 acres is timber. I maintain several right or ways and lanes for hunting and wildlife habitat. I work on cattle all day but don't own any so I don't bail any hay. However each year I do some moderate disking and shredding. Sometimes the shreading is some 3 or 4 year old stuff so a large tractor and heavy duty shredder would really come in handy. What price range could one of those older articulated rigs be found in. Also, I really need the front end loader much of the time for piling brush / logs ect. Thanks for the advice, I will give it some consideration.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

The green tractors that used to be built in Cologne didnt have a galloping goat on the front... Deutz used to build tractors in Koln and currently at their combine facility in Lauingen.
Deere obtained their European tractor works by taking over Heinrich Lanz works in Mannheim, somewhere in the late 50's. Thats where they still come from.

Yes, you are absolutely correct about John Deere's Mannheim works. Thank you for pointing that out and correcting me. I can't believe that I made that mistake! I got my factories mixed up. Ford used to build an automotive engine in Cologne (Koln) and I guess my previous thoughts on Ford tractors must have triggered my brain to think in terms of Cologne. I am getting old. That is my only explanation for my mistake. My face is red.

 

[JasG]

Couple of problems with Flushers idea. Most of this style tractor are "bare backs". No loader for that type of tractor, most no PTO, no 3 point hitch, and they are true fuel hogs, but you can get them cheap. Also the 3160 engine is a V-8, not many of them, the early ones didn't hold up very good. Most machines that use Cat engine use a inline 6 due to this.
If a tractor that larger is a option a IH 3388 also know as a two plus two would be a good one. Going to be around 130-170 Hp depending on year and model, has 3 point hitch and PTO. It's one of the few models in the HP range that some had both the 540 and the 1000 RPM. Most older tractors once you get over 130 Hp they only have the 1000 if they have one at all. Just stay away from ones that have duals all the way around. It was made as a row crop tractor, so duals on the front would over stress the drive line. Again with this stye frame, no loader can be put on it.

 

[flusher]

Flusher, I never really even considered anything other than a traditional tractor. All but about 150 acres is timber. I maintain several right or ways and lanes for hunting and wildlife habitat. I work on cattle all day but don't own any so I don't bail any hay. However each year I do some moderate disking and shredding. Sometimes the shreading is some 3 or 4 year old stuff so a large tractor and heavy duty shredder would really come in handy. What price range could one of those older articulated rigs be found in. Also, I really need the front end loader much of the time for piling brush / logs ect. Thanks for the advice, I will give it some consideration.

Roger that.
You normally don't see FELs on ag tractors in the hp range you're considering. Which is why these articulated beasts came to mind after I saw the size of your property. Just something to think about and file away. I've seen Steigers in good condition go for under $15K at local auctions. They are definitely big boy's toys.

 

[slowzuki]

A big 4wd articulate isn't a fuel hog if you're using it for what its meant for. I don't think its what you need though.

 

[chh]

I'd say that is a wee bit of overkill. Those rigs were meant for truly big grain farming operations.

 

[chh]

You have gotten some good comments on the Ford, JD's and IH's. If you are not too much against a MF again you might look at the 383's and 393 tractors. Nicer(and more complicated) are the 4200 series, in which the 4243(I own one of them) and the 4253, but you would be looking at quite a bit more money than the 6610 or 7710 tractors. The 300 series all had a good reputation and many are around that are still good solid tractors. I just don't see many with MFWD around though. A lot of the newer 400 series(471, 481 and 496) would fall into your size rating and many have MFWD, but again you would be taking a step up in price(but maybe not as much as one would think). All mentioned have the proven Perkins diesel engines in them.

My neighbor has a 6610 with a cab, MFWD, and a loader on it. I can say that it has never been babied and abused might be closer to the truth. The A/C is a regular problem on his. His main maintence issues are mainly age related hydraulic leaks and his is a bit of a hard starter and isn't making full power due to(most likely) clogged injectors. It has been that way for 3 years that I know of. When he bought it several years ago it had somewhere over 5000 hrs and he used it to bale and batwing with. I have run it and shifting is actually pretty good. Much better than a lot of the old IH's I have run and much, much better than the old Ford 9600 that I owned.
With all that said, I would have to say they are tough tractors and if you can find one in better shape than his they can be a good buy.

As an opinion for someone who has had both tractors with duals and MFWD. MFWD is better for anything with a loader on it, especially in wet weather and the larger front tires make for a smoother ride otherwise. Duals are great for high traction needs in fieldwork, not very good using a tractor to brushhog with and can be a real pain (IMO) to take on and off.

 

[Oleozz]

You have gotten some good comments on the Ford, JD's and IH's. If you are not too much against a MF again you might look at

My neighbor has a 6610 with a cab, MFWD, and a loader on it. I can say that it has never been babied and abused might be closer to the truth.
As an opinion for someone who has had both tractors with duals and MFWD. MFWD is better for anything with a loader on it, especially in wet weather and the larger front tires make for a smoother ride otherwise. Duals are great for high traction needs in fieldwork, not very good using a tractor to brushhog with and can be a real pain (IMO) to take on and off.

I agree about getting the duals off and on, a pita for sure. I'm thinking about buying the Bierman's EZ Dual Tire Changer. The video on their site makes changing tires look easy!!!!!

 

[slowzuki]

Having a nice compact tractor with a hydrostatic tranny and loader makes duals easier to change, but loaded duals are still a bit heavy.

 

[pharmvet]

Found a John Deere 3155 MFWD about 20 miles from me. Dealer says he used it personally for about 3 years. No loader. 4 post canopy with the controls on the rt. Not sure of the hours, I think the odo is non functional. What do most of you die hard Deere guys think if the 3155 model? Are there any really weak or really strong points to this model? Is it a generally reliable model? Can parts be found? Will dealers work on them? thanks

 

[JasG]

3155 is a very good choice, no weak points I know of. I think they started making 3155's in 1988 or 89. One thing about Deere, and this is why they hold value better than any other make out there. Deere supports machines they made better than anyone. You can get parts for an A, B, G, M, 420, 4020, etc. So in answer to your question yes a dealer can and should support this machine, and yes part are easy to get. You can look up parts at Deere.com very easy.

This size tractor would also be easy to find a loader that would fit.

I know a few people with 2940, 50's and one with a 3155. All have liked the machines.