ah64_ip29
Bronze Member
I'm kinda new to the tractor world, but have been learning a lot from this forum over the last few months. I've retired from the military after 24 years and my wife wanted horses, so now we have 5 on 17 acres.
Here's my question:
If you were looking for an older Ford tractor in the 40-80hp range, what models would you consider? Which ones are worth the time and effort to keep running and aren't too difficult to find parts for? Are some too difficult to add extra remotes to, etc?
Here's some background:
I originally thought I only needed about 40hp, with a loader, for moving round bales and mowing and fence post digging. I also anticipate moving dirt to level out a spot for a new barn and using a box blade, and other field prep/conditioning equipment, and maybe a baler at some point.
When it rains even a little i've found that I can't get my F350 4x4 dually out into the field without getting it stuck, to drop off a round bale. A local farmer has been driving his tractor about 4 miles to deliver the bales when it is wet (he has a McCormick 80hp 4WD) So, it seems 4WD might be important for me. Someone suggested that 4WD improves pulling so sometimes more hp is not required. Some have suggested that the extra hp is not that much more in cost so I should consider getting it if I can afford it, and it will give me the ability to lift the heavier loads safely if I should need it (without risking tipping over). I'm really new to all this tractor stuff, and as you can see, I've been getting advice all over the spectrum.
It seems there are a lot of fans of the older tractors. An older tractor doesn't bother me, as I used to be a certified auto mechanic, so I would think I'd be able to do a lot of maintenance if required, as long as parts were available, and ok, sometimes I like to work on stuff (turning something with potential into something worthwhile).
I'm trying to spend less than $20K, but am willing and able to spend whatever is required.
Thanks for taking your time to help out a newbie. Adrian
Here's my question:
If you were looking for an older Ford tractor in the 40-80hp range, what models would you consider? Which ones are worth the time and effort to keep running and aren't too difficult to find parts for? Are some too difficult to add extra remotes to, etc?
Here's some background:
I originally thought I only needed about 40hp, with a loader, for moving round bales and mowing and fence post digging. I also anticipate moving dirt to level out a spot for a new barn and using a box blade, and other field prep/conditioning equipment, and maybe a baler at some point.
When it rains even a little i've found that I can't get my F350 4x4 dually out into the field without getting it stuck, to drop off a round bale. A local farmer has been driving his tractor about 4 miles to deliver the bales when it is wet (he has a McCormick 80hp 4WD) So, it seems 4WD might be important for me. Someone suggested that 4WD improves pulling so sometimes more hp is not required. Some have suggested that the extra hp is not that much more in cost so I should consider getting it if I can afford it, and it will give me the ability to lift the heavier loads safely if I should need it (without risking tipping over). I'm really new to all this tractor stuff, and as you can see, I've been getting advice all over the spectrum.
It seems there are a lot of fans of the older tractors. An older tractor doesn't bother me, as I used to be a certified auto mechanic, so I would think I'd be able to do a lot of maintenance if required, as long as parts were available, and ok, sometimes I like to work on stuff (turning something with potential into something worthwhile).
I'm trying to spend less than $20K, but am willing and able to spend whatever is required.
Thanks for taking your time to help out a newbie. Adrian
