100+ hp tractor suggestions

[pekabu]

I have found a JD 4440 with cab 4wd. The 4wd is hydrualic as opposed to mechanical, any one know much about this, Farmwithjunk?

Local guy took one in on trade from a University. The University had rebuilt the front end and it was still didn't work right. They took it in and used it as a 2wd. Nice machine, but I don't think they make hydraulic powered frontends anymore. Hopefully some in the know will chime in here.

 

[sandman2234]

The Ford 7710 I just bought pretty much falls into that catagory, if I didn't miss something. All that means is there are (almost) 100 hp tractors out there in 4x4 for the right price.
David from jax

 

[Robert_in_NY]

What size mower are you looking to buy?

 

[Gatorboy]

4 WD is not really necessary for batwing mower or baler.

I agree.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Ok, all of you nice suggestions.

I think I failed to mention that 4wd is necessary with ROPS. I am on some pretty steap stuff and with a tractor of this size, I don't think I want to rely on a second chance.

I have done some searching for a 1066 as voted by Farmwithjunk and Robert, but have not found one in 4wd. 1066 must be popular because have not found many of them.

Robert, I think the 87 hp are a little on the light side.

Redlevel: doing checking now on a mf.

I have found a JD 4440 with cab 4wd. The 4wd is hydrualic as opposed to mechanical, any one know much about this, Farmwithjunk?

I am just looking for something that will pull a batwing. Although would be nice if I could find a great deal on something with cab and air, it is not necessary. Will probably use it 50 to 60 hrs per year. Think it takes two remotes to run batwing, one for each wing. So, with that, need two rear remotes.

So, in sum, cheap, stable, 100+ pto hp, parts availability, ROPS, 4wd and if possible, 1000 & 540 pto. Am I asking too much to get something like this under 10K w/ 4000 to 6000 hrs.

I'm not sure there was such an animal as a true factory 4wd 1066, even in hydro-drive. There are conversions around, but VERY uncommon.

Hydro drive 40 series Deere's are scarce, and they needed to be. Not good for hard pulling, but did offer some assistance when in mud. The 50 series was the first MFWD Deere's. They're quite a bit more valuable than 2wd. Expect a hefty price tag.

Unless you're going "swamping" with the batwing, 4wd isn't all that essential on a tractor of that size.

Anything over 100 HP will have 1000rpm pto.

If you find a 4440, 4240, or 4450 under $10,000 jump on it unless it's trash. More likely $20,000 for a decent 4440, $25,000 and up for 4450. Add $5000 for mfwd.

It was mid 1980's before mfwd was anything like common. You're getting into the $25,000 and up range for 125 hp 80's models with mfwd and green paint.

You'll need 2 remotes alright, but ONE will handle BOTH wings, and the other handles the rear wheel lift.

87 hp will handle a 15'er with little problem in all but the absolute worst of conditions. We're running our 15' Bush Hog with 90hp and it's MORE than adaquate.

 

[Slippy]

Robert: Looking for a 15' batwing.

The two best I have found so far is a JD 2940 with after market cab, 6000 hrs, a lot rebuilt on engine within last 200hrs, 70% rubber, asking $15000.00. Same person also has 15' woods batwing and asking $3500, in decent shape.

Also found JD 4440. Looks in good shape.

Got some pictures of all three. Need to download them and resize. Will post them soon.

 

[Turbys_1700]

My dad bought an AC 8050 3 years ago for 12K. It had 4K hours on it. He bushhogs with it. Cab and air is nice. He sold this tractor new in 84 to a local farmer so he knew the history. He was a tractor and implement salesman for over 30 years. I would think that parts should not be a problem for it but we've not needed any since the purchase. Good luck.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert: Looking for a 15' batwing.

The two best I have found so far is a JD 2940 with after market cab, 6000 hrs, a lot rebuilt on engine within last 200hrs, 70% rubber, asking $15000.00. Same person also has 15' woods batwing and asking $3500, in decent shape.

Also found JD 4440. Looks in good shape.

Got some pictures of all three. Need to download them and resize. Will post them soon.

A 15' batwing should only need 80-90 pto hp.

The 2940 is around 81 pto hp. What brand of cab does it have on it? Most of the after market cabs available to those tractors did not have A/C and they get real hot in the summer. 6000 hours is a lot of hours and if they are already rebuilding a lot on it and now are selling it I think it might end up costing you more then you want.

 

[dsb5610]

Slippy,

I've used the 4430, 4440, 4450 and 4455 with a batwing. Mowed lots and lots of acres. All handled it well. The 4430 had a few issues but the others gave exceptional service. If you have varying terrain the quad shift can be a pain versus the power shift. There are still alot of these in service in my area as utility tractors.

Most of the 44xx tractors I see have cabs. I see more 4040s or 4240s without cabs. Those would be cheaper too. A good 4020 can bring $8k. Around here $10k will not get you 100hp and 4wd unless it's used up.

dsb

 

[art]

I'm not sure there was such an animal as a true factory 4wd 1066, even in hydro-drive. There are conversions around, but VERY uncommon.

There was a factory four wheel drive available on IH tractor's going back to the 60's with the 806 and 1206 chassis. They are easily identified as they have like a big smooth hub cap over where the planataries would be. They would take about 75 foot to turn them as they only had about a 30 degree turn angle.

The most common unit for them was built by a company in Illinois called Elwood. They used truck front axles originally with some modification to bolt in.

At the time of the 86 series bing introduced in 77 we were probably adding them to about 40% of all the larger tractors sold. They were later used by IH on the 30 series.

 

[sandman2234]

I came across a good deal on a 15' batwing, but really didn't need it. I planned to pull it with the JD 2555 but speeds really weren't my concern, so I may have had to run slower than I wanted to make it pull it in deep grass. I sold the mower before I ever got it home, so I don't know if I made a mistake or not, buying it for a 70 hp tractor.
Should have kept it, as it would be great for that Ford 7710.
David from jax

 

[Slippy]

Robert: the 2940 does have air. Not sure of the cab brand. Can find that out.

 

[Slippy]

Here are some pictures of the 2940. Any thoughts from anyone?

 

[Slippy]

Here are some pictures of the 4440. Thoughts?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The 2940's cab isn't going to be very quiet compared to the 4440. Those older style cabs would amplify noise. Still looks to be a fairly decent tractor.

The 4440 and the hydrostatic front drive axle would be good for what you have in mind. That front axle isn't the best set-up for hard pulling drawbar loads, but they offer good control in mud and slick conditions. Also, they don't have the later "positive castor steering" of the 50 series MFWDs. Turning radius isn't quite as sharp as later models. The 4440 is one of the best tractors ever built by ANY brand. The 466 cu. in. engine is a torquer. They have a brilliant reputation. Is it a powershift or quadrange? In any event, it's common to see a 4440 sell well over $20,000 in average condition. The Soundgaurd cab was a giant breakthrough in quiet comfort. (My 4250 had the SG cab and I LOVED it) All things being equal, I'd rather own the 4440.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

The cab on the 2940 looks like a Hiniker which was one of the best at the time but that isn't saying much. They are noisy and you will want ear plugs while you operate it.

I am not too fond of the Soundgard cab design but it is much nicer then the Hiniker and if you plan on spending long hours during the warm season in this tractor find one that has a good, comfortable cab as you will thank yourself every time you use it.

 

[mlauk]

Slippy, I would reconsider a 2WD 100 HP tractor. They are much more available in the price range you are trying to stay in. Also, you would be amazed how difficult it is to get a large 2WD tractor stuck in the mud compared to a compact tractor. You would be better off getting a 2WD with a locking differential rather than 4WD.

 

[Slippy]

You know, the more I think about this, a 2wd probably would work. There are only occassions when I use the MFWD now with my 60hp tractor because I like to keep as much power on the pto as possible. May have to modify my search.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Slippy, I would reconsider a 2WD 100 HP tractor. They are much more available in the price range you are trying to stay in. Also, you would be amazed how difficult it is to get a large 2WD tractor stuck in the mud compared to a compact tractor. You would be better off getting a 2WD with a locking differential rather than 4WD.

I gotta agree on this one too Slippy. My dad and I use the 8050 for hogging and get along just fine. It's a great machine and works great for us. Keep us informed on your decision and good luck.

Just on a side note: Isn't it amazing how much cheap horsepower you can get in some of these older units. Compared to our little 4WD compacts they are a steal.

 

[Slippy]

Ok, now things have gotten real difficult. There are tons of tractors out there in the 100+ pto hp in 2wd. I think it would be best to stay with a 6 cyl. and should have ROPS or cab. Is there some place to get specs on tractors such as hp, transmission features, and cyl? What is the difference between a power shift and quadrange?