jyoutz
Super Member
I think you will find that your costs to build will be higher than your estimates, and refurbishing an older tractor will be cheaper with a far better outcome.
Homemade tractor
- Thread starter Boganism
- Start date
- Views: 6114
Moxie 15
Silver Member
I live in rural New England and have seen several old cars and trucks used for tractors. Even many tractors around here are 30 or more years old. It is not unusual to see an 8N out cutting, raking or tedding hay in the summer.
Start with a solid framed car with a 4 cyl engine and a manual transmission. You will be using first gear and reverse almost exclusively. Strip away every part you do not need ie windows, fenders, boot lid (trunk lid) anything in the way. Add anything you need, larger wheels and aggressive tires, tire chains, winch, tow hitch. Looking like a tractor is secondary, function is first.
Start with a solid framed car with a 4 cyl engine and a manual transmission. You will be using first gear and reverse almost exclusively. Strip away every part you do not need ie windows, fenders, boot lid (trunk lid) anything in the way. Add anything you need, larger wheels and aggressive tires, tire chains, winch, tow hitch. Looking like a tractor is secondary, function is first.
Norm W
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2013
- Messages
- 334
- Location
- Syracuse NY
- Tractor
- Oliver 70, Farmall A, Allis Chalmers C, VW Rabbit (repowered with a Geo engine} tractor/backhoe, Cat D4-7U
If your fabrication IQ is low, but you have a friend that knows how to pull wrenches, buy an "Old" tractor. They can be fixed up and used. However, if your fabrication skills are high, build what you want/need. The backhoe attachment cost me about $4K, 25 years ago. The tractor I built to put it on cost about $400. I had the tools, the saved parts and the know-how to do it, not everybody has that. Know what you can do, or are willing to learn, then make your choice.
