How old a tractor would you go if you require a front end loader?

[Vigo327]

I have yet to own a loader WITH power steering (unless you count a skid steer) and one thing i have noticed.. having a backhoe on the back sure makes steering easier. So my tongue in cheek suggestion is, if you want a loader tractor without power steering, just make sure it also has a backhoe.

 

[MarblemountLane]

The “check your budget” advice is good. My MF 204 Work Bull was inexpensive and has a good FEL. Part of the reason it was cheap is that the backhoe has been separated for years. I don’t think they knew the word “hydrostatic” in 1959 (mine is an early serial number) but I have the ReversOmatic torque converter in front of the gearbox, and it works well with a loader.

Dad put an aftermarket FEL on his 8N and broke it in half - twice - second time after we had added a tension truss from rear to front. Many of those aftermarket loaders clamped onto the rear axle and torqued it forward when lifting the bucket. The 8N has no frame.

You can still get parts for many old tractors. I can’t afford a new compact. And I already had a 16’ car trailer, so transport is not a problem. How many hours will you put on it? Are we talking production work, or home hobby work? An older tractor may be just fine.

 

[Cougsfan]

I agree with those who said an FEL on any tractor without power steering is a major problem

 

[BigRosto]

I've seen some of the older tractors with a front loader. They look rickety. I don't expect old to look brand new, but since I require a front loader, how old a tractor with a loader would you consider. For the sake of argument, please suppose the tractor itself is in good working condition. Weight capacity doesn't matter a whole lot. I'm only guessing but same 700+ is ok.

In my area, I have dealers for New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, and Yanmar. Atlanta GA area.

Thanks for advice. Like I said. I've seen older loaders, but they don't look sturdy.

Edit: this is for 40hp or less. I need it to move dirt and compost, lots of wood chips. I'm sure I would eventually "cut" in the ground a little here and there but no major excavation. Things like a foot plus of wood chips are, I am hoping, easy to dig up than shovel and wheelbarrow. The chips are from removed trees, so on top of the ground, but they've been there a while. They're kind of difficult to dig up by hand after they are wet and decaying for a year or so.

For years had a Ford NAA (1953) with power up, power tilt, gravity down. Did every kind of loader work and had more grunt than my Mahindra or Yanmar 3-cylinder diesels. Got rid of it because at 80+ I needed power steering when the bucket is loaded. Some times you can find a working one rather than a restoration show piece at a reasonable price. Good luck.