charles todd
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2010
- Messages
- 385
- Location
- Louisiana
- Tractor
- LS P7010C, Farmall 504, Allis Chalmers 180, Komatsu PC38UU-2
Like my Allis Chalmers 180. Big straight 6 will drink 5 gal/hr when working.I'd spend 80/90% of your budget get a good 40hp 4wd tractor, ten years old or more, shuttle, with good FEL and open station. That is what I call a traditional "utility chore" tractor.
The big tractor can wait. You will want one eventually; not today. If you live there a few years and get known as a neighbor, I'd be surprised if you aren't offered a good old big tractor for no more than a nominal fee and the requirement that you fix it up and use it. Most old farmers have one or more retired old tractors on their place. At least most farmers in grain growing country do. Not rusted, just old. AC, Massey, JD etc.
The truth is that older - 30 to 50 year old - 90+ hp tractors are a drag on the market and often need nothing more than a few months of evenings with wrenches and some mechanical attention and a five thousand dollars for this and that. Cheap or less because nobody really wants them.. So get a good 4wd chore tractor now, and give that big ugly brute of a tractor a chance to come to you.
rScotty
CT