Price Check Need Cheap HP

[shibaura_4043]

I'm looking to buy cheap horsepower for plowing my field that I'll be sprigging this year( I know I'm behind schedule). Last year I plowed a portion of my field with my two 65-70 hp tractors and it was tough on them and I prefer to keep them in good condition and reliable for a few more years. That said I've found a Case 1270 cab tractor. I could buy it and plow with it probably faster and much easier. I was hoping to get advice on the reliability of these old Cases. It's kinda rough, lights don't work, ac doesn't work and I think the fuel tank might have a small leak. Going to look at it this weekend. Can anyone help me out with pros and cons and what to look for as I'm looking it over? What would be a reasonable price for something like this? Should I just put my tractors to work and deal with the potential breakdowns? I use my tractors predominantly for mowing and haying. Thanks

 

[foreman Etexas]

What we talking cheap?

 

[smstonypoint]

I have no experience with Case 1270s. but depending on the cost of the 1270, how many acres you plan to plow/year, and custom rates in your area, it may be cheaper to pay someone to do the plowing.

Steve

 

[sd455dan]

I'm looking to buy cheap horsepower for plowing my field that I'll be sprigging this year( I know I'm behind schedule). Last year I plowed a portion of my field with my two 65-70 hp tractors and it was tough on them and I prefer to keep them in good condition and reliable for a few more years. That said I've found a Case 1270 cab tractor. I could buy it and plow with it probably faster and much easier. I was hoping to get advice on the reliability of these old Cases. It's kinda rough, lights don't work, ac doesn't work and I think the fuel tank might have a small leak. Going to look at it this weekend. Can anyone help me out with pros and cons and what to look for as I'm looking it over? What would be a reasonable price for something like this? Should I just put my tractors to work and deal with the potential breakdowns? I use my tractors predominantly for mowing and haying. Thanks

Years ago we had a 970 Agri-King 2 wheel drive Case and it was trouble free, nice quiet running and really liked the 4 range with 3 speed power shift
That has been a long time back, so not sure on how helpful this is but I did like that 970...

 

[oldnslo]

Why was plowing rough on your tractors? Rocks, brush, etc... Would an older tractor survive any better?

 

[DT86]

How many acres are you plowing?

 

[Farmer495]

Is your plow too big?

65-70 HP tractor should play with a properly sized plow. 3x16" would be common here on that size.

If a tractor that size can't handle a day of plowing there is something wrong with it. We aren't talking a 25 HP hydro compact.

 

[shibaura_4043]

What we talking cheap?

The one I'm looking at I should be able to pick up for 3k.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Why was plowing rough on your tractors? Rocks, brush, etc... Would an older tractor survive any better?

I had my land cleared with a Dozer in October 2014, so there's a little underbrush and roots to rip through, I will probably chisel plow (13 shank- removable shanks)then disc the field with my 12' notched disc plow. With that in mind I figured if I can get the 130 hp case cheap enough I might be better off. My tractors handled the job, it was a slow process though, considering hay season is coming up I'd hate to be short a tractor when I really need them.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Is your plow too big? 65-70 HP tractor should play with a properly sized plow. 3x16" would be common here on that size. If a tractor that size can't handle a day of plowing there is something wrong with it. We aren't talking a 25 HP hydro compact.

I was pulling a chisel plow with 9 shanks and a 12' notched disc. They pulled them ok just a little slower than I would Iike. I should be able to plow deep and fast with 130hp no problem and limit excessive wear on my hay tractors. I plowed 33 acres last year and need to get another 20-25 acres sprigged this year. The terrain is a little worse on the acreage I need to plow this year, which makes me lean towards more hp.

 

[shibaura_4043]

How many acres are you plowing?

20-25 acres that has to get done and an additional 15acres I would like to plow if all goes well with the initial 25 acres.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I have no experience with Case 1270s. but depending on the cost of the 1270, how many acres you plan to plow/year, and custom rates in your area, it may be cheaper to pay someone to do the plowing. Steve

I would love to hire it out, it would save me a lot of time. However, I believe hiring out isn't an option due to the underbrush and potentially a couple of broken 3-5" stumps left in the ground from Dozer work. I ran across a couple stumps last year while plowing. I would flag them and remove later when I had time, luckily I never broke anything. Most guys don't want to risk hitting a land mine and tearing up their equipment.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I've been reading up on the 70 series Case tractors and the general concern is the condition of the powershift transmission. Can any one shed light on what to look for to ensure the powershift is in good repair? Has the powershift performed well for others on the forum. Should I stay away from the powershift or is the bad rep it has undeserving?

 

[kevin37b]

That trans has a bad history . You need a 4430 , 4440 deere .

 

[LD1]

Seems to be alot of HP and alot of weight in a 1970's model for $3k.

If it runs good, I think it will do what you need. Old iron is cheap HP, Allthough I usually see the old ~80-100HP iron more in the $5k range depending on condition

 

[motownbrowne]

That trans has a bad history . You need a 4430 , 4440 deere .

That's probably somewhere between 15-20k more expensive than what the OP is talking about.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Seems to be alot of HP and alot of weight in a 1970's model for $3k. If it runs good, I think it will do what you need. Old iron is cheap HP, Allthough I usually see the old ~80-100HP iron more in the $5k range depending on condition

It is cheap that's what makes me nervous with the powershift transmission issues. I've read if that Trans goes out its 10k to fix, that sounds ridiculously over priced but obviously at that price the tractor is nothing but scrap iron. If it were reasonably priced to repair I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

 

[LD1]

For $3k, if it has good tires on it and runs well, and will do what you need, I wouldn't be afraid. If it does break, although alot of work, selling tires and engine and other parts could probably get back most of your money.

They all "can" break and be expensive to fix. Would rather break a $3k tractor than a $20k tractor.

 

[2ndhalf]

I plowed 20acres with a three bottom plow ( I believe) and an M Farmall... Talk about cheap old iron. Can pick those up for less than $1500.

 

[Soundguy]

I think the 60-75 hp machines and proper plows would be fine, but who am I to talk someone out of another tractor, especially a big one.

3000$? That's darn cheap. Can't touch a big ford for that usually, but if an 8000 came up, or 9000, 8600, etc, I'd go look.

Good luck!