Newbie looking for first tractor

[ohiobeagler]

I've never owned a tractor so this is new territory for me. I honestly do not know anything about tractors. My requirements are to be under $2500. I need to brush hog with it, pull cut timber for firewood, and hopefully some day pull a disc. Any ideas?

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:

That $$ limit will be hard to meet as a good tractor that doesn't need a lot of repair will come close to double that amount.

But there are a lot of possibilities if you shoot for "under $5000".

My first tractors that would do what you want (and do them pretty well) were the 8N Ford and a TO-30 Ferguson. Then I moved to a 2-cyl JD 420 Utility.

A ton of tractors to look into that will do your jobs. Lack of knowledge about them can lead to wrong decisions and huge frustrations, let alone being unsafe in the woods. Be careful, and get some training somehow.

Where in Ohio are you located?

 

[flusher]

I've never owned a tractor so this is new territory for me. I honestly do not know anything about tractors. My requirements are to be under $2500. I need to brush hog with it, pull cut timber for firewood, and hopefully some day pull a disc. Any ideas?

With a $2.5K budget and 10 acres, you're in 1950s era used tractors (these 50-60 year old tractors are getting to be in the "vintage" category). I'd stick with gas engine tractors that you can work on yourself (be prepared to do the necessary wrenching on this old iron). Old diesels can be a money pit (injection pumps are not cheap to rebuild and you need to get this done by a pro who has the necessary high pressure equipment).

That said, you have numerous choices (I assume you're not interested in a tractor with front end loader): Farmall Super A, Ford 8N, Massey Ferguson 35 and 135 gassers, JD 420.

 

[Grandad4]

$ 2,500 buys you a new riding lawnmower from Sears. Unless the tractor fairy comes calling, it will be hard to find a "real" tractor in good working condition for the same price.

Maybe you'll find a pretty good vintage tractor for that price, but it's most likely going to require you to spend more time and money keeping it running. Your list of chores calls for safe, reliable and ample power, which are not always the greatest strengths of an old tractor.

If an old tractor is your only option, check out the models Flusher mentioned, but read up on tractors and those models in particular before you start shopping. The more you know, the better your shopping judgement will be.

 

[mostly_gas]

Your ability to buy old iron successfully will be dependent on you being able to get some who can evaluate the tractor you are looking at. I used an 8N for ten years. Mostly pulling a 5 ft. brush hog. I also used it to do the landscaping. For what you have listed the old tractors will do fine. The better you are at maintaining the tractor the better "luck" you will have with it.

 

[TripleR]

Old iron is pretty much going to be your only option unless you pay someone to do the work with the money depending on how often it needs to be done. My brothers use our old Ford NAA and a 600 and they are in this price range, but both are pretty mechanically inclined. We bought the NAA well used and my brother fixed it up, just some minor stuff like wheel bearings and couple of other things, the 600 was bought new in 1955 I think by my father and we have run it ever since.

I am not as mechanically inclined or even close, so I have gone to newer machines, had to walk home once too often on the old NAA, just a fuel filter that time though.

 

[ohiobeagler]

Thanks everyone. I have a lot to think about. I have seen a good amount of 8n's for sale in East Central Ohio, which is where I'm from.

 

[Soundguy]

IMHO... forget the 8n or any N series ford. Look for a naa at a mINIMUM.. or preferably.. a 55-64 4 cyl gasser.. 600 / 800 601/801.. or even a 900/901 rowcrop, depending on your needs.

these machines can be easilly had in running condition in that price range.. or less, or with an implement package. in most cases, the price range for an 800 and a N series is literally 50 to 100's of dollars different. IE.. an N for 1800-2000 or a 8XX for 1800-2500.. etc.

I can buy 4 cyl ag models here 1800-2500 all day long.

easy to maintain.. just get one that runs good with no major defects. cosmetic condition is irrelevant.. though make sure the tires hold air.. rubber is expensive.

i'm sure there are other good choices out there.. I just stick to fords though..

post any questions ya got.

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

There are a number of slightly more "obscure" brands and/or models that you need to consider. Expand your search and you expand the likelyhood of finding a bargain.

No matter what, you're locked in to an era....$2500 will keep you in the late 40's through very early 60's. But there were several GREAT tractors in that age range.

Fords have been mentioned.

Ferguson/Massey Ferguson models would include all the TO series, especially the TO35. MF35, MF50, and if you're lucky, a MF65. 135's in that range are generally trashed. Parts are abundant.

Oliver 550's were exceptional tractors. Parts @ AGCO. A lot of tractor for the buck usually.

IH404/424/444. You MIGHT stumble on to one under $2500. Good tractors...

Don't overlook any good Case 430's or 530's. (parts @ Case-IH dealer)

Forget Deere with a budget like that!

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. greene units.. even an old unstyled round axle B that ran when parked and hard to find magneto points with no hyd rockshat will blow 2500$ outta the water..

soundguy

 

[dawoodwa]

I would look for a good 800, 801, 850, or 851. I had an 851 and it was a good tractor but I got rid of it when I bought my JD 2350. My dad bought that 851 new in 1957 and we used it about 35 years, never really had any problems with it.

 

[Soundguy]

just so there is no confusion keep in mind 800/801 are series numbers. IE.. an 851 is an 801 with a 5spd trans and non live pto/clutch..

many people think the series designatios are also specific models..

etc.

soundguy

 

[ohiobeagler]

Thanks everyone! This is really helping me.

 

[whistlepig]

Just to give you an idea of what old iron goes for I sold my 1964 MF 135 diesel with 3400 hours 4 years ago for $3,800.00 and had no problem selling it. It sat outside for 20 years and wasn't a show tractor but it wasn't beat up and would start in half a turn in the middle of winter. I bought it used in 1987 when it had 1,300 hours on it for $5,000.00.