I’ve always wondered what the best brand is out of the old international’s,Fords,orJohn Deere
I have owned and/or operated several of each of those. The first tractor that I ever operated was the 1950 2 cylinder John Deere M that my grandpa bought to replace his last team horses. That one is still going strong and my retired father uses it in his garden on occasion.
My other grandfather had a Farmall (IH) F-14 and F-20, made in the 30’s, which I got to drive a bit when I was real young. He also had a “jalopy”, which was a tractor he made from a 1930’s model A Ford sedan.
The first tractor I bought was a used, one-owner, 1951 Ford 8n. I still have that and use it a fair amount each year. My other tractor is a newer John Deere 4wd diesel. I had a Farmall (IH) cub for about 15 years. I did not care much for that and was happy to see it off.
As far as old tractors of the three brands you listed, in my opinion and based on my experience with several of each, the John Deere’s are way out front. That is probably why they are still in business, while the others have folded or been absorbed by others.
I would rank the Fords next. The 3-point hitch, first offered on the n models, was a big deal. The Farmall’s (IH) were ok, but I wouldn’t buy another. I would rank them just below Allis Chalmer’s, which is the only other old tractor brand that I have owned and operated.