Replacement for an AC D17

[arodrigz]

Hi all, I posted this last night in another tractor forum but have not had any responses yet so I thought I'd try here as well.


I recently moved to Colorado from the flat lands of Indiana and bought a small 13acre farm in the foothills. My property is in hilly terrain and as I've thought about what tractors I have, I'm thinking of replacing my D17. I like the power and reliability of the D17 (fires up every time winter or summer) but there are a few items that I don't like. For one, I can't get ROPS on the thing. Secondly, I don't like that the hydraulics aren't live. I've thought of upgrading to a front mounted hydraulic pump and redoing the hydraulics to overcome this but that's going to cost a lot. Thirdly, I'm thinking a manual transmission is not the best for hilly country. On my JD 2320, it's nice to just be able to take my foot of the gas and the machines stops.

So here's my question. I don't have the money to go out and buy some fancy 50-60hp new tractor (which is why I have a series II D17). So looking for an older tractor that has the things I'd love. What tractor would you suggest. Here are my criteria:
1. Reliable like the D17
2. ROPS
3. Live PTO
4. Live Hydraulics
5. HST or something comparable where I don't have to clutch to stop and when I do stop, the pto will keep running.
6. 50-70 hp
7. Standard 3pt hitch (the AC hitch has been a pain)
8. Wide adjustable front end and I love the spinout rear wheels on the AC D17 which allows me to have a very wide stance here in the hilly country.
9. Low center of gravity
10. Would love diesel but my AC is gas and will take that
11. Needs to be able to do good loader work and would like to eventually get a backhoe attachment for it (non 3pt backhoe!).

I know, you're going to say go buy a new tractor, but hoping theres an old machine out there that will come close.

Thanks

 

[Grandad4]

Welcome to TBN! You'll probably get a fair amount of good advice here. My 2 cents worth:
1. Your requirements would be largely met by any number of large frame "compact tractors" made in the last 15 years or so, but the trick is going to be finding one that has not been beaten into the ground and still carries an affordable price.
2. When shopping used, I figure the condition of an individual tractor has more to with its probable reliability than what brand it might be.
3. You won't find gassers newer than the 1970's; pretty much all diesel after that.
4. You don't say anything about what you'll be doing, but if it's general use on your 13 hilly acres, a 40 or more hp compact would readily do that level of work. Unless you plan on doing a bunch of old-fashioned tillage work, you'd find it would do more than your old Allis.
5. A "compact" type tractor sits on smaller tires than the D17 and should be more stable on your hills, however they have only limited adjustability of the tire width.
6. I'd start checking Craigslist and visiting local dealers to pick up some info on what's available in your area and familiarize yourself with the equipment. You might even find a dealer who will be helpful or has some used inventory worth considering.
Hope that's a start, no doubt others will have more ideas.

 

[Birdhunter1]

You can get a ROPS for a D17. Look for one to fit an Allis Chalmers 170, pretty muchthe same tractor as a D17 Series IV with different sheetmetal.

If you can't find one call Northside Salvage in Red Bud, IL.

 

[jenkinsph]

arodrigz,
Your criteria does not align very well with a modern day tractor. Which pto you prefer isn't a big deal anymore as most all tractors will have independent pto. All of the hydrostatic equipped tractors I can think of will have mfwd and flanged axles with reversible wheels and be in the compact tractor category.

When you move to the hills from flat land it changes what you need imo. You should buy 4x4 cars, trucks, tractors and yes lawn mowers.

 

[Turbys_1700]

If you are wanting to stick with older iron look at Fords. Later models will have pretty much everything you want except 4WD and HST even though a few did have 4WD. If HST is mandatory you are going to have to stick with newer options. I just picked up a really nice 4610 SU. No 4 WD or HST but a very good chore tractor with IPTO and most every other option you want.