Buying Advice Utility Tractors of 1950's - 60's

[downslope]

Are there any modern utility tractor models similar to the 30-50 hp machines sold in the 1950's thru 70's? I am thiking something comparable to an MF35/135, Ford 600,800, 2000, 3000, 4000SU 's etc.

The features I would be looking for are good visibility to the rear, ie. you can look back and see the pto stub, or what a cultivator is doing, view not blocked by fuel tanks or bulkheads.
Ability to look down to the side when seated and view the inside edge of the rear tire and how close it is to a row crop. Ability to easily reach the controls to raise and lower the 3-point while standing behind the tractor;draft and position control; adjustable thread witdth front and rear, 28" tires, not too wide similar to what was offered on the above mentioned old machines. Any kind of transmission would be ok, gear, hydro or cvt. The biggest problem I've seen on current models is the lack of visibility, especially to the rear close to the tractor and when looking down to see where the rear tire(s) are running.

 

[JoeinTX]

Now, you are talking my language.

The perfect tractor for you would be a later model Long Farmtrac 35/45/55 or 35 Series. But, and this is where things get weird, Long shuttered-up last year and sold it's remaining stock to Montana who itself is in a tumult and cobbling together a Land of Misfit Tractors from various makers and colors to hold up a facade of that of a relevant dealer network. You can get parts for most of these from a NH dealer and 1000s of junkers around the country.

Continuing with Long/Montana, check the C-Series from Montana. These are also former Long offerings of Romanian origin that are now offered through Montana dealers in green paint. Follow me?

Newer rigs in production that fit your bill? MF 2600 Series.

Best bet-Mahindra 25 Series. About as close to an old 8n or TO30 as you'll find on the market new today.

 

[schmism]

TV120 you want visiblity on the back wheels?

ya its got it

 

[jenkinsph]

Downslope,
I think simply buying an older tractor in good shape may be easier and cheaper. I bought my Deere 820 about 1996 with a bad clutch and sun burned paint with 1200 hrs on it. Installed a new clutch, cleaned, repaired and painted it to look like new for about $6000. With new tires, canopy and a few things like a seat and new steering wheel I may have $8000 total in it over the years not including filters and lof's. I am keeping it for now but could get most of this back if I sell it. That makes the cost per year to own and use very low, maybe $250/yr. Just a good option IMHO.

If I get my new shop completed soon I will spruce this tractor up this winter.

 

[foggy1111]

One has to wonder if NEW Ford 3000 series tractors wouldnt sell like hotcakes. They were / are such versatile tractors in the utility line.

 

[wolc123]

No, there is nothing comparable to these old workhorses available new today. Government regulations involving emissions, accident liability, and such have penetrated deep into the ag field making the simple, old, reliable tractors of yesteryear a thing of the past. There is way to many lawyers out there today for any tractor manufacturer to again attempt to produce a trycycle-front tractor, which were tops for row-crop visibility. Dont expect them to leave off any those vision-obstructing fenders, ROPS, or guards either. No need to despair however, because many, if not most of those old tractors are still out there somewhere. The small family farm is also becoming a thing of the past, so there tends to be a big abundance of these old, smaller, simpilar tractors. There are also a lot of folks out there who enjoy repairing and restoring old tractors, but have wives, space, pocketbooks, or all of the above, which places limits on how many fixed-up tractors they can keep. Find these folks, they are everywhere. In this sputtering economy, they will often sell a fine machine for a lot less money than they got into it. A wife complaining of too many toys can be your best friend. Sometimes its best just to cut your losses to get a smile out of her. So yes, you can get the tractor you want, all you got to do is find the right hag-ridden farmer/mechanic.

 

[jinman]

I think you'll find the New Holland TT-A series of tractors to come as close as any to fittin' the bill. They are simple workhorses and retain many of the older tractor features with enough new technology to make them a winner in my book.

 

[downslope]

Downslope,
I think simply buying an older tractor in good shape may be easier and cheaper. I bought my Deere 820 about 1996 with a bad clutch and sun burned paint with 1200 hrs on it. Installed a new clutch, cleaned, repaired and painted it to look like new for about $6000. With new tires, canopy and a few things like a seat and new steering wheel I may have $8000 total in it over the years not including filters and lof's. I am keeping it for now but could get most of this back if I sell it. That makes the cost per year to own and use very low, maybe $250/yr. Just a good option IMHO....

I've done exactly what you say in the past and it's a good route for saving money. That's how I picked up the MF 35, Ford 2000 and an Oliver 1655. I could probably get my investment back on all of them also. However in some parts of the country the supply of these tractors is drying up, I know around here it is. You can find them but the search is tougher and you have to travel further. Even your JD was purchased 14 years ago. It would be nice to able to buy something new if cost weren't the only concern and have a reliable tractor for a few years without fixing up. But I'll keep looking for an older one as well.

 

[downslope]

I think you'll find the New Holland TT-A series of tractors to come as close as any to fittin' the bill. They are simple workhorses and retain many of the older tractor features with enough new technology to make them a winner in my book.

Yes, tractors like the TT are still relatively simple, but I think the big difference compared to the older machines I mentioned is they are not straddle-mount design. You are sitting up on a platform deck like used to only be found on larger ag tractors; the deck blocks a lot of the visibility looking downward. Why have these decks become so popular, even on compacts? Is it for safety reasons or is it what the customer demands today?

 

[flusher]

Are there any modern utility tractor models similar to the 30-50 hp machines sold in the 1950's thru 70's? I am thiking something comparable to an MF35/135, Ford 600,800, 2000, 3000, 4000SU 's etc.

The features I would be looking for are good visibility to the rear, ie. you can look back and see the pto stub, or what a cultivator is doing, view not blocked by fuel tanks or bulkheads.
Ability to look down to the side when seated and view the inside edge of the rear tire and how close it is to a row crop. Ability to easily reach the controls to raise and lower the 3-point while standing behind the tractor;draft and position control; adjustable thread witdth front and rear, 28" tires, not too wide similar to what was offered on the above mentioned old machines. Any kind of transmission would be ok, gear, hydro or cvt. The biggest problem I've seen on current models is the lack of visibility, especially to the rear close to the tractor and when looking down to see where the rear tire(s) are running.

My 1951 Farmall Super A meets most of your requirements for visibility, etc. but is underpowered at only about 19hp (engine).



Maybe something like the Farmall H would do.