Vintage tractor for small homestead

DrewStyduhar · Jun 12, 2019

Hello

My name is Drew and I live in northern NC and am on the hunt for an older tractor to do work around our place. Have about 6.5 acres with minimal grade but nothing outrageous. 1/3 of the property has been cleared but the rest is a dense mix of hardwood and pine stand that will be selectively cleared for pasture. My plans for the tractor will be to run implements like post auger, PTO stump grinder, PTO chipper, 3pt backhoe (can borrow from neighbor), box blade and brush hog. I also really like the idea of having a loader for lifting engines/pallets/etc. I know hydraulics tend to be limited on some of the older tractors.

I have asked around locally and most folks tell me to just go buy a new Mahindra or whatever but it's simply not in the budget. I drive older vehicles, fix everything, can weld, have rebuilt engines/trans/diffs, etc. Not scared of electrical work and troubleshooting either. I need something that is bulletproof and has a good aftermarket. I keep coming back to the 100 series Masseys and 3000/4000 Fords and based on everything I have read so far, I think something like a Massey 150/Perkins would be a good fit for me.

Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

Drew

Tractorable · Jun 12, 2019

So what’s the budget? The Ford 3910/3930 are great machines, but most don’t have loaders. Could you get by with a set of rear pallet forks?

bullbreaker · Jun 12, 2019

:welcome: To TBN :tractor: :thumbsup:

Tennsawdust · Jun 12, 2019

The good news is that with flat land you can put a 2WD tractor to good use. If you are planning to run a 3pt backhoe you definitely want a good sized utility tractor. Your best bets as far as availability and parts being readily available would be the Fords, Massey-Fergusons and John Deeres. Those weren't commonly equipped with loaders, but enough were that you should be able to find one. You seem to be on the right track for what you are wanting to do - a utility tractor in the 50-ish + hp range should work well for you. The 100 and 200 series Masseys are solid machines. If you can't find one with a loader there is always the option of adding one, but you may be doubling your investment. It might be worth it if you find the right deal though.

DrewStyduhar · Jun 12, 2019

I'll try to answer in order:

Tractorable - my neighbor actually has a 3930 New Holland. I was leaning on her to sell as she doesnt use anymore but financial dealings with them always end in headaches. My budget is prob 10k max for the right tractor. Would like to stay in the 6-7k range if possible.

Bullbreaker - hey dude! Thanks for the welcome!

Jeff9366 - Not sure what to make of this...sort of an odd post. I added my location, ya got me there. An Ebay link with search for "tractors"? Also, the RK line is out of my budget which I thought was implied in my first post.

Tennsawdust - Thanks for the info. Some folks seem on the fence with loaders on those older model Masseys. Hydraulics are slow and the mounting and axles arent optimal. I would be moving dirt, gravel and wood chips.. no manure or anything like that.

thanks guys!

Drew

mike48130 · Jun 12, 2019

I would say that all the tractors you mention are on the larger side. I had a 3550 and it was hard to get around like you can do with the compact tractors. I would look more in the compact tractor size, I think you will find it easier to use and more convenient. Some people like the bigger tractors, but I think the compacts are more suited to the yard size and work you plan on doing. I would look to the 30+ HP if you planning on doing all that, with the PTO. The stump grinder may be the only one in question, not sure what HP they need.

Like said above, if people here knew the budget they could help you more.

DrewStyduhar · Jun 12, 2019

Hi Mike,

My budget is somewhere in the 6-10k range. If I recall correctly, those stump grinders require 30-50hp @ PTO and it needs to be live.

It "seems" like there is a HP gap in the older tractors I'm looking at. What I mean is that I see older tractors in the 20HP range and I see stuff in the 40+ HP range but not much in the 30's. I know some of the smaller Fords were in that range but they seem to be hard to find where I'm located. I'm willing to drive 3-4hours to get something but I don't want to go halfway across the US. But yeah that's why I'm leaning towards a little too big than a little small. Valid point though.

thanks,

Drew

mike48130 · Jun 12, 2019

I agree on the HP gap. It comes down to your main goal of the tractor. I don't know how much stump grinding you will be doing. but might be worth renting a stand alone unit then buying a tractor based on something you will do once a year or less. If you have access to the backhoe, you can dig them out if they are small enough to do with a 3 point BH.

You can start to get into the higher HP tractors (30 - 35) close to that price range. Maybe look for a project one if you have the time. I just remember that 3550 was huge going thru the woods and maneuvering. Maybe go visit a used tractor dealer just to see the different sizes. Most of those you mentioned are 2wd as well. Nobody thinks they need the 4WD until you have a loader on it and no rear traction because it is front heavy (even ballasted)

I would stay away from New Holland after everything I have seen with the transmission housing cracking. I have a NH 1630 (TC series) I bought for parts or repair, but after looking at it, the transmission housing cracked and the engine block, so basically a parts machine now. They made improvements to them later on, but lots of horror stories about them.

Molalla1 · Jun 12, 2019

mike48130 said:
I agree on the HP gap. It comes down to your main goal of the tractor. I don't know how much stump grinding you will be doing. but might be worth renting a stand alone unit then buying a tractor based on something you will do once a year or less. If you have access to the backhoe, you can dig them out if they are small enough to do with a 3 point BH.

You can start to get into the higher HP tractors (30 - 35) close to that price range. Maybe look for a project one if you have the time. I just remember that 3550 was huge going thru the woods and maneuvering. Maybe go visit a used tractor dealer just to see the different sizes. Most of those you mentioned are 2wd as well. Nobody thinks they need the 4WD until you have a loader on it and no rear traction because it is front heavy (even ballasted)

I would stay away from New Holland after everything I have seen with the transmission housing cracking. I have a NH 1630 (TC series) I bought for parts or repair, but after looking at it, the transmission housing cracked and the engine block, so basically a parts machine now. They made improvements to them later on, but lots of horror stories about them.

Same with some of the JD's in that hp range, the smaller ones . . .

tcreeley · Jun 12, 2019

I like my 2003 NH TC30. 4 wheel drive with loader. Bought it used with 600 hr in the 10,000 range off local craigs listing. I have put new front tires, battery, filters + fluids + maintenance. It is used year round. Great tractor and it was 8,000 less than a new LS I was looking at. Gear tractor. The seat safety switch was sticking today - need to fool with it. 30 hp. I recommend it.