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John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44

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Jim Calhoun

04-12-2005 19:52:01

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I have a chance to buy a 1947 John Deere A with loader for $1,200.00.
The outfit is clean and in good running condition but is narrow front.

I also have a chance to save a few bucks and buy an early 1950's Massey 44 Standard (Wide front)for $800.00

The loaders are identical, the A is in a little better shape but I would prefer a wide front.

I guess what I am after is some advice from anyone who has used these models with a loader.
Which one would you buy? I realize that neither tractor is ideal for a loader without power steering or live power.

I know this is the JD board, but I should get good unbiased advise here.

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billde

04-13-2005 19:17:52

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

I'm a Deere fan, but given your choice, take the Massey. If you've ever used a narrow front loader tractor in mud or snow you they just d
on't cut it. You might find a used Char-lyn [sp]or Massey power steering unit for the 400 difference. Power wise the two would be very close, big edge to the Massey on fuel economy though.

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Jason Z in MO

04-13-2005 09:30:41

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

I have a 520 with narrow front and #45 loader. I load round hay. I am on fairly level areas and wouldn't trade this combination. I have had a 4020 and a 4230 with loaders. The 520 is MUCH more manuverable. The trip bucket takes a bit getting used to for loading hay but I find it is easier than the 4230 with juice at the bucket.

I wouldn't be worried about the JD A other than the lack of power steering. Especially if your not working around steep hills.

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Farmer Jack

04-13-2005 09:41:22

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jason Z in MO, 04-13-2005 09:30:41

how do you load round bales with a 45 loader?

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Jason Z in MO

04-13-2005 10:56:32

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Farmer Jack, 04-13-2005 09:41:22

The bucket has manure tines which do a great job of hanging onto a round bale. I have a John Deere 330 round baler which makes a very tight bale. They are a smaller bale 4'x4', about 700 lb depending on moisture according to the book. It is amazing how well it will hold a bale even if the tines are only in a few inches. I have moved larger bales with the same success but they were nice and tight as well. Not sure how well it would do with some of the loose bales I have seen.

It has good horizontal reach too. I can load two bales wide on an 8' trailer from one side.

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Specter

04-13-2005 09:20:31

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

My advice would be to go with the Massey. I own a '52 JD A wide-front and Dad owns a '49 MH 44 standard, so I've run both, but not with a loader. The 44 tends to be a lot harder to steer, but if you're not doing a lot of loader work, that shouldn't be too big a problem. For loader work, a foot clutch is easier to work with, which is another point going for the 44. I would be leery of doing loader work with a tricycle front-end tractor anyway, as it would be less stable than a standard front end. Both are excellent models, but for loader work, I would recommend the Massey.
That's my two cents worth.
Lyndon in Alberta

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buickanddeere

04-13-2005 05:05:59

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

What's the hurry? neither tractor has power steering or is a handy loader tractor. Find something you want instead of choosing the lesser of two evils.

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Jim Calhoun

04-13-2005 08:52:23

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to buickanddeere, 04-13-2005 05:05:59

I will use this loader only as a spare and will see very limited use, therefore, I don't want to spend too much on something that will sit around most of the time.

A newer outfit that is set up better would be desired, but it is a matter of money.....

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buickanddeere

04-13-2005 11:34:49

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-13-2005 08:52:23

Even the previously mentioned 520 with a loader would be much better. The live hydraulics and optional power steering are something to have.

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Jason Z in MO

04-13-2005 12:00:18

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to buickanddeere, 04-13-2005 11:34:49

I completely forgot about live hydraulics in the equation. That should be a huge factor in the choice.

I have gotten pretty good with juggling the hand clutch in my right hand, the hydraulic valve with my left and holding the steering wheel with a knee. (my 520 has the powertrol valve option for left hand operation.) Its not that hard.

Jason

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CLW

04-12-2005 22:04:06

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

Jim, the hand clutch and loader are not good buddies. That would be the main drawback. If you do a lot of loader work go with the Massey. If not much and you will use the tractor for other things 80% of the time I might go with the A.
CLW

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msb

04-12-2005 21:56:05

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to Jim Calhoun, 04-12-2005 19:52:01

Might surprize you as I am a dyed in the wool Deere guy but the Massey would be a better choice on a loader operation in my opinion.

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oldtractor

04-13-2005 06:38:19

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to msb, 04-12-2005 21:56:05

What they are not telling you is you may need to save the $1200.00 that way you have $400.00 so you can rebuild the wide front on the Massey, you can count on the Massey being over loaded and tired. The John Deere will hold it`s price, the Massey not.

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oliver88

04-13-2005 18:21:53

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Re: John Deere A vs. Massey Harris 44 in reply to oldtractor, 04-13-2005 06:38:19

Would rather overhaul a wide front,than upright a narrow front.

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