2 part Tractor poll

Part one - Given a choice which of the following would you have chosen and why.

$5500 - 1970 Case 970 cab, very clean, Started right up (30 deg,not pluged in) ran it for an hour and saw no leaks, blow by, or smoke. 12F 4r power shift. Big honken 401 6cly diesel 85+hp. Run out good no noises or hiccups. Dual pto, cat 2 3pt, 2 remotes. 50% on tires. Over all clean tractor Got it for 5800 serviced and delievered.

$6500 - Choice of two JD 3020s. Both had 8f 2r sync trans, ?" 4 cyl 65hp, and better than 1/2 on tires. One was wide front, the other narrow. Wide front had the nose dinged up a bit, but both were in fairly good condition and paint wasn't to bad either. 3pt dual & pto on both. Didn't get to start up dealer said to cold, and not pluged in.

$6500 - JD4620 Ton-O-HP 1000hrs on rebuild. Not much more known. Looked good but didn't realy get into it after found out 1000 pto only. After market 540 gear box would add $12-1400. Out of price range.

$6500 - AC 180 Great lookin little tractor. 6cyl 65hp. Had intent on buying it until case showed up. 8f 2r (hi-low) dual remotes 540 pto, 3pt, no cab very clean. Ran out good and everything worked. I would have liked this tractor

$6500 - IH806 Poor condition compiared to rest. Engine had a miss and a crap load of new gaskets. Everthing seemed to work but didn't hook it up to load it up. Cab in poor cond as well hinges on door bad door bent and would not shut. Lost intrest real fast.

Part two - What to do now. I have three tractors and only need two. Should reinvest somewhere else. Of the two which to keep, or??? I could drop the ford and put a few $ in the D19 and have a backup to the case (mainly baling). Continue to use Ford to shuttle wagons, rake, and such. Swap tires with the case and let the 19 go.

1953 Ford Jub Recently painted but engine is tired. Runs ok and doesn't smoke. But oil pres drops to 10-15psi operating speed 3-5psi idle after an hour or so. 3pt is weak. Great tires and very usefull. Figure value is about $2500.

AC D19 - Strong running 301 gas, no smoke, leaks or complaints othewr than it doesn't like to start under 10deg. Rest of tractor is so-so with little problems here and there. But is functional. New tires (will fit case), not much paint. As for value maybe a grand ($1000) without new rubber.

If I wasn't going to do that though I would probably sell the ford and keep the AC since it is in better shape. Besides for some strange reason the Fords usually sell for more than AC's do, or around here anyway.

I like a naturally aspirated tractor for starters. I think you will like the powershift while baling, however it could be a weak point if you have to lay down $$$$ for repairs should it fail. My old custom baler had a 970 and really liked it on his swing swather and round baler.

The cab and AC on my tractor left a LOT to be desired. I expect you will find the same.

In this day and age I would be concerned about dealer support, i.e. parts availability and their repair shop IF needed. Of course I haven't a clue as to what you have available for dealers/brands in your area.

I've always liked the looks of the 970 and have often wished that I had one. I think the 970 powershift would make an excellent loader tractor.