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Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor

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msb

03-14-2007 19:09:24

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It is well docummented what a PITA by many the Deere 2010 was including from me. I worked on them for several years at a dealership.
What was the best all around utility tractor of the period. An Oliver 550? A Moline? A Ford? International? Case? Massey ? Others? A 2010 in spite of their record? And why did you pick it?
Only when the Deere 2030 came out did Deere earn my respect in the utility tractor class.

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Bill(Wis)

03-16-2007 04:31:28

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

The Ford 5000 was the best tractor ever built, period.

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jim1650

03-15-2007 18:05:09

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

simply the 550

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SW3

03-15-2007 17:43:51

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Oliver 550. Left hand shifter is super nice once you are used to it. Especially with loader controls on the right. Live hyd, and pto. Great power and reliability. Massey 135 definitely my second choice. If only for the beautiful red colors.

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Badlandsiron

03-15-2007 17:29:05

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

I'd have to say the 550. Best buy even today.

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550Darrin

03-15-2007 17:28:37

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

My handle shows my bias, but I"ve operated quite a few of the others mentioned. It is the Oliver 550 - period.

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John - Central NY

03-15-2007 17:22:51

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Massey 35, 50, 65, Super 90, 135, 150, 165 and 175.

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dairyman

03-15-2007 17:22:38

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

gonna have to go with my allis chalmers D14.

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JK-NY

03-15-2007 16:43:00

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

My choices- Ford 2000-5000, Massey 135,150,165, 35,50,65.

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135 Fan

03-15-2007 15:30:18

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Just by the shear numbers of them sold and how many are still working it has to be a 135 Massey. Best selling tractor in their day and still the most sought after used utility tractor. The 3 cylinder Perkins diesel is the most popular tractor engine made. The earlier MF35 is the worlds most copied tractor and the 135 is an improvement on that. Good 135's command a lot of dollars. Anything with the 3 clinder Perkins is an excellent choice as well. Dave

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USEDTOBEIOWADAVE

03-15-2007 11:49:33

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Gotta' go with my '64 MF202 or she'll make me pay next time I need her. Industrialized version of the 35, low, heavy, 'nuff power, tough. My gasser is thirsty, sometimes wish it had the Perkins, but it sure starts nice at what-ever-below-zero when I need to clear the lane. Mated with an equally no-nonsense MF200 loader, I have no wants. That green and white 550 has it on looks, though...

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Aaron Ford

03-15-2007 11:08:21

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

There is a 2010 not too far from here in a treeline. Was gonna check on it, but y'all got me wary... Might just leave it there. Course there is still that M-D 10-20 close by...

I have heard that the green paint tends to up the price, might try it on my pickup and see if it works!

My vote has to go to the Massey lineup. The 100 series, plus the available Perky Oil Burner puts it over the top on the farm. Not sure about the utility (ie loader/hoe) tractors. Case was popular followed by the JD's.

Aaron

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Walt Davies

03-15-2007 09:42:39

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

If you are talking about a backhoe bucket combination then there isn't any competition for the Case 580 series. ask any of the contractors what they use.
Walt

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KIP in MX

03-15-2007 09:40:39

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

IH 460U. Lots of power in a small package.

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Larry NE IL

03-15-2007 11:09:04

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to KIP in MX, 03-15-2007 09:40:39

I owned a 460 Utility for about 4 years. Had a crack in the block right in front of the bell housing. Took it to the IH dealer and he said all the 460's with loaders crack there. Leaked only when it was hot.
As far as operating comfort and convience goes the Oliver 550 would be tough to beat in any neighborhood.

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formenwhogrow

03-15-2007 08:18:14

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

My vote goes to the 550. EXTREMELY gutsy little tractor for its physical size, fuel efficient in both gas and diesel. Easy starting, dependable, super handy tractor around the farm. Have one on our place that Grandpap baught new in 1963 with close to 6000 hrs with no overhaul.One of the best little hay raking tractors I ever ran.

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ShepFL

03-15-2007 08:10:41

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Hands Down - Oliver 550 with supporting doc :) in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Mind you I am bias but the 550 is the best one IMHO. I like everything about these rigs including ease of maintenance. I have played with some Fords and MF.

It is because of my 550's performance that my older tractor allegiance is and will remain Clover White and Meadow Green. While I do have some other colors (orange and red) the Olivers get preferance.

And would you believe I can run this ripper 8" deep at half throttle in 3rd gear :)

Oliver 550 Article

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Lo-Boy Cubby

03-15-2007 19:24:17

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Re: Hands Down - Oliver 550 with supporting doc :) in reply to ShepFL, 03-15-2007 08:10:41

Shep, I have a 550 that I like alot also but I save it for the heavy work. When I pull a soil saver like that I get out my Cub Lo-Boy....

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georgeky

03-15-2007 09:11:37

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Re: Hands Down - Oliver 550 with supporting doc :) in reply to ShepFL, 03-15-2007 08:10:41

Bring that thing to Ky and try a little fescue sod.

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rrlund

03-15-2007 08:45:24

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Re: Hands Down - Oliver 550 with supporting doc :) in reply to ShepFL, 03-15-2007 08:10:41

Must have some pretty heavy ground there Shep. We run in 4th with a ripper that size here in this lighter Michigan ground.:)

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Rodney

03-15-2007 07:35:59

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Oliver 550. As Gary Cooper said in High Noon: "If I have to explain to you Harv, you wouldn"t understand."

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03-15-2007 07:29:46

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Well, since the smaller 20 series Deere's are too young, my vote leans toward the Oliver 550. Course I've operated a couple of Ford 3000s and a 135 Massey that I really liked.
Matthew

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Mike M

03-15-2007 07:11:17

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Those Masseys have a good reputation. That Oliver
55 and 550 or whatever numbers they made are not that plentiful and may just of been a best keep secret ? I got to work on a 55 once and it was the easiest tractor to split for clutch repair I have found. Besides the 2 cyl. JD. The David Brown was the WORST ! even though they have a good following it turned me off. I never want to touch one again.

I vote we just forget that era and jump right up to when the JD 1020,2020 etc. came out.

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rrlund

03-15-2007 07:04:53

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Aw come on guys,the 550 Oliver hands down going away. If an atomic bomb went off,the only thing left would be a 550! Indistructable!

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souNdguy

03-15-2007 06:43:50

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Since we are looking inthe utility range.. and 65 as a cutoff.. I also have to vote for the ford 5000.. though i do recognize that MF had a good line up . Not sure what year cutoff for the 35/135 65/165.. but they were darn good machines.

soundguy

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RickB

03-15-2007 03:18:35

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A different choice in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

The key is your inclusion of 1965. The 3 cylinder Ford 4000 is the clear winner. Wet PTO clutch, wet brakes. Bulletproof 3 cyl diesel engine.

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low budget

03-15-2007 05:02:53

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Re: A different choice in reply to RickB, 03-15-2007 03:18:35

I agree with you, except I was going to say the 5000. True the 2010 was a POS but the competition really wasn't much better. Some like the Massey's may have been reliable but built too light in my opinion. The small IH with the TA that free wheels doesn't thrill me either, well not the right kind of thrill anyhow. Of course this is all opinion, your mileage may vary.

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MF Poor

03-15-2007 02:52:01

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Seeing how many still go out working every day, it"s not hard to make a case for the 100 series Massey"s. 135"s still command a good buck when they sell, IF the original owner will cut loose of them. I personally like the 150 Massey. Same powertrain as the 135, but with better/heavier steering and front axle, bigger fuel tank, better air filter, a little longer wheelbase, and 400 lbs more built-in weight. Those ;ittle PErkins 3 bangers are tough to beat. I"ve got a 150 and a Ford 3000. The 150 will work circles around the Ford.

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Badly Bent

03-15-2007 17:26:00

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to MF Poor, 03-15-2007 02:52:01

I've got a 135 and I have yet to see anything else I would be willing to give it up to get.

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mike a. tenn.

03-15-2007 03:14:06

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to MF Poor, 03-15-2007 02:52:01

i second the MF 135 or 150 with the 165 right behind them only because it's getting a little big to be an "all around" size tractor. my main reason? reliabiity and simplicity.

-mike

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Mr. Bob

03-14-2007 23:45:03

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Massey Ferguson 65 gas.lots of power and weight in a small, handy easy handling tractor. Ford 860, compact,handy, very powerful for size, lacking only in weight. Pie weights remedy this drawback.

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2x4

03-14-2007 23:14:52

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Massey Ferguson 65 deisel has earned my highest respects for dependabilty length of service.

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JOHN HARMON

03-14-2007 21:50:52

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

My pick is the IHC 340U. Nice little tractor with all the Bells and whistles available at that era.

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Bob

03-15-2007 01:24:28

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to JOHN HARMON, 03-14-2007 21:50:52

My nomination, in the 40HP range:

Third Party Image

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JOHN HARMON

03-15-2007 19:45:00

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to Bob, 03-15-2007 01:24:28

Yep that will work too.Nice Unit except for the "Seat"LOL. Love them little IHC's.

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Tim...Ok

03-15-2007 13:53:32

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to Bob, 03-15-2007 01:24:28

I'll second that Bob..

Tim

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jhill52

03-14-2007 20:13:30

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

Ford 800 or 600 series. Great tractors. Good power nimble long lasting. I have a 1962 641 thats still going strong.

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dad's88

03-14-2007 19:55:14

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

I like the 550 Oliver. Independent PTO, live hydrulics, really EXCELLENT speeds, choice of gas or diesel, GREAT power to weight, nice 3pt, disc brakes, sweet handling, riding, driving. Wish you could still buy them new, that tractor would sell yet today.

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kkiowa

03-15-2007 04:59:22

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to dad's88, 03-14-2007 19:55:14

I second that, besides what looks better than the meadow green and clover white ?

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03-14-2007 21:16:35

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to dad's88, 03-14-2007 19:55:14

I vote for the Oliver 550. We own four of them in various configurations including gas, diesel, front end loader, and backhoe attachments. I agree they would still compete well against today's utility tractors. I find them to be very nimble/fluid versus the new import "mechanical" herky jerky tractors. The power to weight is what impresses most as they compare them to others of that class.

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aFORDable

03-14-2007 19:40:10

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to msb, 03-14-2007 19:09:24

I've got to vote for my 1962 801 Ford. I've had it for 30 years and it still earns its keep on our tobacco farm. There's alot of muscle in those little Fords.

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BarryfromIA

03-14-2007 20:05:01

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to aFORDable, 03-14-2007 19:40:10

Seems to me that CASE was the market leader with the 530 an 580 that the loader backhoes were mounted on. They just kept improving them and changing the letters after the number.

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KEH

03-15-2007 16:24:19

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Re: Vote pleaase: Best 1960-1965 utility tractor in reply to BarryfromIA, 03-14-2007 20:05:01

Oliver 550. I owned one and used it seriously. The independent pto alone would put it at the head of the class, but it also had a heavy duty drawbar which admittedly was a pain to take on and off, but it would carry a load. I pulled a NH 77 baler with a motor on it with the 550 and it never complained. Notice that the same basic tractor was built from the mid 1950s until about 1970.

KEH

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