Re: Recommend a tractor for me (first time buyer)

Posted by Steve - IN on July 06, 2002 at 13:59:04 from (209.183.70.207):

In Reply to: Recommend a tractor for me (first time buyer) posted by Frizlefrak on July 05, 2002 at 21:03:55:

Frizlefrak,

You've gotten some good info and opinions. Here's another one to throw into the mix.

Get a couple of tractors! One practical and one or two sentimental ones.

You're going to want something practical first. A machine with a 3pt for the implements you want, and maybe a loader to start with -- although, in retrospect; I'd try the 3pt blade and scope route first. An 8 or 9N might be a good place to start, but I think you'll soon find they fall a little short in terms of cajones and creature comforts. Maybe a mid to late 50's hundred series Ford, or a JD 1020 or 2020 or an IH utility from the 60's; any machine like that should be a good base to start from. My opinion of a loader is that it's a godsend when you need it, but 9.5 times out of 10 it's just a big clunky thing on the front of your tractor that gets in the way and makes a lot of noise when you hit bumps. With any of the models mentioned -- IH, JD, Ford -- you shouldn't have any major parts problems.

If the tractor bug bites you, you might want something a little bigger. It bit here at my place, could happen to you. We've got a JD 1020 with a loader that is just a jewel of a machine - and can do all the things you've outlined. Stay away from a JD 1010 or 2010, though, mucho problems. The JD had been here for over twenty years before it occured to me it would be good to have another tractor. I decided on either a M, a H, or a JD 60; as those were the same model tractors I first learned on over 45 years ago. Turns out I got the 60 first, and am going to get a IH tractor, or maybe two, someday soon.

Funny thing is, after I got the big row crop, the utility tractor just didn't get used much anymore. There's something that's good for the soul in keeping a 50 some year old tractor looking and running good, plus the feeling of just going out to enjoy working it. I just came in from a few hours on my old popper, and while I was riding it, I thought of my Grand Dad and Dad, and how they worked on machines just like that. Whoever was on the red tractor was sure it was better than the green tractor -- and the next switch of the musical tractor seats -- the opinions turned 180 degrees and the green tractor was far better, and so on. We had a red / green joke running in out family for as far back as I can remember.

You may not have those kinds of sentimental thoughts about the subject, but I suspect just the fact you've gone out and bought 36 acres says you have an appreciation for the simpler life of the past and the wide open spaces. What better way to evoke the past than riding around on a genuine artifact of days gone by. All the while, you're pragmatic and relatively modern with your late 50's to late 60's utility tractor. Best of both worlds! Get at least two of 'em. I recommend it!

Steve

Follow Ups:

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Re: Recommend a tractor for me (first time buyer) Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]