Tractor

[Mark Williams]

Cant hurt to ask your buddies

I think my days of wanting another bike, have somehow morphed into the reality of needing a tractor. Whooda thunkit

If anybody out there knows of a tractor laying around in an old junk pile. Under an old barn, in the neighbors field. In your own barn, whatever.

I'm looking for cheap here fellas.

Somebody hook me up with a deal.

Can pick up within 500 miles or less.

 

[Matt Shade]

Anything in particular you're interested in? I'm guessing you'll want something that can pull a decent sized bush hog, and possibly a front end loader.....?

I don't know of anything particular available, but I work for a farm and do mainenance on the equipment at the county fairgrounds so I'm around the stuff quite abit and come across something once in awhile. I'll keep an eye out.

One strange trend I've noticed around here lately is that old Ford (8N, 9N etc.) are really popular with folks looking for restoration projects. The ones that have been fairly well fixed up don't seem to sell for much more than the ones that are worn out and trashed, guess folks just don't want one that doesn't need work. You can just about build one with aftermarket replacement parts off the net (which are pretty cheap) too. Only trouble is they don't usually have hydraulics for anything but the 3-point hitch, which can be a pain if you want a loader or to use hydraulic controls on implements.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

When dreams of a new bike change to wanting a tractor, you have a life crisis in progress. The first thing to ask yourself is; why can't you pull a brush hog behind a softtail H.D. It may not have been done before, that doesn't mean it can't be done. I can picture a double bottom plow hookup, if you could get enough traction.
I'm just daydreaming:jerkit: I traded my bikes for two Model "B" Allice Chalmers tractors years ago. Like most of the old workhorses you can still get parts for them. I rebuilt one from the ground up. I liked it so much I bought another.
I love these old tractors, you can actually work on them. Nothing like the modern auto. The Ford 8 and 9 n's are pricey around here. Look at the Oliver tractors, if you see one come up for sale. They were well built.
Keep your eyes open on e-bay. Since they are a none shipping item you may find one that suits you, that is reasonable and close.

Fred

 

[Steve Hayden]

From experience, I can tell you that you can't do heavy work with the old Fords. I had a 9N, and it would do the routine light work, but didn't have the power to get dowm and lug when things got heavy.

Fred's right about the old Olivers.

 

[Mark Williams]

Thanks Guys,

I've been doing a bit of research. The Oliver's definately had a lot more bells and whistles. The old Fords were a fine looking machine though.

Hopefully when we get settled, we'll find something someone isnt using any more.

 

[Matt Shade]

I'm not impressed with the old fords for pulling anything, but for running a 6' or so bush hog or flail mower or maybe towing a small trailer around with stuff on it they're not a bad tractor. Main reason I brought them up was the unbeleivable amount of parts they still make for them. That and the ones that are still pretty useable don't go for much more than the junkers.

Olivers are good, and I've run a couple old massey 135's that are still going pretty strong, the ones with a perkins deisel are real nice although they're going to be awful pricey anymore.

 

[Dan Gray]

why can't you pull a brush hog behind a softtail H.D.

just have to hook up a three point hitch and go for it
you may have to get a set of tugs and a harness set up for Deb to help the HD out some in a hole if you spin out,,, but don't use the cooper< spelling) strap on her she wouldn't be a very happy camper with you..