Old gas tractor choice

[ym2210_jgm-HT]

I have diesel; looking at getting an old gas tractor to buy, tinker, restore

$1500-2000 initial

Looking at IH 240 ‘59 or 60 and a couple 8n

From an easier to work on and maintain perspective from these two and one have knowledge? Any input is appreciated

Thanks

 

[Bruce from Can.]

The Case VA or VAC tractors are fairly inexpensive tractors to purchase, and have hydraulics. Available in standard and narrow front ends. Handy little tractors and can also be equipped with front end loaders.

 

[rustred]

I would take the 240 hands down way before them 8n’s . Newer and better tractor. And nice looking before and after painted

 

[1955]

Allis Chalmers CA. or Massey 35. But as for your choices...the 8N has an unlimited supply of aftermarket parts. You can pretty much build one new from the parts sources.

 

[redtom]

I'm not an 8n fan so I would choose a CA Allis with snap coupler or VAC case with eagle hitch of which I've own(ed) both because they're live hyd lift and the 8n isn't. I'm biased because I own half a dozen IH 340's. Good tractors but certain parts are a little hard to find.

 

[db4600]

The Case VA or VAC tractors are fairly inexpensive tractors to purchase, and have hydraulics. Available in standard and narrow front ends. Handy little tractors and can also be equipped with front end loaders.

Hart-Part 28-50

 

[DanielW]

A less conventional option: My brother hauled home a Cockshutt 540 a couple of years ago he got for a song. I can't believe what a superb tractor it is for being a little 1950's gas tractor. Fingertip power steering, fully independent pto, independent hydraulics three point, the Continental engine is dead simple, uber-reliable, and starts instantly and purrs like a kitten in all temperatures. It's also built nice and heavy in all the areas where it counts. All I had to do to make it the perfect tractor was change the original twin valves for the loader to a new single joystick valve. It's now the handiest and most used tractor on the place. When driving and using it, you wouldn't know it's not a 50 year newer tractor.

If you look at one, just make sure it's one of the later ones with power steering.

 

[kenbob]

I have a VAC with the eagle hitch. You can hook up to almost all 3pt equipment with it. It runs cheap and if the engine is in good shape the later ones will pull 2-14's. However, if plowing is what you are doing and you are plowing curved lines you would need a Case plow that allows the plow to swivel as the eagle hitch is not supposed to sway like 3pt. (Some are worn enough to sway). I got mine because it was the cheapest thing I could buy that would work with 3pt equipment. CA allis has a little more power, and are a good plow tractor for a small tractor, but not much snap couple stuff for sale anymore except the plows. You can get a 3pt conversion for them. In some areas you could get a newer Ford that has more power and live power for what the 8ns bring.

 

[Steve in IL]

Kinda depends on what you want to do with this new tractor. Parade? Mow yard? Mow pasture? Plow a garden? Run a rototiller?

 

[1955]

A less conventional option: My brother hauled home a Cockshutt 540 a couple of years ago he got for a song. I can't believe what a superb tractor it is for being a little 1950's gas tractor. Fingertip power steering, fully independent pto, independent hydraulics three point, the Continental engine is dead simple, uber-reliable, and starts instantly and purrs like a kitten in all temperatures. It's also built nice and heavy in all the areas where it counts. All I had to do to make it the perfect tractor was change the original twin valves for the loader to a new single joystick valve. It's now the handiest and most used tractor on the place. When driving and using it, you wouldn't know it's not a 50 year newer tractor.

If you look at one, just make sure it's one of the later ones with power steering.

Yep, can't go wrong there either. Cockshutt had many industry firsts and the their transmissions and rear axles can hold up to a lot of additional power.

 

[kenbob]

What Steve says is true. If you are mowing pasture you would want live power if you can afford it. If you want to do a rototiller, you would probably need something with a super low gear as not much hp at that price. A Ford with a Sherman low range might work if the tiller isn't too big. I bought a Case 300 last year for $500 (A bargain for a running tractor). It has super low and live power so it can do it all and 30 hp. If you could find one of those in your price range, it would do everything you need to do. If you don't intend to till, your choice is wide.

 

[Steve in IL]

What Steve says is true. If you are mowing pasture you would want live power if you can afford it. If you want to do a rototiller, you would probably need something with a super low gear as not much hp at that price. A Ford with a Sherman low range might work if the tiller isn't too big. I bought a Case 300 last year for $500 (A bargain for a running tractor). It has super low and live power so it can do it all and 30 hp. If you could find one of those in your price range, it would do everything you need to do. If you don't intend to till, your choice is wide.

If I correctly understand how the Sherman works, the problem with the Sherman/tiller combo is that the under drive slows down both the tractor and the PTO, so it doesn’t really help.

 

[Tony in SD]

I have diesel; looking at getting an old gas tractor to buy, tinker, restore

$1500-2000 initial

Looking at IH 240 ‘59 or 60 and a couple 8n

From an easier to work on and maintain perspective from these two and one have knowledge? Any input is appreciated

Thanks

Your specifications are old, gas, to tinker, to restore. You did not indicate any use so I’d choose the Ford 8N mostly because I’m more familiar with them Than the IH. And parts and accessories are plentiful.

 

[Blackhole49]

Your specifications are old, gas, to tinker, to restore. You did not indicate any use so I’d choose the Ford 8N mostly because I’m more familiar with them Than the IH. And parts and accessories are plentiful.

X2 what Tony said. To "buy, tinker and restore" you can't beat an 8N.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

I'm a little confused here. Are the choices between an IH 240 and a Ford 8N? Or, are you looking for recommendations in general? Because, I see a lot of responses here that are not 240 or 8N, and I'm wondering if I missed something in your initial post.

There's always "none of the above" as a choice.

8N's are simple, common, and for some reason, popular. Lots of new aftermarket parts available. You can practically build a complete new tractor from aftermarket parts and a few major castings.

240 is as somewhat more modern tractor. Mostly in the hydraulic department. The hydraulics are "live" and it has the option of up to two dual-acting remotes with independent controls, vs. the 8N where the auxiliary hydraulics are one-way and tied to the 3pt, IIRC.

The 240 shares many common maintenance parts with many IH tractors, but it's a relatively low-production machine, so some parts are hard to get. For example, there is a hydraulic filter that is IMPOSSIBLE to find. Nothing cross-references. Nothing comes close to fitting. Your only options are to clean the old filter as best you can and re-use it, or go without a filter.

Either tractor will make a fine tinkering tractor.

 

[RJKeith]

The Case VA or VAC tractors are fairly inexpensive tractors to purchase, and have hydraulics. Available in standard and narrow front ends. Handy little tractors and can also be equipped with front end loaders.

I like a VAC, but he might want to consider a 311 or a 311B for a few more horsepower. Easy to work on except for the tin on the 300, parts easily available.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I have diesel; looking at getting an old gas tractor to buy, tinker, restore

$1500-2000 initial

Looking at IH 240 ‘59 or 60 and a couple 8n

From an easier to work on and maintain perspective from these two and one have knowledge? Any input is appreciated

Thanks

I have a 1950 Farmall C and a 1953 Jubilee. Both are in great shape. Both can be used to mow the yards with.
A few days ago I had I hauled my 2019 Kubota to the dealer because it threw a code, crankshaft sensor.
The Jubilee came out of retirement and it mowed the yard with the 6 ft woods finish mower.
I read the loader and the loader arm has to be removed to get to the sensor. I'm too old to do that kind of work.
I'm hoping it is under warranty.
My point it the older gas tractors are cheap and easy to fix,
My first 50 hour oil change on the Kubota cost almost $800.
If I change the oil on the engine at 200 hrs that will cost me about $50. If the dealer does a complete service at 400 hours, oil change and filters add $800.
So the cost per hour is over $2/hr in changing oils, It uses about $3/hr in fuel. So it cost about $5/hour to use the Kubota. .
The Jubilee has close to the same horsepower, uses cheaper gas and the oil change is 5 qts of oil and filter.
If I were to think of buying another gasser I would want something in the 35-40 hp. live PTO, power steering, 3 pt hitch.
My 20 hp Farmall can only do one thing well, 6 ft belly mower which stays on the tractor all the time.
The 8 n is a flat head and around 20 hp range. I'm not a fan of the 8n 3 pt, no live hydraulics.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I have diesel; looking at getting an old gas tractor to buy, tinker, restore

$1500-2000 initial

Looking at IH 240 ‘59 or 60 and a couple 8n

From an easier to work on and maintain perspective from these two and one have knowledge? Any input is appreciated

Thanks

I have a 1950 Farmall C and a 1953 Jubilee. Both are in great shape. Both can be used to mow the yards with.
A few days ago I had I hauled my 2019 Kubota to the dealer because it threw a code, crankshaft sensor
I read the loader and the loader arm has to be removed to get to the sensor. I'm too old to do that kind of work.
I'm hoping it is under warranty.
My point it the older gas tractors are cheap and easy to fix,
My first 50 hour oil change on the Kubota cost almost $800.
If I change the oil on the engine at 200 hrs that will cost me about $50. If the dealer does a complete service at 400 hours, oil change and filters add $800.
So the cost per hour is over $2/hr in changing oils, It uses about $3/hr in fuel. So it cost about $5/hour to use the Kubota. .
The Jubilee has close to the same horsepower, uses cheaper gas and the oil change is 5 qts of oil and filter.
If I were to think of buying another gasser I would want something in the 35-40 hp. live PTO, power steering, 3 pt hitch.
My 20 hp Farmall can only do one thing well, 6 ft belly mower which stays on the tractor all the time.
The 8 n is a flat head and around 20 hp range. I'm not a fan of the 8n 3 pt, no live hydraulics.

 

[ss55]

I have diesel; looking at getting an old gas tractor to buy, tinker, restore

$1500-2000 initial

Looking at IH 240 ‘59 or 60 and a couple 8n

From an easier to work on and maintain perspective from these two and one have knowledge? Any input is appreciated

Thanks

Condition of the tires and ease of climbing on and off can also be important factors when choosing.

 

[Gwiz]

I'm a little confused here. Are the choices between an IH 240 and a Ford 8N? Or, are you looking for recommendations in general? Because, I see a lot of responses here that are not 240 or 8N, and I'm wondering if I missed something in your initial post.

There's always "none of the above" as a choice.

8N's are simple, common, and for some reason, popular. Lots of new aftermarket parts available. You can practically build a complete new tractor from aftermarket parts and a few major castings.

240 is as somewhat more modern tractor. Mostly in the hydraulic department. The hydraulics are "live" and it has the option of up to two dual-acting remotes with independent controls, vs. the 8N where the auxiliary hydraulics are one-way and tied to the 3pt, IIRC.

The 240 shares many common maintenance parts with many IH tractors, but it's a relatively low-production machine, so some parts are hard to get. For example, there is a hydraulic filter that is IMPOSSIBLE to find. Nothing cross-references. Nothing comes close to fitting. Your only options are to clean the old filter as best you can and re-use it, or go without a filter.

Either tractor will make a fine tinkering tractor.

240 owners manual says to clean the hydraulic filter.