A Newbie

[Anonymous-0]

Here goes, I am in the process of buying my first tractor, and want to know which would be better suited for our small farm, from people more experienced than I at this who aren't trying to sell me anything! We have 5 acres cleared and we need to keep it bushhogged, and want to till up a couple of acres for planting. I have choices around here between 6 different tractors; a couple of Massey Fergusons and some Ford 8N's and a Ford Jubilee all with varying implements. We live in N. Florida if that helps. I want one I can depend on, is easy to fix and doesn't cost a fortune either, each time to tune-up or repair. I want to run a 4-5' bushhog, a tiller, an auger, plow, cultivator etc... Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any and ALL help!!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Deere dealer add shows 35 HP models for a about 300 per month with loader. Unless you can work on anything stay away from old ones. Shop around for a new one with warrenty. 8N's have killed more than most. Good luck let us know what you bought.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Those Fords, if you buy them right, will always be worth their money. Other people can tell you more on the models but be sure to get a live PTO. Put a ROPS on it if you have any hills or gullies. I think the Jubliee is the way I would go.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You don't say which model of Massey Ferguson you are looking at.

Any of the tractors you mention should be able to meet the needs you have stated.

The 8N Fords will not have live pto or live hydraulics. They have a pto and they have a hydraulic three point hitch, but they are not live. Thousands of people get by with an 8N doing just what you say you're going to do, but feature-wise, live is better...just not always indispensible.

The Ford Jubilee is a step up from the 8N. It has live hydraulics but still has the non-live pto like the 8N.

The Massey Fergusons may or may not have live pto, depending on the specific model you are talking about. On many of the MF models, there will be a three letter prefix before the serial number on the ID tag. Those three letters will tell you engine type and pto type. You could post specific questions on the MF board on this site for more details.

Good luck!

 

[Anonymous-0]

You don't offer as much info as I'd like ,but here's my two cents worth. If you won't be maintaining it yourself, get new or at least newer. If you are older get off and on this tractor a few times ,make sure the controls are placed where they are ez to reach and use. Arthur-itis can make some of these tractor 'specially hard to use, and some can be ez-er than others to change implements. 35 hp should do anything asked of it for your purposes. Iwould look at kubota real hard, i have had good luck with mine. hope this helps. gh

 

[Anonymous-0]

8N will do the brush hogging and the post auger but will not handle a tiller is just plain to fast in any gear for a tiller. If you want a ford you will need one with either the SOS type tranny or a 5 speed to be able to till with. As far as the Massey you don't tell us the model so can't help you there
<ul><li><a href="http://www.geocities.com/trants_mrg/ourhobbyfarm.html">Hobby farm</a></ul>

 

[Anonymous-0]

Like some have said 35hp will do what you want. Stay away from the ones that do not have live power. It will make life easier for you means this is your first tractor purchase. massey ferguson 135, Ford 3000 or 3600, john deere 1020 all of these will do what you want. I don't know what they cost in Fl but here in Ky depending on the shap they are in it will run you $3500-$5500. Good luck and be safe

 

[Anonymous-0]

I wish I could afford a NEW one, but alas, I like only things I can pay cash for! Spent too long trying to get out from under all those " easy monthly payment" schemes..... Have finally done it, and am NOT going back!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I personlly run an Oliver 550 but Olivers are scarce in this part of the country. Like most of them said the Ford 8N will get most of the work done but it is limited. Jubilee is a step up.

Depending on MF it may be an option but you did not mention models.

I am located in Baker County. Email is open if I can be of any assistance.

ShepFL

 

[Anonymous-0]

GET A FARMALL H !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

any of the masseys will do the job 35, 135, 50,150, 65, 165, most will have P.S., all will have 3 pt., and all will have live or indepemt PTO, and a low gear that will and can run a tiller. all the masseys above are some of the best tractors in the world, very use frindly. DO not buy any thing with out a 3 pt. or live pto. all above will take a loader all come in gas or diesel

 

[Anonymous-0]

Katherine,A Ford 601 or 801 with live power and a five speed transmisson would be a great tractor for you.Here in North Al.they sell from $3000.00 to $5000.00 depending on how nice they look.Also the 3000,3600 and 4000 tractors are newer and would be fine also.However they will cost you a little more money.The Massey Ferguson 35 and 135 would be a great fit for your needs also.The 35 around $2500.00 to $3500.00 and the 135 from 4 to $6000.00.I presently am blessed with 3 tractors such as you need,a Super 55 Oliver gas,861 Ford gas and a 35 Massey with a Perkins deisel engine.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I realy never like tellen someone what they want as what i would do and you would do is all together differant , but i will tell you this most of the older fords that i have been around have been worked over to the point that ya never know what you are getting into . i have had more then a few thru my shop over the years from people just like you that got suckered into one of them for there FIRST tractor by people that realy put it to them . I am not a real ford man on the tractor end but can fix them . before ya by take a long look at what dealers are close and talk to people that have differant tractors and the ease of getting parts as YOU will need parts . Also even if ya have to spend a littel more for your first tractor buy a newer one then one made back in the 40's and 50's . Never buy a Paint JOB . Look at tires ft. end parts for ware look at the pedals and shake then to see how much ware they have look at the seat and wiggel it look at the hitch arms and see if the balls are ready to fall out check and amke sure that it starts COLD and always check the oil and water to see if it is discolored check to make sure that it charges and that it runs smoothe with no smoke of any color . power steering is a big plus and live hyd's. and live PTO . For all that you are doing a gas powered tractor would be fine as you don't know enough about a diesel . like others have said 35-50 Hp. is enough to handel all that you want to do . for that matter even a smaller newer 25 hp 4x4 compact would do you well even though they are a diesel it would handel a 4-5 foot hog and a smaller posthole auger . like i said even if ya have to pay a bit more for something newer to start you may be money ahead in the long run . If ya can find and old Fart like me that knowes what he is looken at take him along to check it out and give him a good meal and couple bucks here again you will be money ahead.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Katharine,

I wouldn't go with the 8N's but with the Jubilee if it runs good. However, I'm partial to diesels for anything over about 20-25 HP. We have an 801 Ford diesel and also an AC D17 diesel. The Massey 135 with the Perkins diesel is a workhorse and easy on fuel. If you can wait, I'd be looking for a diesel. BTW, we're in the panhandle also--Santa Rosa County.

 

[Anonymous-0]

most any of the masseys will handle the jobs you probably want to do

 

[Anonymous-0]

The Massey"s are the safest bet and will do what you need to do, also there"s tons of parts out there...some parts for the older ford 8N"s and Jubilies are getting harder to get...

 

[Anonymous-0]

Like the others said you didn't mention models, but a good MF would be an easy pick over the Fords, because they would all have at least live hydraulics and live PTO with the 3 point. A Oliver 550 would be great, and a diesel version even better, because it is darn good tractor and moreover not everyone has one. But for the inexperienced, casual user, it isn't worth the dealer or parts locating hassle.

 

[Anonymous-0]

From what a lot of folks have been telling us on this board, the little MF's with diesel engines are the best from the standpoint of reliability and fuel efficiency. With the price of fuel today and no end in sight, you could probably pay for a small diesel in fuel savings alone over the price of a gasser. If you're really intent on pulling a PTO powered rototiller just make sure the little pup has a low gear that's low enough. The Ford N's, at 2.5 mph or whatever, are too fast.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Three Pieces of advice. 1.Find a good close dealer,because you may need Service-Parts. 2.READ all the different make Tractor Discussion forms on Yesterday Sites. 3.MY OPINION,,J.D. 1020-2020,,Ford Number series 600-800,,A-C d-15 or D-17 WITH FACTORY 3 Point,Not Snap Coulper.If you read the Massey site ,look at how many Trans.and HYD Problems are compared to the other Makes.I have farmed all my life and if I had half the troubles these Massey Guys have ,,I sure won't be recommending Them.

 

[Anonymous-0]

WOW! First of all, let me say THANK YOU to everyone who is offering advice, all input has been/IS VERY helpful.

I went "out lookin" today, (spent the WHOLE entire day doing this) and saw many things..... I have seen a couple of Ford 8N"s that look like they should be shot and made into fish reefs somewhere, they were so bad. I went straight to the dipsticks on these, for the main oil, and for the rear ends and completely discounted two of them right off the bat, because the "fluids" in them were colored whiter than my sneakers! This is not good, I know just from an automotive standpoint, so I figured it must carry over to tractors also.

I also looked at a Ford Jubilee that didn"t seem to bad, it had clean fluids at least, drove well, started right up from a cold start and then re-started shortly there after and did not seem to be leaking anything necessary. The hydraulics in the back stayed up until the pressure was released on it after it was parked and the bar went gently down. The PTO clutch turned nicely and the teeth on it did not seem to be worn off. No tachometer at all though, just a plate where it should have been, no working lights and did seem to be miss-fireing a bit like it had a bad plug/wire/points etc... in there. I liked the fact though that all four plugs were right up in the front, easy to get to and everything went into gear nicely (though the shift pattern on the knob was different than the one imprinted on the tractor). I also did like the fact that you could widen the stance of it, by moving the front pins on the front wheels and switching the rear wheels. But, it is not something that could be done often or even by my hubby and myself. So, that"s not entirely useful.

I also found another 8N that is being COMPLETELY rebuilt from the motor to the tranny and will have new rear tires and good condition front tires on it. He had taken the motor out and had it machined and blasted and re-bored and just completely gone thru it top to bottom, manifold, carb, exhaust, alt., starter, ignition etc... He said he was going to work on the rear end next. Also going to put on new headlights (not that I will be driving in the dark, but it"s nice to see the thoroughness) and that he would call me when it was done to hear it run and drive it- all for $2,800 approx. No attachments with it though and I would have to get a different seat, as I am NOT a fan of the original "pan seats".

I have a few more to look at this weekend and will add more info on the Masseys when I get to them and can see what I"m dealing with. Also to mention the same guy that"s re-doing the 8N also had a 1980+, 61?something series Ford diesle,(can"t remember exact year or model) but that one seemed to have a LOT of pressure/exhaust leakages from around the manifiold and was blowing smoke and dripping oil. It was higher horse power and a bigger tractor all the way around, but he wanted $3k + for that one with no implements. Go figure, not worth it to me.
Sorry so long winded, but I am excited about all this today and what tomorrow will hold!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi Katharine !! I won't advise you on make of tractor but from what I have read of your post so far it sounds like you are commiting one of the first cardinal sins of a used tractor buyer. That is you are shopping at dealers. These people have all the tractors that people can't or won't sell to aquaintences or neighbors or in the classifieds. People trade their junk in at dealers because it is easier on their concience and it is "as is" and he knows it. Also dealers buy at auctions where their are many "marginal" tractors at cheap prices so he can make a profit and when asked any pertinent mechanical questions by the potential buyer he usually says generic things like "as far as I know" or "I just bought it at auction so can't tell you" or he tells you how nice and solid thew unit is when he has only had it for the time it took to get it home from the sale. I could go on and on but just take some advice and BUY FROM A PRIVATE OWNER WHO HAS OWNED IT LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW AND TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! You can also LOCATE them on the net. Just don't BUY on the net!! Go and see it first!!! It is a buyers market right now , lots to choose from. Don't be rushed. Their are good ones out there! Just stay away from dealers!!!! Their profit comes FIRST , your happiness ? , well , "after all , it IS a used tractor , they all have problems , but if you want we will apply the full price you paid us onto a brand new one with warrantee if you quallify". Weasels!

 

[Katharine]

This is from a private person, NOT a dealer and he is doing what seems to be a good job (without standing there every waking minute he's working on it). He has no money of mine right now and won't have any until it is completed and has been driven to assure working order. I have seen a LOT of tracotrs in a short time now, and almost EVERY single one, barring this one and one other a Jubilee, has had signs of oil leakage from either the front seals, rear seals, one had both rear tires leaking onto the rims, BAD oil in them in as that it was WHITE when pulled on a dipstick and other problems too numerous to mention.

I am waiting as patiently as I can for this re-built one to be ready and hoping for the best at this point!

 

[Katharine]

Good news! I had a phonecall from the guy who is rebuilding "my" tractor, and he's told me that it should be ready in the next day or so as he is just finishing going thru the electrical system. He says he's done the motor and the whole rearend and just put tires on it. I CAN'T WAIT to see it and get a chance to drive it finally. The last time I saw it, it was up on blocks!

IF it works out ok and is what I want, I will post some pic's if anyone is interested.