Advisement for a good old Row Crop Tractor

[sycamoreview]

Hey Forum,

I have been personally debating on getting another tractor for my growing activities. I currently have been using a TO-30, which is been a good little tractor, but I need a few features that didn't come with the TO-30. I am looking for a tractor that provides good 3 point integration, since I only have 3 point equipment. Also looking for Live/Independent PTO, wide front for safety.. Also a tractor that has good clearance. Love high crop tractors, but finding one for a reason price is out of the question..

My crop actives are vegetable crops, mainly potato's which is why I need clearance for hilling/spraying. I would like advisement for a machine with good power delivery since I have a PTO Potato digger, IH 26in wide bed. After digging last year with non live PTO (TO-30) I had to constantly stop the machine, clear the bed, and it felt like the tractor had to go fast in order to have enough PTO speed, which caused me to dig faster than the dirt would clear.. wasn't very ideal.. I also cultivate and have a 2 row JD-246 Planter so position/depth control would be nice.

So I was looking at the JD420/430 since that tractor seems to have good clearance, live PTO, ability to adjust the rear, and I hear its reliable, it does seem that the front is higher than the rear axle so sorta looks tapered? I also looked at the Ford 960-5 which has all those features as well, more HP, seems like better rear clearance, but more cumbersome to adjust the rear perhaps? I was also looking at a JD2510, deals haven't gone through, but I also feel that a smaller tractor might be more maneuverable for vegetable crops..

Just looking for some advisement for those that have used different machines, so any mentions would be great beyond what I listed. I am good with any brand that had/has great parts supply.

 

[Janicholson]

Hey Forum,

I have been personally debating on getting another tractor for my growing activities. I currently have been using a TO-30, which is been a good little tractor, but I need a few features that didn't come with the TO-30. I am looking for a tractor that provides good 3 point integration, since I only have 3 point equipment. Also looking for Live/Independent PTO, wide front for safety.. Also a tractor that has good clearance. Love high crop tractors, but finding one for a reason price is out of the question..

My crop actives are vegetable crops, mainly potato's which is why I need clearance for hilling/spraying. I would like advisement for a machine with good power delivery since I have a PTO Potato digger, IH 26in wide bed. After digging last year with non live PTO (TO-30) I had to constantly stop the machine, clear the bed, and it felt like the tractor had to go fast in order to have enough PTO speed, which caused me to dig faster than the dirt would clear.. wasn't very ideal.. I also cultivate and have a 2 row JD-246 Planter so position/depth control would be nice.

So I was looking at the JD420/430 since that tractor seems to have good clearance, live PTO, ability to adjust the rear, and I hear its reliable, it does seem that the front is higher than the rear axle so sorta looks tapered? I also looked at the Ford 960-5 which has all those features as well, more HP, seems like better rear clearance, but more cumbersome to adjust the rear perhaps? I was also looking at a JD2510, deals haven't gone through, but I also feel that a smaller tractor might be more maneuverable for vegetable crops..

Just looking for some advisement for those that have used different machines, so any mentions would be great beyond what I listed. I am good with any brand that had/has great parts supply.

Welcome to YT forums and PartsASAP
Another option is a Massy Ferguson 65 through 275 series tractors good reputation and dealership system. Jim

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

I got a good 65MF diesel I am thinking about selling. I have got 8 running tractors and should thin them out at 79 Y'O Motor was completely rebuilt about 7 years ago and has less than 50 hours ago with new crank, new starter, alternator and hydraulic pump were put on at the same time. Rear tires are showing weather cracking but still hold air without any problems. Fronts are excellent. Don't have any idea what it is worth but I'm not going to give it away. It is the high crop model 36 or 38 " rims can't remember







it is

 

[sycamoreview]

MFs are nice tractors, not a bad idea. Looking at MFs, I see the MF85 seems to have made a model with high coverage, does anyone know about those?

 

[Bob Bancroft]

MFs are nice tractors, not a bad idea. Looking at MFs, I see the MF85 seems to have made a model with high coverage, does anyone know about those?

I have a JD2520 diesel which I hope to sell this year. It's probably more tractor than you want. And location is a major factor.

 

[sycamoreview]

I actually live not to far from you, but I am sure its priced more than I want lol, which is why I was looking at 2510s.

 

[marloweg]

MFs are nice tractors, not a bad idea. Looking at MFs, I see the MF85 seems to have made a model with high coverage, does anyone know about those?

85 not a good choice .any 100 ser. or any 200 ser. all good tractors. 85 was a oddball parts are hard to find

 

[sycamoreview]

Hey thanks for the call out, scratch 85 off my list.

 

[A . M. Aitkins]

An Oliver 1550 would be a good option. They have live PTO, live hydraulics, a good three point and power steering and they have a 2 speed transmission and parts availability is pretty good too.

 

[sycamoreview]

I'll have to look into them, thanks for the note.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

All I can recommend is to stay away from any of the newer tractors that need the Blue Def. IMO

 

[sycamoreview]

I'm staying away from anything 80s and above, sticking with older platforms. For a younger person like myself, I don't know much about the older tractors, so eager to hear people's idea's.

 

[flying belgian]

See if you can find a 700 Case. We had one with tricycle front. 50 HP very handy and big enough to do some real work. Very reliable tractor.

 

[Bob NY]

Hey Forum,

I have been personally debating on getting another tractor for my growing activities. I currently have been using a TO-30, which is been a good little tractor, but I need a few features that didn't come with the TO-30. I am looking for a tractor that provides good 3 point integration, since I only have 3 point equipment. Also looking for Live/Independent PTO, wide front for safety.. Also a tractor that has good clearance. Love high crop tractors, but finding one for a reason price is out of the question..

My crop actives are vegetable crops, mainly potato's which is why I need clearance for hilling/spraying. I would like advisement for a machine with good power delivery since I have a PTO Potato digger, IH 26in wide bed. After digging last year with non live PTO (TO-30) I had to constantly stop the machine, clear the bed, and it felt like the tractor had to go fast in order to have enough PTO speed, which caused me to dig faster than the dirt would clear.. wasn't very ideal.. I also cultivate and have a 2 row JD-246 Planter so position/depth control would be nice.

So I was looking at the JD420/430 since that tractor seems to have good clearance, live PTO, ability to adjust the rear, and I hear its reliable, it does seem that the front is higher than the rear axle so sorta looks tapered? I also looked at the Ford 960-5 which has all those features as well, more HP, seems like better rear clearance, but more cumbersome to adjust the rear perhaps? I was also looking at a JD2510, deals haven't gone through, but I also feel that a smaller tractor might be more maneuverable for vegetable crops..

Just looking for some advisement for those that have used different machines, so any mentions would be great beyond what I listed. I am good with any brand that had/has great parts supply.

A Massey Ferguson 65 or 165 High Arch would fit your qualifications very nicely. You might also consider a 3 cylinder Ford 4000, or direct descendants, on 38 inch rubber.

 

[Bob NY]

MFs are nice tractors, not a bad idea. Looking at MFs, I see the MF85 seems to have made a model with high coverage, does anyone know about those?

The 85 and Super 90 High Arch models used dropped final drives and were usually on 18.4x30 tires. Other MF high Arch tractors had straight axles and 38 inch tires. The 85 and Super 90 were produced in lower numbers, so parts availability may be as good.

 

[showcrop]

A very high proportion of the Ford 960s/961s have power adjust rear wheels.

 

[Mrfred54]

Another good choice, IH 544 or 656. Gear drive or hydro

 

[Dean]

Hey Forum,

I have been personally debating on getting another tractor for my growing activities. I currently have been using a TO-30, which is been a good little tractor, but I need a few features that didn't come with the TO-30. I am looking for a tractor that provides good 3 point integration, since I only have 3 point equipment. Also looking for Live/Independent PTO, wide front for safety.. Also a tractor that has good clearance. Love high crop tractors, but finding one for a reason price is out of the question..

My crop actives are vegetable crops, mainly potato's which is why I need clearance for hilling/spraying. I would like advisement for a machine with good power delivery since I have a PTO Potato digger, IH 26in wide bed. After digging last year with non live PTO (TO-30) I had to constantly stop the machine, clear the bed, and it felt like the tractor had to go fast in order to have enough PTO speed, which caused me to dig faster than the dirt would clear.. wasn't very ideal.. I also cultivate and have a 2 row JD-246 Planter so position/depth control would be nice.

So I was looking at the JD420/430 since that tractor seems to have good clearance, live PTO, ability to adjust the rear, and I hear its reliable, it does seem that the front is higher than the rear axle so sorta looks tapered? I also looked at the Ford 960-5 which has all those features as well, more HP, seems like better rear clearance, but more cumbersome to adjust the rear perhaps? I was also looking at a JD2510, deals haven't gone through, but I also feel that a smaller tractor might be more maneuverable for vegetable crops..

Just looking for some advisement for those that have used different machines, so any mentions would be great beyond what I listed. I am good with any brand that had/has great parts supply.

Ford 960 or 961.

If you really want wide front get a 961-5.

Plenty of HP for your needs, two stage clutch/live PTO, readily available compatible three point implements, and parts available just about everywhere.

 

[sycamoreview]

For the Fords, 960/1, How is the power band for first gear? Just wondering how well the power delivery is while creeping along with PTO implement.
I find on my current tractor, that I really need to crank up the RPMs to get good power for PTO, but that causes me to move too fast..

 

[ss55]

Hey Forum,

I have been personally debating on getting another tractor for my growing activities. I currently have been using a TO-30, which is been a good little tractor, but I need a few features that didn't come with the TO-30. I am looking for a tractor that provides good 3 point integration, since I only have 3 point equipment. Also looking for Live/Independent PTO, wide front for safety.. Also a tractor that has good clearance. Love high crop tractors, but finding one for a reason price is out of the question..

My crop actives are vegetable crops, mainly potato's which is why I need clearance for hilling/spraying. I would like advisement for a machine with good power delivery since I have a PTO Potato digger, IH 26in wide bed. After digging last year with non live PTO (TO-30) I had to constantly stop the machine, clear the bed, and it felt like the tractor had to go fast in order to have enough PTO speed, which caused me to dig faster than the dirt would clear.. wasn't very ideal.. I also cultivate and have a 2 row JD-246 Planter so position/depth control would be nice.

So I was looking at the JD420/430 since that tractor seems to have good clearance, live PTO, ability to adjust the rear, and I hear its reliable, it does seem that the front is higher than the rear axle so sorta looks tapered? I also looked at the Ford 960-5 which has all those features as well, more HP, seems like better rear clearance, but more cumbersome to adjust the rear perhaps? I was also looking at a JD2510, deals haven't gone through, but I also feel that a smaller tractor might be more maneuverable for vegetable crops..

Just looking for some advisement for those that have used different machines, so any mentions would be great beyond what I listed. I am good with any brand that had/has great parts supply.

Case 730 thru 1030 ComfortKing tractors, IH 756 Farmall Oliver 1600 thru 1755 could be low cost and reliable machines if you can find one in field ready condition. Deere 2510 thru 4020 are also good, but are higher priced.