old tractors vs. new

[Bob N.Y.]

I was at the Central N.Y. Farm Progress Show today. When I was walking around through the machinery displays, I couldn't help but notice how much all of the tractors look alike. There were John Deeres, Case-IH, New Holland, Kubotas, Agcos and Challangers there. They all seem to have low slung, plastic fuel tanks and a series of steps to reach the operators platform. I grew up on clay flats, so these features look like trouble to me when you get in the mud. There was also a John Deere 1020 on the grounds. That tractor looks so much more practical and fuctional than the new ones. What do you think?

 

[keh]

The low plastic fuel tanks have always looked like trouble to me. What happens when you are running a rotary mower over tall brush and it hits the fuel tank? The flat platforms I like. Controls on most of them are conviently located.

KEH

 

[Mike M]

What do I think ? About the same as you. This new stuff is nice to run but I don't think it will hold up.

 

[IH2444]

How will anyone restore those new tractors in 40 years. Plastic and computers.....

 

[Stockdale Dave]

Not to mention cost. A buddy of mine just bought a new Fortrac with frontend loader and shredder..$20K with no money down. He's 51 years old and I didn't ask how long the loan was for. My 1940 9N with shredder set me back $2600. I've got 40 plus hours on it with the total maintenance consisting of air filter cleaning and one quart of oil. I don't have a frontend loader but can buy another tractor equipped that way and still be way ahead of a new purchase. I do question the new aerodynamic low slung front ends....has drag ever been an issue with a farm tractor? Not real sure about the durability of the plastics either.

 

[Anonymous-0]

There is different configurations if you really looked. The underslung fuel tanks allow filling from the ground, and most of them are guarded with skid plates from stuff coming up underneith. The newer tractors are lots better with the hydraulic flow and lift capacitys much higher for much faster cycle times and more power allowing the new ones to work circles around old iron. If you are looking for just a basic new tractor for running a brush hog, look at the JD 5003 and 5005 series, I believe both of those have rear mounted fuel tanks and straddle mount operators platforms instead of flat deck. kubota also makes some basic tractors like the 5700 that are like that.

 

[Haywood]

They won't, They are going to be a throw away tractor.

Kubota has no intention of trying to keep all the parts available for 25 or 30 year old tractors. Certain models? Maybe.

I worked on a lot of older Kubotas that the certain parts were no longer available for them.
Like wire harness's and transmission gears, Engines.

I haven't heard tale of any bone yards around for them.

Seen a lot of sticks go through them too.

 

[bill mar]

what did you mean by
"Seen a lot of sticks go through them too."

 

[Nolan]

I've worked with old tractors, and new tractors. There's no comparison. A new tractor is much more pleasant to work with. From hydraulics to controls, power and efficiency, the new tractors run circles around the old tractors.

Don't get me wrong, I very much enjoy vintage iron. It's fun to collect, fun to play with. But when it comes to working the farm, the new tractors are solidly the winners.

 

[CJ3b_jeep]

New machines probably won't last 50 years and beyond like the older ones, but they sure are nice. All of my neighbors have newer stuff and they are much easier to drive than my old David Brown. Power steering, hydrostatic drive, effortless clutches, controls designed to be where you can reach them, instead of wherever they fit, quiet, smooth running diesels with glow plugs, independent hydraulics, joystick controls for the loader, they sure are nice. However, I'd hook my old 40 horse to the neighbor's new 40 horse and pull him around all day, mine weighs about 2,000 Lb. more than his, plus I only have $1,300 in mine.

 

[Haywood]

Sticks or large branches that have ripped Hydraulic tubes and filters off.

Gone through radiator and plastic grill from the underside.

Rod iron through the fuel tank.

A stick under the hood and breaking intake manifold.

Granted: The percentage is small.

 

[Bret4207]

Com'on Billy! When you put $145,000.00 into a tractor you don't take it out in the MUD! End of problem. HAR!