Country Misfit
I tell you... I get no respect!
I need to buy a small tractor with a ft loader+a bush hog,to do some yardwork. Can anybody recommend one? Thax
Opinions on small tractors ?
- Thread starter Country Misfit
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CR55
It's just a little surface rust!
You need our resident small tractor expert.....Where are you WB? [cl
Willowbilly3
A *real* tin magnet
Well, for some reason most people gravitate toward the old Ford tractors. They are not the best choice unless you get into the mid to late 50s with a 5 speed and live power. I have my brush-hog on a 640 and it is really awkward without live power and first gear is way too fast for tall, heavy weeds. On the plus side, it does handle well and starts first spin no matter how cold it is out. It would be a bit light for a loader although some do have them. Even the Jurassic 9N and 2N with the three speed transmission bring 2000-3000 and they are clunky to brush-hog with and not suitable for any kind of loader. I think the 641 (and 841) was the first one with 5 speed and live power, about 1957 but most of those models are a 640 (840) which does not have live power. Then later they went to the 2000, 3000, 4000, series and they are great tractors but bring a pretty good price. Avoid any of those with a power-shift. Of course the 2010,2020, 2510,2520, series of JD are great tractors but almost always with a big price tag. I have a 1968 3020 with a loader and it's been an awesome tractor and the JD store always has anything I need for it but those are more of a row crop and a lot taller than a utility type. The best tractors in the 3000-4000 range Are the IH, like 454 and 504, and that is with live power and power steering. Other good tractors are Massey Ferguson. Ones from the 60s or 70s with the little perkins diesels are awesome tractors. I always say that you should try and buy a brand that has a dealership nearby. I don't have a lot of wisdom on the 80s and newer stuff. Make sure and get something with power steering if you plan to use the loader much.
Country Misfit
I tell you... I get no respect!
Thax for the comments W.B.
endicott_jb
Well-known member
I would look into Kubota tractors.
26Troadster
Well-known member
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- May 22, 2007
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father in law traded a mf 245, and a mf 265 with bush hogg loader for a kubota with a loader. i with 21willys the older tractors are cheaper, but i'll take the kubota over the massey's cause the kubota is so easy to work with.
Country Misfit
I tell you... I get no respect!
Thax for the replys,guys. Im looking at everything,trying to find a good deal
Bamamav
Well-known member
Don't rule anything out because it's old, just stay with the major brands and you'd be surprised how many parts are available for these things. I have a 1955 model 300 utility International I use for bush hogging and blade work, it's power up and down lift will pick the rear end off of the ground! I gave $1500 for it with a 5' bush hog, so deals are out there. Look at Craigslist for a good source.
the reverend muddy grimes
Brother Binder
IHC cub or a small Case. I see the ones from the 40s still outworking the new kabotas
Neverdone
He's not done yet...
Always been impressed by a little 8n, pretty cheap too. Wide variety of stuff you can do and get for them. I have a john deere 2020 but only because it was priced right. Kinda big for what I need but glad I have it.
endicott_jb
Well-known member
I was only mentioning Kubota because the op is looking for a small tractor with enough umph to brush hog and can support a loader. I haven't seen much good coming from new holland, mf's are too expensive to fix, deere's can be temperamental and people want an arm and a leg for them(up here at least), international focuses a lot on larger and good luck finding a case in good shape, most farmers really worked them over. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few.
ssimpala
Well-known member
There's a reason John Deere costs more....because their worth it.
