So as the photos show I have been looking at old style tractors like this one to purchase and rebuild. This one like may I look at are on FB marketplace. Now my two concerns #1, has anyone bought an old tractor like this and actually been able to find proper parts for it. #2 I am not the most mechanically inclined but am willing to learn, watch videos, etc. Will I be in over my head or should I go some other route that I am just not thinking of right now. Also this would be my first tractor. Looking forward to feedback.
by Stunning-Stick38
14 Comments
I’ve never bought a tractor. I’ve only operated them a few times. So take this with a grain of salt. I’ve known people who have bought old classics and the new stuff. The people with the classics struggle. I imagine especially if you don’t have much tractor experience. I know they are hard to get parts for. I would say it’s only smart to get one of the old ones if you are into tractors as a hobby. If you just wanna get work done then just get a newer used one. Or a new one with a warranty. It’s like if you need a van to move stuff around you can get some kind of modern transit or a 2000s econoline and be fine. You could get a 60s vw bus but you will be breaking down and running into problems. It’s only worth it if you admire the old stuff and know it’s going to have problems. Good luck
If you haven’t done it before – that is, troubleshoot machines – get something that runs. At the very least. If the person who owns it can’t get it running, theres probably a good reason why.
Parts are available, you just might have to hunt for them. The old tractors are pretty simple
I bought a 1987 Ford 35hp with bucket and brush hog for $5500. I live on a farm and one less thing i have to rebuild the better.
Buy from someone local who isnt trying to sell their problem. Just my experience
Besides you’ll want something with a 3 point on the back
Tricycle front end has broken many an arm,they react very quickly when going over obstructions and there is nothing to cushion it…unlike modern tractors.
Old tractors are made to be reliable, rebuilt…and there are used parts available.
A tractor is older technology that only pulls implements. So if you want to lift or mow there are much better options ,including mini and full sized skidsters.
If you want to go with a front end loader ,you need to buy it already on the tractor..as it can be difficult to find,or expensive retroactively.
Older tractors do not have “live” pto for a bushhog,nor hydraulic.
You need to get a true idea on your wants,which will become needs to learn which one to buy.
I dunno, I grew up on a mostly grain farm on old John Deeres and Farmalls. We have a couple acres in the country next to some fields now and I bought an 80 year old Ford last summer. Decent runner. Rebuilt the carb this spring. Had an old farm mechanic bless the card at the local plow day. Well, he made a few turns in and out and got to where it runs better.
Mainly it has no modern conveniences or safety things. But translates forward to the modern tractor. But if you are familiar with modern it may not exist in earlier. The safety is common sense mostly and mechanical sympathy and not hooking high.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CmjHGCQih/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The tractor exists as a source of power and a collection of levers to apply that power. Don’t approach side hills and don’t start it with the hydraulics on and stay the hell away from the PTO shaft if the engine is running.
My lil red buddy has pushed snow, plowed a field, hoisted other small machinery, set grades away from barns, cleaned the ditch, graded the drive, pulled away downed trees, skidded logs, cleaned manure out the old barn, spread topsoil on the yard, gravel into the lean to, stones to the pile. Haven’t yet hooked the brush hog to it or used the disc or drag harrow yet really. But it’ll do the work.
Best bet for parts is something like a Massey Ferguson 35. Partly because they made a load of them and they’ve started making them again for developing markets in Africa and Asia.
It’s also a really good tractor although the clutch will give your leg a workout, and you’ll be able to fix most of the stuff with a hammer. There’s also loads of YouTube tutorials and there’s hardly any electrics to it so it’s all mechanical stuff to repair. Which can be somewhat finiky but with the internet you’re bound to find someone who’s done it before. There’s some Australian guy doing a complete breakdown and restoration for example.
Also there’s loads of implements for it and it kinda standardized how they would fit that hasn’t changed much to today. So unlike some old tractors that could only fit specific or proprietary implements the 35 should fit the widest range of stuff, including modern stuff. Although I think the hydraulics are somewhat limited so maybe get a later model.
I’ve never used a tractor with one front wheel like in the picture but I’d tell you to avoid getting one like that. I think they’re primarily for crops on flatter ground and for general purpose use I think you’d be far better off with a traditional two wheels in front.
I bought a Kubota drone about 1980 with a really nice 54” cultivator, 2 very simple dirt busting implements, and an auger for $8000. The tractor only has 700 hours on it. 100 of which I put on it. I have since traded the cultivator for a pretty nice PTO chipper shredder. The Kubota is 4wd which is a must have where I am and only 25 HP. We only have 10 acres. I love it and I have gotten implements for bargain prices on FB marketplace. I was convinced I couldn’t afford a 4wd tractor and had given up. The key is know what you want and wait until what you want becomes available. Strike when the iron is hot.
That thing will still be hauling hay for your grandkids. Parts are available and they’re easy to work on. Just make sure it can do what you need it to do and recognize that there aren’t any safety mechanisms on it. When you have hold of the wheel, keep your thumbs on the outside so the spokes can’t break them if you hit something that sends the front tires off at a 90 degree.
I learned to rake hay ona 1948 John Deere B. Dad has restored a B, a 50, and a 420. He still makes hay with them and a 3020. The 50 is my favorite to run, but all great running, sturdy machines (the 3020 is the most temperamental of the bunch). Parts are mostly available, even through Deere. They’re fairly simple to work on if you’re inclined that way. Get a dealers service manual (ebay) and read through before committing to the project
Been working on a ’67 Massey Furgeson Gasoline.
It was with the property when we took it over from my mother in law.
It’s a learning curve, and parts can be got, but not cheap or readily available for certain things. Other things, absolutely easy to get and repair.
I’ve only been able to get it to run solid for maybe 2 hours before I started having fuel issues.
I’ve since rebuild the car completely, cleaned out the oil can air filter, gas bulb and worked on the throttle some.
Things I still need to do is, plugs, find components of the throttle (springs, cork, rods) and possibly check the head for leaks.
Basically, getting an old tractor going again is definitely work, will cost money, time and cause frustration. However, if I do get the fucker running well, which it should be possible, I will be over the moon.
I’ll be able to use the damn bush hog to clear the back pasture in a couple hours, instead of 8 on the E150 JD ride on that we have.
Edit: YouTube and specialized forums for specific tractors are a great resource.
If it’s Green Park it in a Ravine.
If you’ve never operated a tractor, do not get one with a narrow front end. If you have operated tractors, but don’t live on a flat piece of land, don’t get a narrow front end tractor. Those tractors are fine to drive slowly in parades. Otherwise, get something with a wider front end. Have you looked at an old Cub or Super A?
Not sure why all the hate for the old stuff. There is something to be said about the number of 70+ year old tractors that still keep busy with odd jobs.