[Farmall] OT: Compact tractor needs

[Mike Sloane]

Most of the earlier tractors that didn't have live hydraulics were fixed 
up with crankshaft driven pumps for the loader. I don't know what you 
are trying to accomplish with your tractor, but any tractor with a front 
end loader really needs power steering. If you are thinking Ford, (and 
this is a Farmall list), think 660/860 or later with live hydraulics, 
the semi-live PTO, and what is essentially a shuttle shift. (third and 
reverse are really set up nicely for loader operations). But even the 
600/800 series needs the front pump, as the hitch hydraulics are 
insufficient for a loader. As you get into the '60s, you can look at the 
later variations like the 4000, 2500, 3500, etc. All good utility 
tractors, but not lawn mowers.

In the IH lineup, look for the International 240 or 340 utility as about 
the earliest models with full hydraulics and power steering, with a 1701 
or 2000 series loader. (the 340 has independent PTO too.) As you get on 
into the '60s, there are more models to choose from, mostly variants of 
the 240 or 340. None of these, however are really very good finish lawn 
mowing tractors. As Steve O. suggested, for the money, you can probably 
pick up a good IH utility tractor with loader for about $3500 and a 
decent Cub Cadet with mower for about half that.

(Or you could buy my Case 430 CK with loader and power steering...)

Mike

Mark wrote:
> Given all the great feedback, I'm starting to think maybe I should look 
> at some other options. Specifically, I'm thinking about older utility 
> machines. I did some reading on the Ford's (8N, Jubilee, etc). As a 
> working tractor, I know what a pain it is to not have live hyd. Given 
> that, I did some looking at Ford 601's. Anyone have comments / input / 
> etc on the Fords? There seem to be lots of them out there and many with 
> loaders. Is there a similar IH utility that would have live hyd, are 
> abundant and have loaders readily avail?
> 
> Mark


-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
mikesloane at verizon.net
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

Today's public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, 
and there is some evidence that they can't read them either. -Gore Vidal 
(1925- )


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