[AT] Spam> Favorite tractor?

[Mike Sloane]

You need to separate the two issues: 1. what you need to accomplish and 
2. what you enjoy as a hobby.

If you are getting your trails cut adequately at minimal cost in a 
timely manner, then you might as well not "fix what ain't broke".

But if you like to mess around with old machinery (as I do), then you 
can select a wide choice of machines that will do the job and have fun 
doing it. If all you want to do is maintain the trails, then you can get 
by with machines like a Ford N, Farmall A/C, A-C B/C, JD M/MT/40, and so 
on - pick your favorite color. The Fords ride nicely and are easy to 
find parts for, the IH's are plentiful and easy to get parts for, the 
A-C are usually inexpensive, and the JD's are plentiful but not so 
cheap. I don't think there is a "best", but you might want to go with a 
brand that has some dealer support in your area - that will tend to make 
life easier down the road when you need parts or help.

One of the best "bush whackers" I own is a 1955 Farmall Cub with a Woods 
C-42 center mounted 42" cutter - it will chop its way through almost 
anything, as long as you have the time. Obviously, with only 10 hp and a 
narrow cut, you can't be in a big hurry, but with gas at $3/gallon and 
up, it won't empty your wallet either. The other machines mentioned 
above will usually handle a 5' cutter, either three point (for the Fords 
and some of the later JD's) or trailing for the Farmalls and A-C's.

The only disadvantage of all of these '40s and 50's era machines is that 
they all have PTO drives that must be engaged with the transmission, so 
that you need to get the mower going as you move forward - a trick that 
takes a little getting used to. If you want an "independent" PTO, you 
have to move up in time to newer machinery (and higher prices).

Mike



Bob McNitt wrote:
> Mike et al-
> 
> Mike, I just finished reviewing your restoration pics on the Farmall
> 340. Very impressive and nice job. I have just five acres (and five
> buildings, including a 60x30 2-story garage) and three acres out back
> that over the years I've developed into what I call my "wildlife
> habitat" (planted clusters of white spruce & red pine, have some
> scattered brushpiles) where I exercise & train my bird dogs.
> 
> Since the area is about 75% grasses & sedges, I keep a system of
> mowed paths there, but have it bush-hogged about 3X a year to keep it
> "fresh." Recently, I've begun considering getting a used small
> tractor & hog unit to do it myself, but considering how little it
> costs me to have a couple buddies do it for me, it would obviously be
> more of an expenditure of choice rather than economics. What might be
> a good choice to start looking for? Ideas ...?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bob in "Upstate" NY _______________________________________________ 
> AT mailing list http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> 
>