[AT] Was Texas now "alternative" brand tractors

[Mike Sloane]

I don't know about others on this forum, but my antique tractors get
used and used hard. Right at the moment, my 1960's era Farmall 560 is
running the 25 KW generator because our power went out during a serious
thunderstorm about 4 PM. Fortunately, the temperature dropped from 101°
down to about 72°. Other tractors (IH, Ford, and Case) are used for
grounds maintenance, keeping my two mile private lane clear of brush and
weeds during summer and snow during the winter, keeping the grass cut in
my neighbors' and my fields, loading and spreading millings on the lane,
and so on. There no way I could find one modern tractor that would do
all the chores I demand of my "fleet", even if I could afford one.

Not all antique tractors are "lawn ornaments". In fact, none of mine
would get a second glance at a tractor show - they are too dirty and
rusty. <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

Mike

On 7/18/2012 4:26 PM, Tyler Juranek wrote:
> Hi Folks, Thinking about all of this stuff, just think about the old
> two cylinders. I actually would seriously like to know how many of
> them are still in use today here in the US. What really sucks about
> the two cylinder Jd's, is the fact that we put all this damn money
> into restoring the tractors, and all they really do is just sit and
> relax in the sheds, or like me, maybe get taken out for a ride here
> and there, but they can't be used with any of the modern farm
> equipment. I mean, think about it! If those modern Jd's had the hand
> clutch, etc, us folks like myself could do so much more. I don't know
> how to drive a foot clutch, I'm sure it's easy. But if you think
> about it, many farmers could get a lot more work done if the modern
> Jd's and other tractors had the hand clutch, and some of the older
> stuff, because he wouldn't have to teach his hired men how to run
> it. This is my view on things when it comes to modern farm equipment.
> What does everyone else think? Thanks, Tyler