[AT] Misc tractor recommendations?

[Carl Gogol]

Dean-  Seems like there were conversion kits to convert an M from the 
transmission driven PTO to engine driven, or maybe it was just available on 
later Ms and 300s - perhaps one of the red fanatics can add to or correct 
this for me and you.  There are 3 point hitch conversions available today 
and it seems like hydraulics can be made live too.
Who needs a newer tractor when an old reliable M can be made to have the new 
useful goodies?

-----Original Message----- 
From: Dean Vinson
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 6:30 PM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: Re: [AT] Misc tractor recommendations?

Lots of good thoughts, folks, thanks very much.

It's not really important to me to "stay red" as in Farmall, but I had been
thinking of getting an older tractor.  Partly out of initial cost concerns,
but also out of admiration for the solid old machines that were built so
well that they're still a plausible option several decades later.  While
visiting a Deere dealership several months ago to look for some lawnmower
parts, I checked out a new modestly-sized farm tractor in the front display
lot.  I don't remember what model it was, but it was about the size of a
3020.  What sticks in my mind, though, is the sense that everything seemed
very lightweight and would look like crap after a few decades--if the
tractor itself even lasted that long.

That said, I certainly appreciate the benefits of a versatile machine like
one of the modern compact diesel tractors, and generally have a good
impression of the reliability of Kubota and New Holland equipment, and I
like the idea of buying the right thing one time and then keeping it for the
next 30 years.  So I'll spend some time looking at the new compacts.

(Anyone have any experience with Apple Farm Service, in western Ohio?
Google led me to their website but I haven't been there in person).

The Super M will be a working tractor, too, despite the shiny paint job.  I
love having it but *working* with it would be even more fun.  I can envision
it on brush hog duty with an overrunning clutch on the PTO shaft, to really
get it run out now and then, as well as lighter chores like raking hay or
pulling a wagon.  (And Charlie, you raise a good point about the spinner
knob, but I love that thing.  I hope I don't have to sheepishly come back
next year and type a two-fingered update while my hand is in a cast...).

Good points also about learning the property and keeping an eye out for
holes and piles.  I should have the coming winter months available to walk
around and learn the land in more detail while vegetation is at a minimum.

Dean Vinson
Dayton, Ohio
www.vinsonfarm.net


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