Buying an Old Tractor for Your Small Farm
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- Buying an old tractor for your small farm can be a daunting task; there are so many brands and types of tractors available. I'll walk you through the basic differences in horsepower, hydraulic systems, PTO (power takeoff) systems, and drawbar systems available on old tractors. I'll also talk about how to select the right old tractor for your farm based on the jobs you need it to do.
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Hey all, I intended this video to be a broad and simple introduction for those unfamiliar with old tractors. I would love to do some more educational videos delving into more detail on specific topics about old tractors and what to look for to find one that best meets your needs, how different parts of them work, etc. I need feedback in order to know what the best topics would be. What topics would you like covered? Please leave your feedback here!
Something good to cover would be an explanation of the basic differences between row-crop, livestock, and vegetable farming in the US. Might give you a reason to explain why tricycle tractors were so ubiquitous when tractors took over from draft animals.
I would say a good topic for the old tractors would be a video on common sense safety and covering common mistakes folks make that cause accidents on older equipment. Maybe some myth busting and differences between tricycle front ends versus standard front ends
I liked everything you talked about, Pete. Would like to know how you'd look over an older tractor for potential purchase. What systems you look at? What is considered normal wear and tear on a 50 year old tractor? What would be potential deal breakers?
Look at about 10 classified ads and comment on the price ask vs. the real worth of the tractor. Keep it under $3200. I know ask vs. sell is usually different but give us what you would offer and why. 😊 .....no basket cases!
Implements, what they do, don't do. What size might you need. Example: Do you need a 15' batwing for a 5 acre farm or a 6'? Box blade or regular blade, just a few suggestions Keep up the great videos
You're a good person Pete. This country could use more people like you.
Just a quick note: To add to what Pete shared in this video, one thing to consider when buying a tractor is the type of attachments and how often you may use them. Working in a rental yard, I work with customers all day who moved to the area, bought a small farm, went and spent 20,000 on a tractor, and even more for implements. But in then end they still give us a call at the rental yard because they didn't purchase the one implement they needed. Often times that is a backhoe attachment. You could easily spent 5-8,000 on a backhoe attachment that you may only use a couple time a year. So in that case, it may not be a good return on your investment especially when you can go to a rental yard and rent a bobcat excavator for a weekend for around $300.00. The other aspect would also be service and maintenance of an piece of equipment. generally attachments will require more maintenance then the tractor. I love my antique tractors and use them when ever possible, but sometimes, especially in the case of needing to dig with a hoe, its just easier and more efficient to go rent a piece of equipment for that intended purpose. I full heartedly aggrege with Pete about using an older tractor for your homestead and this is why: 1.) With an old tractor you will find that there is just certain things about it, such as how much choke it likes to start. 2.) with the simplicity of operation, you will find that others in your family, even younger people will be able to operate it. 3.) You will build a bond with that tractor, learning its limitations and what it can and cannot do. In all its just like adding another member to your family. Be careful though... As I am sure Pete will agree with, you will fall in love with your tractor, and before long, it will have a sibling sitting next to it in the barn!... Thanks Pete!
Ty kindly!
Great advice.
You have the right idea Pete, around where I am in Ireland I see so many farmers with 30 or 40 cows going and spending 10s of thousands on big 200hp tractors. When really all they need is a few little machines like yours. At the end of the day, your farmalls will still be around in 50 years time when a modern machine isn't.
a 200hp tractor costs like 150k€ but on dairy farming you need at least 100hp to be able to do the work with your own tractor as the machines have gotten to big
Farm born and raised I still have a great affection for the smaller simpler tractors and a desire to get back to the farm! Those tractors are simple to maintain and work on and cheap to purchase. Many now want to start out with a new tractor with a multitude of attachments, problem is you can only use one attachment at the time. I am an advocate of having multiple older tractors with each dedicated to a particular job or two. If one breaks down, just move to another for the time being. Many of us can take a lesson from you on that, you are rebuilding/repairing one of your tractors right now, yet your whole operation did not cease because you took one tractor out of service. Every tractor has a job and every job has a tractor and you have spent probably less than if you had bought a new tractor with multiple attachments. Great videos Pete, I enjoy living vicariously through you till I can get back on the Farm!
Love my old 8N. I have a rear scoop, and some other attachments. Even with it’s limitations I love the cheap price tag and the ability to work on it without a computer and software. Great video,
Ford 8n just above a horse
I think one thing that people like about certain CZcams channels is when it really captures their attention and it's very hard to keep the attention of some people but your channel you go in depth of whatever you do and a lot of people like that whether it's the cows chickens your business the tractors the going of around and telling each part that you take off the tractor people like in depth you're doing a fine job I like farming but I also like auto mechanics say you got me hooked
Thank you Doug! Keeping people's attention seems particularly hard these days, so I try to keep the videos moving along.
I would recommend a tractor with a front end loader...their handier than a shirt pocket, i don't know how i ever got along without one lol
You never know how handy a loader is until you buy one. Then you can't be without it
A lot of folks trying to start a farm out of pocket literally just can’t afford to double the price of the tractor to get the loader...not arguing their handiness, I wish I had one instead of having to rent one when I need it
@@loganyoutube4818 A Ford 3000 with a loader is like $5000 tops for a ~4-5000 hours. An extremely little robust tractor. The dumbest thing you can do for starting a small farm is spending money.
And once you get a skid loader the loader comes off the tractor and gets sold.
Love it,
Been on this topic alot with friends and references who want a tractor, and you hit all the nails on the head,
Loving the content!
I love the detailed videos you put out, the more specific you get the more enjoyable the videos. You are very knowledgeable and I enjoy learning from you
Very informative Pete, I just learned a lot. Thank you
Hey Pete - Thanks for the video and answering some of my questions about tractors for our small farm.
Hi Pete, i really enjoy your video’s. You inspire me to do what I love and not aim for things I don’t like although they may pay better or are less dangerous. Stay safe. Greets from the Netherlands
Your delivery of information to many of us who left the farm is refreshing to memories which remain from our youth.Still have fond feelings for old tractors,do own 1983 Ford model 1910 tractor diesel,will keep forever.Love your channel.
I really enjoy your videos. I grew up around a number of 1950-1970 green tractors, so I can relate to your bias/preference comments. I really like the way you are able to explain/articulate in very clear and simple terms the various things that you convey. You are able to dumb-down things without making the viewer feel dumb. Thanks again and always look forward to your new vids.
Much thanks! I have a '49 Farmall M. Workhorse. Love it.
Good points to ponder here. I look forward to farm tractor 102.
There is always more to learn.
Allan in Auckland: Simple, direct and informative. I am decades past farming but I find this an interesting channel.
Comprehensive overview of older tractors I love it
Loved the video. I need to re visit the test drive videos on the tractors
Great job Pete in sharing this info!
You explain things very well.
Keep Smilin!!
Best 13 minutes of education I had all year. Just explaining what a live PTO is enhanced my knowledge today - thank you Pete!
My husband and I love watching your videos! You have a voice that is so easy to understand and it amazes me how much knowledge you have about tractors! I would not call myself a tractor person but you make me want to know all about it!!! Really looking forward to you getting the engine back from the machine shop and continuing that tractor redo! Thanks!!!
Pete; I just wanted to write you a note to communicate how much I enjoy your programming. I grew up on a farm in Iowa in the 1950-60s. Much of what you do reminds me of how it was during my youth. Today, the Iowa farm operation is operated my brother and it has grown tremendously as a grain operation. The cows, pigs and chickens and related chores are in the ancient past. Fortunately, I get to go home and be a kid again when I watch your posts. You are appreciated.
I'd LOVE to see more videos on equipment, especially tractors! I know general info, but with your experience running and repairing equipment I'd enjoy and appreciate hearing your thoughts! Thanks for the videos!!
Great video Pete. You are an excellent source of information for the people interested this subject. I have been a member of our local antique equipment club for many years. Our annual three day show, plow days and four classic tractor pulls always attracts a lot of people with little understanding of tractor use and operation. It is very important to us to be open to many questions and if we don't know an answer to connect them to someone who does. There is a world of knowledge within our membership and as members we learn more by teaching the public. We are an educational source that is needed in a very important industry. Like many people who were brought up in my era I have operated many of the tractors that you use on a daily basis plus many more. I now own two John Deere tractors from the fifties. How wonderful that you share your experiences with the public and your family.
SUCH AN INFORMATIVE VIDEO!! I had a 1975 Fiat 750 Special here in Germany and just loved the Beast.
Having used both transmission driven and live PTO, I can say that even for just mowing fields live PTO is SO MUCH EASIER!!
Agreed
Pete! As soon as I saw the title I thought I would comment because I love these types of videos and how to get started and keep a steady flowing farm! I think some topics would be animal breeds what kinds, and best spot to get them or so, maybe even like storage needs, explaining how much storage you need for what kind of operation you do. Thanks Pete and I love the channel and I say that with all care! Have a great day and see you later!
Love your channel Peter. Thank you.
I love my old Farmall tractors. My favorites are versions of the Super C with the Fast Hitch. If you get a 3-point adapter you can connect to “most” modern implements. They’re easy to get parts for, easy to work on, and are a joy to own. They have live hydraulic power and with an overrunning clutch, are great for rotary mowing. Thanks Pete. I enjoy your videos and your book
-Tom
Great intro video Pete. I grew up on IH. Non live pto is a pain. When brush hogging with the M without an override clutch on the power take off I hit the clutch and the 6 foot pull type kept driving the wheels and tried to push me into the ditch. Pop had warned me about that but young high schoolers don't often do as they are told. Be safe out there we need you.
Just a great explanation of what old tractors are capable of doing for the main things they would be used for.
Pete this is what I was I was looking for very informational vid and it was awesome
Interesting in our area were allis charmers. They had a great dealer. Not many John Deere until my father became Deere dealer. They are now largest by far here. Service was always the key. Good video.
I’ve been watching ur videos for years I can’t believe I missed this one it’s great one of my favourites
Pete, videos are great keep up the good work! I’d like to see a video of how you first established your pastures. Thanks!
Hi Pete. I watch your videos regularly from the Charente region of South West France . I moved to France four years ago from the UK when I retired after spending my working life as a John Deere Engineer, (Nine years ) and then a Motor Engineer until my retirement. Recently I have bought and renovated a 1954 Massey Harris Pony 812 petrol (Gas) 😁😂which is French built. Watching you working on the old tractors inspired me to dust off my old tools and return to my roots as an Agricultural Engineer. Please keep up the fantastic informative work.
Hey Pete! This was very informative. Thanks!
Great video Pete! My Dad with my Grandpa bought a 1940 H in 1970 and we have been using it ever since. For many years it was our only tractor. My Dad and Grandpa have long since passed away, fortunately the old tractor stayed in the family, my brother and I have acquired newer John Deeres, Fords and Farmalls but he and I always favor jumping back on the H when ever we can. No other tractor that we have works so well in the woods skidding logs out in the mud and snow. It's so reliable, stable, maneuverable, great visibility, perfectly geared and just the right amount of power. My Dad put new rubber on it in 1971 and this year we finally replaced the tires when one finally blew its brine out. Ditto on liking Red tractors because that is what you grew up with! Regarding future topics, our 1940 H has a small gasoline tank, big distillate (I think) tank and a shutter mechanism with part of that removed now. It would be interesting to know how that system once worked and what happened to distillate fuel and when did farmers stop using it?
Great channel. I grew up on a farm but I’m stationed in japan so I can get home sick sometimes. Watching these videos makes me feel at home. Thanks for the work that you put into them ❤️❤️. ありがとう😊
Today they are making small round balers ,mowers ect. I have a 2538 Mahindra and love it . So many attachments other than farm attachments ,backhoe, post hole diggers , ect. All kinds of attachments for the loader to. The possibilities are almost endless 😂
Always learn something watching your videos.👍🏼
great discussion on old tractors. live hydraulics is a super important advancement good to explain that! as well as live PTO, many hay crimpers and sickle motors have been clogged due to the lack of live PTO. the other thing is the older implements are usually cheaper as well as the tractors. Definitely correct on Diesel tractors from the 50s, usually they are big bucks to repair. thank you again for a great video
I love the show thanks for doing it I like the way u explain everything and your animals have names keep on tracktering ty Jeanette from NYC
Great video buddy very good job explaining tractor and buying I would love to have that 504 such a nice tractor I grew up on a 806 and 1206 IH tractor started driving as soon as I could push in the clutch thanks for everything buddy god bless
Great video. I learned a lot. Thanks Pete!
I have a small place, 25 acres, and use a modern Orange tractor for most of my work. I just bought a John Deere 40 for cheap (not running) and am in the process of restoration. It has a 3 pt hitch so it will be used for some work around the place as well as providing a bit of nostalgia. I really enjoy your videos showing your restoration work, they provide inspiration as well as useful hints. Thanks
Great video on the subject. Red tractors are the best love my IH 340 utility with a 2000 loader.
Great video and I think you are correct on your advice on gas vs diesel on an old tractor. I too grew up with Red Tractors so I am partial to them. I have an H and Super M that both need restoring but I also have a 1466 of my own and 806 that my nephew owns that we run. We don't make a living from our acreage but we do maintain it and plant for wildlife. I also have a late 70s Ford 2600 Diesel that hates any temp below 85 (don't even try below 50 degrees). In the late fall, winter, and early spring I often wish it was gas. Again, from the deep south we love the videos!
I have a 1200 acre farm and I still by the old stuff because to me it's cheaper and more reliable than the new stuff. My ''newest'' tractor is a 1983 Massey Ferguson 4840 and everything I own will be 1990 or older. My oldest is a 1939 John Deere G mostly for show now as we've restored it. We have two 1952 Massy Harris 44 specials we use to a lot of the pull work with New Idea loaders. Hydraulics are slow but we've lifted 2000 lbs with it. Weakness is the rear PTO...it's a little high and puts more wear on equipment U joints. Gotta love the old stuff I can repair on my own and parts are cheaper. Only advantages new stuff has is it's more comfortable and have features that make things a bit easier. That's it. All the old stuff can be modified to handle the quick attach equipment. Great info here! Thanks a bunch for the video, would love to see more videos like this as I'm always looking to expand my agriculture knowledge.
Pete, I understand having a tight budget. My uncle and my dad both built tractors over the years. My uncle built several over them, including one with a FEL. My dad's first tractor was 2-1/2 horsepower, and was slow, but it worked. The last one was built with Toyota and Nissan parts. And was a tricycle type.
Great information Pete thank you for sharing!!!!
I've been looking at getting an oliver brand tractor from the early to mid 60s. I have my eyes set on this oliver 880 diesel tractor from 1960. Thanks for the advice in this video!
That’s great info Pete, thanks!
Love the video I have a 1950 John Deere B and my grand father has a 1954 allis chalmers b but was upgraded to a Farmall H both the John Deere and Farmall have a three point hitch haven’t been able to look up the serial number on the h yet but I plan on doing it oh and by the way me and my dad are watching the Farmall MD build and find it very interesting
Really enjoy your channel content and occasional humor. I turn 70 this month and offer my perspective: this past week I sold my two tractors preparing for my first new one, to be delivered later this week.
I sold my 8N (1951) and Ford 3000 with loader (1965). Although they differed considerably each ran very well and served my needs.
They each held sedimental value as my dad farmed with similar models plus three Minneapolis Molines (ZB, 445 & M5 models).
I think you could spend hours talking about how Henry Ford and Mr Ferguson developed the 3 pt hitch and how those early tractor revolutionized small farming.
In closing very good entry discussion on tractors.
Great advice on tractors. My #1 criteria for a tractor is a front end loader. I've had lots of tractors, all with front end loaders. I've known a lot of people who bought a first tractor without a loader and before long they would get rid of it and get one with a loader. Of course if you have several tractors you don't necessarily have to have loaders on all of them.
Hi Pete great video. I'm thinking to alot of viewers wear would be a good thing to learn about what to look for. Have a great day
thanks for the info pete
At home we had almost every brand you mentioned on your list other than Allis Chalmers. My Dad ran a truck farm, and aside from the big tractor we had for plowing and discing, which was an Oliver 1655, all our tractors were similar to what you have Pete in horse power range. We used a Super C Farmall for planting....It had a belly mounted 2 row planter. We also had a Super A Farmall which was primarily used for cultivation. We did have one odd balll....A German made Holder, model AG3 articulated tractor that we used for roto tilling, and for pulling our transplanter, because it had really slow creeper gears that worked great for both applications. That tractor had a two cycle Diesel....Noisy little devil, but it put out 34 horse power.
Great information Pete, for anyone starting out, even us collectors!! Have a great day Pete!!
Do you still have that ag3?
I ran my small horse farm with two John Deere 40S and I still use them, but last year purchased a John Deere 2150 and to say I love this tractor is an understatement. The diesel engine and power steering is the best. Luck for me, the previous owner painted it so all I have to do is keep it up. It's a 1985 and it looks brand new with new tires all around.
That was some great information, thank you
I enjoy you and the way you work on your farm. Most around me other then us use the side by side (polaris ranger) approach. I prefer the tractor , it's practical. And it was the way I was raised. The tractor is a very versatile and heavy enough to do the job well. Not made of plastic.
You have a great personality and I really enjoy your introduction on tractors I’m interested in gardening pulling plow disc an tiller in optional I’m not safe at walking behind a rear tine tiller big feet lol I bought a project Sears suburban that probably should have went on to scrap pile but thought of restoring it back but all an all now I am thinking bigger
Thanks for the video. I'd love to see a video all about the 504. Today, I just bought the same one with the IH 2000 loader.
Thank you for yet another great video (all the way from Denmark).
Thank you for advice, am a small Kenyan farmer and trying to venture into Hay farming but our biggest challenge are the implements!
Great info for the beginner. I found almost all totally factual and objective, just saw a slight IH biS in your description of the draft control when you implied down pressure wa a draft function. It was still really great
Im 17 and we right now own 70 acres and my dad doesnt farm and my dream is to farm full time so when i was 16 i bought myself my first 1952 allis chalmers wd tractor and plan on buying one with a front end loader and all my other equipment this year from working on 5 or so farms to get the money. I definetely could not afford new equipment! Plus the old is cooler to me anyways!
Good morning.
👏👏☀️ Thanks for the video. Tractors are a neccesarily. 💞
Be blessed and stay well.
Love the channel will be better about commenting on your vids. Thanks for the advice.
Great video Pete.
I can never get enough of watching a hay baler working in the field I feel like I'm accomplishing something.
I have a 1952 Ford 8N tractor it works good for what I use it for. Brush beating, plow the garden each year with a two button plow ,blade the driveway. There easy to work on it’s a really good little tractor for that kind of stuff.
Great video Pete. 👍👍👍
Just an observation, I like the light panels in your pole barn.
i love nerding out on old iron
Muy completa explicacion, Pete! Saludos!
Nice Video! our 1st tracker was the old Farmall in 70s when I was a kid, learned a lot on that engine/tractor. I think we bought it cause of the cool name! ha
Great video indeed! Interesting content!
I thought that you presented a very good tutorial on older farm tractors. I am a John Deere fan and owner. I have different tractors for different jobs. I never have to change implements. Again great tutorial. :-)
really enjoyed this video. personally even for small farm in my opinion a loader is essential. just makes things so much handier and saves on your back.
When we got our first loader I wondered how we lived without one for so long!
Great video with helpful information.
Can't wait for part 2
Very informative thanks Pete
Excellent video Pete :) was Cockshutt &now called Whites have your area plus yes been lots changes for sure in tractor company to lots! How many acres or hectares you have your small farm one home farm I grew up was 450 when grandparents bought in 1918 year and my late dad & uncle the 2 boys in family bought 1957 had 320 then by time sold it was 210 acres only left in 1997 ! Plus my dad also uncle had 3 other farm they rent from 1960 to 1996 years only did beef from 1974 to 1997 years!
I like your 504. I find that they were really ahead of their time at that point. The quality of the tractor is really great. I have the utility 504. For some things I would really like to get a row crop tractor. Mine is great for stability on hills. I could really use the height for cultivating and be a narrow front end. Working on a few other ideas to prevent tire blite. It really seems better to have tractors bought for purpose use. I look forward to growing my own stable of tractors. It is intersting how they are set up for tillage. I really enjoy working the tractor. Well keep up the great work and thanks for sharing..
I'd like vids on more tractors and application. Anything u post I'll watch b honest. Always full of good knowledge and content
Thanks John!
I have a restored 706 gas tractor with quick attach hitch and dual hydraulics, as well as a Massey 365 with a perkins 4 cylinder diesel and nice farmhand loader operated by a pto hydraulic pump; couldn't be happier with what they do for the 'agricultural archeology' project. They're a fraction of the cost of electronically infested newer tractors and are great for learning. Four wheel drive is on the list, someday...
I have an IH 606 with a loader. It's a great tractor and the perfect size.
Good job Pete! Will you share future videos of lifting capacity of round bales or big square? Thanks ❤
Onething you should of pointed out is that the older tractors were 6 volt and the newer ones are 12. Incase they want to add lights or a radio to there older tractors they have to vonvert them over to except the 12 volt system. Thanks always enjoy your videos. I also have a 1950 h and a 54 super m Louisville that I have to get up and going to ship them to north dakota where I live at. I inherited them last year from my grandfather and I was the last one to run them 7 years ago
Another excellent video!
Your the best keep up the good work
I bought an old Minneapolis Moline bf for cheap, and I'm trying to get it running, in the mean time we needed a tractor that ran. So I bought a good condition John Deere 2240. I am looking to put a front loader on. It is handy and gives me time to work on the bf
My late father willed me a 62ish Mccormick international farmall 340. He plowed snow with about twice. It hadn't ran in at least 6 years when I took it home and my mom didn't think it would run. All I did was clean the bowl and filter and it started right up within 24 hours of having it home. I don't have a real use for it but I'm finding stuff for it to do every day. I have 5 acres so it will get used. I already pulled the neighbors ford out of a Pete bog. Still learning on it as I'm 43 and it's my first tractor. Nice video. Thanks. If you have any pointers on it I would love to hear them. I'm in lower Michigan just fyi.
You should mention the Fordson Major Tractor. Excellent tough work horse
Great video!
YOU ARE THE MAN PETE! Love this farm -- love your videos! it is my dream! But I may have to move to New York state in order to get a farm since NH is becoming the land of the millionaire farm.