sandspider Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Hi allBit of a vague question, and quite far in advance of actually needing one, but got to start somewhere I'm trying to figure out which tractor to buy. The plan is to eventually have a few acres of land, some trees, some sort of smallholding, and I'm looking for one tractor (possibly compact) to do everything necessary. This could include:Carrying things (loader / bucket) / towing a trailerRunning a log splitter / saw bench (so I guess a PTO and 3 point linkage would be needed)Mower / topperHarrowing / rotavating (reasonable horsepower needed)Extracting felled wood? (Winch, or just driving compact tractor between trees)Post knocker? (Probably not essential, but could be useful)Digging holes?Anything else that springs to mind!I'd have a budget of maybe £2,000, and would be looking at second-hand. I'm fairly handy with spanners, but I'd like something that will not require too much work and will be reliable when needed (possibly not that regularly). I don't want to pay just for a name, unless it's a good name on a really good tractor! 4wd would be nice, but probably not really essential...I like the look of the MF35, but I know it's not compact, and they seem to be quite expensive for the age and condition - are you just paying for the MF name / popularity? Or a Ford Super Major... Perhaps something a bit more modern, smaller and Japanese - Iseki? Kubota? Yanmar?Any thoughts? What would you (or did you) get?!Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the pigeon man Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Best looking at a David brown 995 kind of thing or any kind of David brown/case plenty about cheap parts are easy to come by and they will run for ever and very very easy to fix ha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) Kubota aunt has one and with front loader and linkage will do all sorts also 4x4 runs topper spreader sprayer harrow etc, you may find things like a post borer your better hiring one when you need it or having a separate machine same for log splitter. Hers is a Kubota L2450T Edited January 23, 2014 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerSim Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) The Ferguson/Massey Ferguson 35 has a good reputation for many very good reasons. Even when moderately abused, they last for a long long time. Assuming you would want diesel, there are two main versions which are out there:- The 4 cylinder "23C" engined FE35 has a reputation as a poor starter, and they therefore tend to be cheap. IMHO, this reputation is not really deserved - technology has moved on significantly since they were made with two (quite small) 6V batteries in series, and there is a mod to the cylinder head, which turns them into very good starters. They are also slightly compromised by the lack of a diff lock... and you may find this useful if you want to pull big timber about, without 4WD Our 1956 FE35 is just about ready for its first main clutch - a little juddery, and the release bearing likes to say "hello", every so often! The 3 cylinder ( Perkins ) engined MF35, and MF35X, are truly superb little tractors, but they seem to attract a premium because of this. One thing I would advise, is to go for one with a dual clutch - this means that the PTO drive is independent of the drive to the wheels, and is by far the better option. I have walked away from a few heated arguments about this point, so PM me about this if you want. Parts availability for either is, AFAIK, more or less limitless - they are still made in India, by "a subsiduary" of the original maker I know its probably out of your price range, but it might be worth you looking at:- http://www.tractorsuk.co.uk/ you might get some ideas.... Edited January 23, 2014 by FarmerSim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fib new Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Old holder.... Great small tractors... Use 'm for smal forestry work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 For all that you're suggesting, a compact may not be up to the job. Will look in interest at what you buy as would like one myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Thanks people - some useful info and food for thought there. FarmerSim, I will PM you, thanks. And the tractors on tractorsuk look great, but I can't see any prices listed - which probably means I can't afford them! Yes, I'd prefer diesel, as presumably I can then run it on red diesel assuming it never goes on road? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrowningDJC Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I would go for something like a smaller david brown, a massey 35 as suggested if you can find one, or even a little diesel fersuosn TED20. I personally think compact tractors are far tooo expensive for what they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFreddysCat Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Grey Fergie. Had a 1952 TEA 20 for years. There is very little to go wrong on them and as you say you're handy with spanners, any problems will be easily fixed. These have a huge following and most parts are still available. £1000 should get you a reasonable one up to £2000 for fully restored concours condition. Lots of bits on E bay too. Mine was a TVO (tractor vapourizing oil) version so you stated it on petrol them when it was warmed up switched over to the TVO tank. TVO isn't available but you can use a 4:1 mix of heating oil and petrol making it very economical to run if you have oil heating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferguson_tom Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 My best suggestion for what you want a tractor for is forget the compact stuff and go for a vintage or classic tractor. I think a fergy t20 would be too basic especially if you want to use a rotavator as they need a reduction gear box to slow it down and these can be as expensive as the tractor itself also the clutch runs both the pto and the gearbox. I would be looking a bit newer like others have said the MF 35 are great little tractors alternatively a Ford 3000 is a very capable little tractor. If you decided to go a bit bigger fordson major are very popular for good reason I would try find a power or super major. A similar tractor to the fordson major is the nuffield 4/60 or 10/60, we have a 4/60 and its a great tractor and powerful for its size. Personally i would stick with ferguson, ford, fordson or nuffield as spares are easily available and were popular tractors when new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 I'd quite like 4WD as paddocks are reasonably sloped or do you really only need them for really mountainous stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Depends what you are doing but IMO 4x4 makes the smaller lighter ones more versatile particularly in the winter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferguson_tom Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 I'd quite like 4WD as paddocks are reasonably sloped or do you really only need them for really mountainous stuff? Adds a lot to the price and really narrows down your search options. Decent set of tyres on a 2wd tractor should get you out of most stuff, look back 40/50 years ago virtually all tractors were 2wd and most 4wd were conversions and expensive ones at that. I exhibit my tractor at steam rallies and have used it quite often for towing people out after the field has turned into a complete mud bath and even my little grey fergy will tow a fully loaded 3.5t van with caravan on the back out of the mud no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 For general duties on grass a compact tractor will run out of traction way before it runs out of power, even a 4x4 compact tractor will struggle to pull a medium sized trailer up a grassy hill. It's because of the lack of weight and small diameter wheels. I use a Kubota sized Mitsubishi 4x4 tractor ( it's a bit bigger than the Iseki type ) with a load of weight added to the front for light duties. The small tractors are very useful for tending the veg plot, cutting grass in orchards, and other jobs that need tight turns. But, for the same money or less you can get a full sized tractor. If you want a Massey 35 you will be bidding against all the old folk who love to restore and rally them, but something newer and more capable will be a lot cheaper as it doesn't attract the hobbyists. A David Brown is a good example. I bought an International Harvester 684 with Quicke loader and mower for £600 . That's a bargain, it was cheap because the owner didn't think it would run after standing for years, but a new battery and a bucketful of WD40 to free up all the controls and away it went. It does look like an absolute heap though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 My neighbour has a heap of an old tractor... not sure if it runs, might drop them a note Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerSim Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 I'd quite like 4WD as paddocks are reasonably sloped or do you really only need them for really mountainous stuff? More for poor conditions in the scenario of a small holding... Adds a lot to the price and really narrows down your search options. Decent set of tyres on a 2wd tractor should get you out of most stuff, look back 40/50 years ago virtually all tractors were 2wd and most 4wd were conversions and expensive ones at that. I exhibit my tractor at steam rallies and have used it quite often for towing people out after the field has turned into a complete mud bath and even my little grey fergy will tow a fully loaded 3.5t van with caravan on the back out of the mud no problem. Agreed - we find that,subject to soil conditions, 4WD can do a lot of damage if used at the wrong time - if you NEED to go, as in you are running a business, and the muck has got to be shifted (etc.), then fair enough, but if 2WD is getting stuck, then it is probably time to walk, or go shooting, or watch TV...... (Ok, thats not a comprehensive or complete statement, but it is designed to convey a concept.... I haven't even touched on soil compaction, or headland damage or... or ...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerSim Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Catweazle makes many good points too. MF are at the top of any price range, simply because of the quality, and the longevity this normally imparts. However, cheap MF's are out there... you just have to be ready with your folding and strike while the iron is hot... There used to be a time when "tin work" for older tractors was silly money to replace - but now its readily available, and to my mind at least, sensible money..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Thanks gents, lots of useful info here. I'll go to a few local auctions, keep my eye on local eBay and see what crops up. Any more suggestions? By the sounds of it, a medium (not compact) or full size tractor from any of the usual names will do the job pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Maybe not exactly what you want but assuming everything in the first picture is included, I'd say a bargain http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-POLARIS-RANGER-900D-DIESEL-UTV-SIDE-X-SIDE-UTILITY-VEHICLE-ROAD-LEGAL-/131091458594 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Lil Grey Fergy. Great Tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Thanks gents, lots of useful info here. I'll go to a few local auctions, keep my eye on local eBay and see what crops up. Any more suggestions? By the sounds of it, a medium (not compact) or full size tractor from any of the usual names will do the job pretty well. Some things are worth checking before you buy. Put your hand on the engine block and make sure it's stone cold before the seller starts it, this will tell you if it will start for you on a winters morning. Check the tyres, they're very expensive to replace, some cracking on the sides of old tyres isn't then end of the world, but knock the seller down anyway, make sure the rears have lots of tread and the fronts have sharp edges to the tread. Have a look at the tyre tracks to see if it's been recently moved, if not, look for oil / fluid leaks underneath. Hydraulic hoses degrade in sunlight, check them and knock off money for any that look like they need replacing. They might work fine, but it's a bargaining point. Move all the levers, if they're very tight mention it and knock off money. They might just need some WD40. Look for bodges, like bypassed oil coolers, DIY repaired radiators, welded linkage arms etc., etc. It might work fine, but you can knock some money off. Check the brakes. Some farmers don't consider these important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Thanks catweazle, that's useful. Bit like inspecting a second hand car, but with more levers then! Don't suppose you fancy a trip to bristol for some tractor inspection when the time comes?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Did find this! Looks fun, if not as useful as a tractor. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=281235874219 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted January 26, 2014 Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Just had a drive of a little compact. More levers than you can shake a stick at but otherwise seemed OK. Just not sure it will be man enough for the job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Maybe not exactly what you want but assuming everything in the first picture is included, I'd say a bargain http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-POLARIS-RANGER-900D-DIESEL-UTV-SIDE-X-SIDE-UTILITY-VEHICLE-ROAD-LEGAL-/131091458594 Ha! Tempting! Bit out of my budget, and I'm not sure if the accessories in the first pic are compatible with my girlfriend! Sounds like a proper tractor is better value and more useful than a compact, unless you really need the small size. Be interested to see what you go for in the end too. What do you need yours to do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.