farmtrac tractors

[gwithrow]

we have a choice between a brand new 535 2wd 35 hp with loader and a 2003 360 4wd with loader 650 hrs on it...for 9000, the 535 is 15,000 ...the 360 is 39 hp....we are looking for light duty farming..bush hog....loader work...seeding...any thoughts here...does anyone have personal experience with either of these tractors.....we are a little concerned about buying used, but I don't think 650 hrs is too used , is it? we would welcome any advice...thanks

[plowjockey]

Originally Posted by gwithrow

we have a choice between a brand new 535 2wd 35 hp with loader and a 2003 360 4wd with loader 650 hrs on it...for 9000, the 535 is 15,000 ...the 360 is 39 hp....we are looking for light duty farming..bush hog....loader work...seeding...any thoughts here...does anyone have personal experience with either of these tractors.....we are a little concerned about buying used, but I don't think 650 hrs is too used , is it? we would welcome any advice...thanks

Most Farmtrac tractors are built in India and have imported only in the last few years. The Company filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and is now owned by Montana tractor.

IMO, buy a used well-cared-for John Deere, for less money, take care of it and enjoy using it for many many years.

[ksfarmer]

I don't know much about FarmTrac tractors , but, I would be tempted to go for the 4x4. The extra power and traction with loader use might be a good thing, depending on the use you have for the tractor. Look closely at where you will go for parts and service, to me that is more important than brand name. As for John Deere, they are top of line but also top prices. To me, green paint ain't worth that much extra.

[Jolly]

A lot of Ford parts will interchange...Farmtrac even made replacement engines for Ford tractors at one time...lots of info about the bankruptcy, etc at the tractorbynet forum...

[rambler]

650 hours is hardly broken in, I woulds assume it is like new. I would go for that one if those were the only 2 tractors I could choose from.

The bankruptsy would bother me, a lot of bad press & parts & such might get difficult over the years. I'd think long & hard to spend that kind of money on something that is a dead-end.

I always liked Kubota, Ford/New Holland, or JD for mid-sized compact tractors, good design, good parts supply, some USA connections to try to find parts.

Of course all these small tractors are made in the Pasific Rim (and a few in Europe). Japan is good, India is pretty good, China has a ways to go yet....

--->Paul