Just finished HARD plowing 12+ acres. With a $400 tractor

[FarmboyBill]

Im just saying that, if there are any of you homesteaders thinking you have to have a $3000+ tractor to plow a garden and work it up, or mow, rake, bale and haul in hay, Haul up trees for winters wood, ect, An old tractor will do it.
Im not recommending any you young people with aas much mechanical experience as ive got try to do the same with a $400 tractor thereabouts, as youll likely be buying junk. Ive been around the same era tractors for near 60yrs, and have a pretty good idea of what im buying, and what it will do.
NOW< If theres more and other things you want to do, like drill post holes, lift dirt, use a hoist, or lift a big bale, then the old ones wont do it so good. The wider your needs, the wider your wallet needs to be opened.

[MattC]

So bill what was it, I am going to guess it was an H. If it's a 400 dollar tractor got to be a drawbar gas tractor or maybe a real ugly wd allis.

[SmokeEater2]

Where are you located at that you can plow this time of year?

[FarmboyBill]

yup it was my 48 H. I plowed it 2 weeks ago from now, 2 5 14. Neighbor said his ground was hard also. He figured it was cause of the cold weather we had had before that. Glad I got it plowed. Got some snow in those furrows, and I dont have to do it now that weve got even worse weather. Im in NE Okla, Creek Co

[Wilberton]

Originally Posted by MattC

So bill what was it, I am going to guess it was an H. If it's a 400 dollar tractor got to be a drawbar gas tractor or maybe a real ugly wd allis.

I don't think my WD's are so ugly :-)
Mine does all of the above, and more - and they're one of the cheapest tractor you can find.

[farmerDale]

Around here, if a tractor is only worth 400 bucks, it would be one that has not run for 50 years, and would have trees growing up through the frame. If it is running, it is worth at least a couple grand, no questions asked, no matter the make or model. Are you sure it is only worth 400 bucks???

[sammyd]

Last WD I bought was 450 with a loader. Needed a new fan belt and battery. Been using it for 4 years or so now. One before that was 550 but she's getting a bit problematic.

[EDDIE BUCK]

I used to own an AC WD,and like a fool I sold it.They are some tough tractors..Been looking for it ever since with no luck.Well I say no luck,but there was definitely some luck.

I bought this D 14 for one gallon of Hyd Fld. Enough to keep the disk harrow off the road as I drove it home.I replaced one Hyd hose and its never leaked another drop.I think this one is the second tractor I ever drove.That high range low range hand clutch ain't nothing but the truth.

[Big Dave]

Tractor envey here. I do need a tractor but can not afford the thousands of $$$ being asked. You have the luck with you Eddie Buck.

[FarmboyBill]

I have a 49 WD that I gave to my boy who, currently is in town looking, so it sets at home.

[rambler]

Same here on price, of it runs its worth $800, if it doesn't its worth $600 as scrap iron, won't find any $400 running tractors 'here'.

Same with round balers, people talk about older JD for $3000, older NH bar and chain for $1500, nice Vermeer K for $5000.

Here locally, you have to double that just to even to be able to look, to find a field ready one takes even more.....

Paul

[Shoestringer]

Same. I could get a used riding mower, maybe...

[dsmythe]

I too have an H, 1948 model. It is sitting under a shed waiting for a rebuild. It has a home made 3PH. I love that old tractor, I grew up on the back of one up in Indiana. I can't afford a NEW tractor but would prefer a good old tractor that has been updated and runs well enough. I have a 1957 JD 420 and a 3000 Ford, both of them are GREAT to work with. Those AC s pictured look good as well. I like the WD45. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story about your plowing.

[FarmboyBill]

I have a 34 CC Case and a 3 bottom 14in Case plow with one beam and share removed. I have a 39 A JD and a 2 bottom JD plow. I have the 48 H Farmall and both a 1 and 2 bottom IHC plow. I have a 50 Cub, and a 34 Standard Twin walk behind garden tractor with a 10in plow.

[teethdoc]

The better question is how much will the back and knee surgery from riding that old thing cost

[FarmboyBill]

Ive rode the 34 Case since I was 8yrs old. Started it on my own when I was 12.

[RonM]

I have a lot of seat time on an H and on a WD45, both were good in their day.....

[Shoestringer]

Any thoughts on a Ford 9N available in my area? $1500 is the asking price, and I hope to bring a knowledgeable friend if I go to see it. Is it worthwhile? Accessories and parts readily available? We are on eight acres, so smaller size is ideal. I know the 8N was more common, but what is available in those is more like $3900. I can't do that now.

[oeb2]

Originally Posted by Shoestringer

Any thoughts on a Ford 9N... I know the 8N was more common....

Don't those old 8Ns have a potentially dangerous, always live, PTO whereas the 9N can be disengaged? Anyhow, for the difference in $ you're looking at I'd go 9N any day. Sounds like a good buy to me is it's sound.

[FarmboyBill]

U asked for thoughts on an 8N. Mine are, DONT BUY IT. lol. Im trying to move to a smaller place near my kids, and I know that the tractors I have will work fine.