Tractors Again !!!

[phib]

So we have now finally moved into our new place and have 12.5 acres of paddock and 3.5 acres of woodland. Both in dreadful condition. Paddock hasn't been cared for in probably 5 years and woodland hasn't been looked after for probably 15-20 years.

So its a long term project of love to sort it all out.

I don't really know much about tractors apart from I need one !!

I started looking at Kubota's then realized that a 3ft topper is going to take a while to cut the fields with and its not really up to the Job.

So then moved on to Massey Ferguson 135 / 165 / 240's, looking at getting a battered one with a 6ft topper and loader, then I discovered you can get refurbished ones for not much more ....... aghhhh too many choices !!

So basic requirements ... tractor, Topper, loader ( have horses) also have landrover for general carting stuff about and it has to live outside at the moment

Don't want to go mad on cost as the paddocks will be rented out once I have sorted them out.

Advice very welcome !!!

Thanks

Phib

[phib]

I have tried the contractor / farmer route before, so far waiting on :

Someone to top off the fields ( waiting since November 30th)
Someone to do fencing
Contractor to move muck heap ( just move to woods)

Etc etc etc

This is actually why I have been looking for a tractor as I could have done most of this in a day with my own.

We have to renovate gardens, field and woodland and it would cost a fortune / ages waiting for people to actually turn up and do stuff !!!

Slightly driving me mad, we have the landrover anyway so just an added bonus

Phib

[phib]

Thanks guys, we have a stiga for the main lawns and I fancy a quad ( no real need however !!!)

Also been looking at new topper etc etc as 2nd hand seems just such a minefield, was also looking at a new tractor (branson ( dealer in same town) or similar)

I really hadn't calculated the cost of all this properly, thought I would get away with something like a kubota 7100 but reality is dawning !!

Has anyone any views on international or ford tractors V Massey / case ?

Thanks

Phib

Edited by phib on Thursday 19th January 09:21

[phib]

That makes sense, our will probably be rented to horsey people so I will still have to do some stuff about the place

Phib

[phib]

smifffymoto said:

If you are renting out paddocks you want to do as little damage as possible with your equipment.
I use an Iseki tm3265 with a Cochet loader.I use a flail mower as a counter weight.A small tractor and flail will make short work of woodland aswell.

Iseki and Kubota are expensive to buy but hold value extremely well.When it comes to tractors,bigger isn't always better.

Interesting, what hp is it and what width topper can it run ? cant remeber the rule is it 10p per ft of topper or 5Hp ?

Thanks

Phib

[phib]

Willy Nilly said:

Have I missed your budget?

Little tractors are thin on the ground, mainly because they haven't been sold new in many numbers for decades. Secondly because plenty of people want a little used tractor, so demand outstrips supply. You are also competing with most of Europe and Africa, because a lot and I mean probably most used tractors get exported.

Loader tractors tend to be knackered, never greased properly, never serviced, front axle worn out blar blar, so check it very carefully

Nice little Zetor

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/product/2519/...

2wd Same

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/product/2362/...

4wd Same

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/product/2532/...

Massey sans loader, but cheap

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/product/2524/...

Case, 2wd with loader

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/product/2520/...

Marshall, dirt cheap,

http://www.tunstalltractors.com/shop/category/69/M...

Old Deere

http://www.reavalleytractors.com/used_equipment/vi...

You get the idea.

These are old girls, so buy on condition and what the local man with a van can fix. Parts shouldn't be an issue with any of them and they are relatively simple. Make sure you park near to a 13 amp socket, it will get a flat battery. I would be inclined to buy a complete set of filters and change ALL of the fluids, anti freeze, brake fluid, front axle, back axle, engine oil, air, fuel, hydraulic filters, the lot, then at least you know it's done.

And again, if it already has a loader on it, inspect the font axle carefully. Check the pivot bushes, track rod ends, king pins, bearings on 2wd and leaky hubs on 4wd.

Amazing !!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to look at all those !! I have to be honest and say I really don't know much about inspecting tractors so I think I need to find a local tractor specialist who also can work on what ever I buy. I am fine with spanners repairing stuff following instructions just don't really know what I am looking for !!

I talked to a couple of the people that restore masseys and they seem to all sell 10-15 a month to africa !!!

Many thanks

Phib

[phib]

Anyone got a view on the following ?

http://kenttractors.com/Tractors/international-454...

http://kenttractors.com/Tractors/MF240-2x2

http://kenttractors.com/Tractors/Ford-1910

http://www.howardandsons.co.uk/massey-ferguson-tra...

Lat ones are c. 7.5k + Vat + loader ( restored) although dont know what restored actially means !!

[phib]

Willy Nilly said:

I like the International. It's downside is that the loader isn't a drive in, so it's going to be hard to take off, basically, you'll have to leave it on, which isn't ideal and, it's only a trip loader. This means that you scoop something off the floor into the bucket, lift the bucket up and instead of gently tipping what ever off, you effectively pull a pin out of the bucket which trips and dumps the load without any control.

The Massey is a nice little tractor, but obviously no loader.

The Ford is an Iseki compact. There MIGHT be issues with getting parts for these, so make sure you check. Compacts are very expensive for what they are, a mate as 3 new Deere compacts and the gear to go behind them and it's very expensive compared to the stuff I use.

This one http://kenttractors.com/Tractors/Case-258 is worth the extra. It has a Quicke quick attach loader that you can drop the stand, pull the pins and drive away from with a quick attach bucket, you can still get attachments for it, you can still get the parts for the loader and the tractor has a syncro shuttle, so have the same ratios for forward and reverse, push the leaver forward for forward and pull it back for backward. You mayor may no like the turf tyres.

Great advice ... invaluable !!! Thanks.

Stupid question number 1 !!! So with the international would you have to get out of the cab to reset the bucket with the pin ? Or can it be done from the cab ?

Its probably the one I like the most, especially as it looks small for working in the wood. Would love the massey but by the time I add a front loader its really going to be above budget ( ideally 6k + Vat) + £1k for a topper.

Thanks

Phib

[phib]

Sorry ... another one I liked the look at ? Obviously not via a dealer but looks like the proper loader however not easy to remove by the looks of it

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Massey-Ferguson-135-Vint...

Any views thanks ?

Phib

[phib]

Shed_Jensen said:

The Massey 35 or 135 are a great size - and punch well above the weight, as with any tractors many have been battered to death, and there are tons of tired 50-odd year old tractors for sale.


Ive used the Massey for topping my field many times, it coped admirably.

Whereabouts are you, I'm in the middle of Surrey - happy to show you what's what.

Steve

Thanks might take you up on that, I am near woking.

Thanks

Phib

[phib]

RE the loader, thanks for the information I get it now.

I probably have quite a lot to pick up from the floor ( certainly for the first year or so) so I think a powered loader might be the way to go.

Phib

[phib]

Well I have done it ... got a bit of buyers remorse but I hope it will be ok.

Bought a very late Massey 135 with full cab, loader and power steering. Basically on Saturday asked my local lawnmower / chainsaw retailer who I have known for years if he knew anyone local and he mentioned a retired guy who restored classic tractors in the next village who he had known for years.

Gave him a call on Saturday and he was restoring two tractors for clients but had one tractor he might sell ... which happened to be my exact spec ( 135, quick detach cab with a quick detach loader / stand) except the loader is a tip loader not a hydraulic one.

Its a two owner tractor he bought for his daughter 4 years ago that she hasn't used very much, done 8,000 hours and is 100% original and everything works even down to the last light bulb !!

Agreed a price that was top end (for a non restored one) but there weren't many about with a loader and a full cab and he's put me in touch with local guys that does maintenance / come out to the farm etc etc and has said he's happy to answer any questions / pop over if I have issues. Also agreed to restore it if I want it restored for a very reasonable price.

So time will tell, suspect if I put it on ebay I would probably get back 95% of my money if I hate it !!!!

Phib