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 | sa1765
Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4 kc, mo 
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2005-09-06 115966
i'm in the market for an older tractor, like '60s or '70s. mainly used to mow 50acres and occasional blade use. maybe pull disc for food plot. this will be a temporary tractor (about 5 years or so) until our house is finished and i'm ready to dish out the big bucks for something newer. anyone have any ideas for older models, any models have specific problems i should stay away from. this is for all makes, not just JD specific
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| BrendonN
Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 89 Central Kansas
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2005-09-06 115969
There are many good models from the 60s and 70s that can be purchased reasonably and that have plenty of life left. Don't expect more modern features like 4WD and shift on the go transmissions, though. For the work you are doing, this is not a problem. I am assuming that the reference to mowing 50 acres was not a typo. This kind of work would probably require a 12' to 15' batwing mower and at least 50hp to operate it.
Deere models from this time period (something like a 3010 or 3020) still command a premium price but brands like International, Massey Ferguson, and Allis Chalmers can be purchased at a good price, especially if they have a gas engine. Parts for all of these are readily available. If you go with an Allis, look for one newer than the mid-60s. Earlier ones had a proprietary hydraulic system (low flow, high pressure) the took special cylinders on the implement. Also, some tractors from this time had proprietary hitches so make sure that what you chose has a regular 3-point hitch.
Good luck! ....
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 | Chief
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 4297 Southwest MiddleTennessee 
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2005-09-06 115972
The Deere's have already been mentioned. Some of the older makes and models I like are the International 424, 444,464, 484, the 544, 574, 584, the 686,674, and 666. These Internationals pretty much all fall in the range of machines that might interest you.
All I can say is that the condition and reliability will greatly depend upon how the previous owner maintained them. The guys I let cut hay off my river bottom pasture own a 464, 484, and 784, all of which have well over 8,000 hours on them. They are a bit spendy to do an engine rebuild on but will run a LONG time in return.
Some other tried and true machines are the Massey Ferguson 165, 175, 275. Ford 5600 and 6600.
Just be forwarned that "Red Iron" and "Green Paint" command a price premium that you would not think would be the case with a machine this old.
In many cases, I think you will find that buying a larger, higher hp machine will be cheaper as tractors of all colors and stripes command a sizable price premium in the 35 to 65 hp range. The Deere 4010's and follow on models seem to lead the pack in this area. Massey Fergusons at least in my area and experience seem to make the best buys and most sense from auctions and sales I have seen. They are not as pretty or have as many bells and whistles but are reliable hard working machines if well cared for.
I would suggest keeping an eye on the papers for auctions and sales by owners in your local area to get a feel for price and availability of models. Local "Deals On Wheels" publications are also a good source. eBay has a lot of machines for sale but in my opinion, it is a 50/50 hit or miss proposition plus you are not able to look at the machine in person many times. That is not to say that good deals cannot be had on eBay. Just be VERY careful as there are a LOT of scams and shaky deals along with the good ones.
Good luck! Let us know what you get! ....
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 | earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2005-09-06 115993
My buddy has a '69 Ford 2000 3-cyl. gas with factory front end loader, 8' Ford scraper blade and a 6' King Kutter landscape rake. He bought it in '96 for $6500 for when he built his home. I do all his dirt work on his 13 acres and has no need for it now. Has power steering and big rear turf tires. New battery & air filter. Needs a front hydraulic pump though (about $250-$400 depending on used/new and where you buy it), otherwise runs good, no smoke. Originally was a mowing/utility tractor for a local college. Asking $4500 Located in SE Michigan north of Ohio border about 30 miles. (734) 782-2125 ....
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| sa1765
Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4 kc, mo
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2005-09-07 116013
i just went to an auction on labor day and they had 3 tractors, ford 3000 gas, ford 4000 diesel, and m/f 165 diesel. the ford 3000 was in pretty poor shape, needed 4 new tires and atleast one new rear wheel due to rust from fluid in tires, smoked entire time it was running, and brakes were crappy but still went for $2700. the ford 4000 was in great shape and went for $7050. the massey only had one problem, power steering didn't work and it went for $2700. people seem to love the fords and john deeres around here and don't bother much w/ anything else. i would have been bidding on the massey but i have this awful condition called marriage, she's saying wait until spring, we don't need it yet. so i guess that's what i'm doing now, watching auctions, checking prices, and finding out about different models. i'll be sure to check into the international models and thanks for the tip on the AC hydralic system ....
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| Randy N
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2005-09-23 116795
I don't know what part of the country you are in but I have an IH 504 (50 hp) that I will be selling. I used it for mowing only (72" rear finish mower) for the past 6 years. Would like to know what it is worth but can't find much information about used units like this. ....
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