new "old" tractor wanted

BAR_R · Feb 10, 2008

We are looking for a tractor. Something in the JD 3010/4010 , 3020/4020 or IH 600/700/800 series. Eventually I would like to put a loader on the front but mainly I want to be able to move a round bale, use my mower conditioner and square bailer. I looked at an IH 656 with the Hydro and I liked that, but I wonder if it will be enough HP. I am afraid though I am getting the HPitis where you think 65 HP is enough but then you want to step up to 75 them 85 and before you know it I have a 140 HP 4WD drive monster that you never use up to its potential.

I don't have much experience with tractors at this level. I would like any advice or experiences with tractors in the 60-95 HP range. I wanted to ask on this seeming non-partisan forum. Thanks!!

1982vett · Feb 10, 2008

Depends on acerage and how much you are going to use it.

For me, I run 360 acres, of which 60 are in oats and 60 - 100 are baled for hay. My workhorse is a 2955 John Deere, 85 HP, Sometimes I wish it were larger. I use it with a 7 point chiesel, 12' disc, 1465 New Holland haybine, Vermeer 605L baler, 346 JD baler, and 1517 JD Shredder. Usage is around 500 Hrs/year. For me this is a minimum size tractor. I also have a 2350 JD (55 HP). Major use is to rake hay and feed cows useage runs about 300 Hrs/year. I can also use the cutter, balers and 8' disc with it, but the larger tractor does these tasks better without overworking the tractor. Also have a 3010 JD (52 HP - never can have to many tractors during hay season). Use it with the post hole digger, can rake hay, plant oats, run square baler.

Buy what you actually need, buy all the HP you can afford but only as much as you will use. Six cylindars provide more HP but burn more fuel than 4 cylindars. Over worked tractors will wear out faster than tractors properly sized for the use they are going to get.

john250 · Feb 10, 2008

Unless you are working in close quarters, a tractor is rarely too big.

Earl Thigpen · Feb 11, 2008

As with most of the questions of this type you should ask yourself how will the tractor be used. Some implements will determine what size tractor (HP) you will need. For example, if you use a round baler you will need about 75HP to turn it. Now before all the poop storm starts from sales people with a vested interest here you can get a baler that (they claim) will work just fine with 45 HP.

You mention a JD 4020. That tractor has been around for years and you see a lot of them still in use. They are practically bullet proof and I think the HP is in the 90 - 100 HP range. Hard to beat.

Good luck with your search. :D

EAT BEEF · Feb 11, 2008

Hard to go wrong with a 4020 for a hay tractor imo. hyd are fast, and you can see good. A lot of them are used up but if you get a good one and take care of it will go up in value.Also a large amount of parts are avilable from deere and aftermarket if you wanted to fix one up. 656 is a good tractor but a hydro that old would worry me.

DiamondSCattleCo · Feb 12, 2008

Yeah I think I'd stay away from an IH Hydro. Find a good 1086 somewhere though. 120 HP and it will do all your haying and chores with ease. Having too much power is WAY better than not enough. Not only will the tractor last forever, a 120 HP tractor doing the work of an 80 HP tractor will burn less fuel than an 80HP tractor doing 80HP worth of work. If you don't mind Case tractors, find a 970 or 1070. Helluva tractor. I won't take anything away from a 4020, as we've got one here thats been around for 18,000 hours, but when it comes time to fix it, it'll cost about twice as much as the Case or IH HP equivalent.

Rod