Thinking of getting a tractor

[disco2_dan]

Hi guys I need some advice
I'm thinking about getting a tractor and I'm not sure which way to go?
I don't want to spend more then about 5grand.
It will only be used for slashing the grass and prob pushing/pulling trees and tree stumps if it has a bucket attachment even better!
I've always liked old Massey's and have been leaning toward an old one with a 6ft slasher.....
Could you guys give your views on makes and models and a guesstimate a rough price?
Doesn't have to be a Massey and I don't wana start petrol vs diesel debate I'm open to either lol

[MR LR]

Ferguson TEA20 (or TED20 if you want a diesel), they are remarkable and suit that application well. Also light enough to go on a car trailer.

I wouldn't have anything else for a tractor in that size.

Cheers
Will

And yes I have driven one and we've got one in the family so I'm not talking out my arse :p

[Marty110]

I'd probably go a little more upgrade than a TEA20 - maybe a 135 Fergy. I had mine for 20 years and not a cent spent, never let me down, nice Perkins diesel, simple controls, a bit more comfortable, bulletproof. but depends on whether you need front wheel assist - a whole different ball game then. You should be able to get a good 135 for anything from $2,500 to $5 grand I reckon..... but I have been out of the market for a while!!

[Homestar]

If you are using it with a large slasher on it, then I would suggest the MF 35X - it is diesel and more importantly has a 2 stage clutch, which the greys don't have. Much easier to use a slasher behind these. Also, a 6 foot slasher would be a bit too much behind the grey. My FIL has a 4 foot behind his petrol TEA and it struggles in longer stuff. I used to slash 30 acres with a 35X and a 6 foot ground mower on it, and it worked well, but was on its limit in think or wet grass.

As Marty just said, if you want to go a bit bigger, the 135 is the go. DON'T get the crappy French version of the 135 that was imported here to keep up with demand when these were released - they are crap. Good 135's are holding there value, but you should be able to score one for under $5K

Cheers - Gav

[UncleHo]

I would suggest you look at a MF65 as they can handle a 6ft Sunshine Slasher with any problems,the main farm has been using that combo for about 25 years now.

[Disco Muppet]

When I saw the title and poster I thought you were getting a Td5 Dan :D

[brendanm]

If you are slashing an old 5 grand tractor is fine. If you are wanting a bucket or 4 in 1 then a 4wd tractor will give more control as a 2wd loses it's steering. You are unlikely to find anything reasonable in this price range. There have been some tiny tractors though the weight available to be lifted is minimal. If you need to remove stumps you may be better to burn them out and not damage the tractor.
Years ago I bought a TEA20 Ferguson for similar type of work. I am so glad that I went the tractor option instead of a ride on mower. We only maintain about 5 acres. Neighbours have constant trouble with ride ons snapping belts when hitting sticks and losing traction on uneven ground.
I have recently upgraded to a new tractor. Alternately if you are set on a bucket. some of the smaller Kobota's and Iseki's might be woth a look. They might need some work at that price range.

[Sitec]

Well..... Where to start.... Petrol vs diesel... Petrol are cheaper, but are now old.. The most common is the Fergy TE 20.. Not huge on power, minimal hydraulics and a clutch operated PTO.. They're cheep enough but no good for fitting a loader, don't have power steering, and will slash a block ok. Diesel.. If you want a usable tractor and not a show pony, then diesel is the way to go. Dependant on how big your block is is dependant on what you need. You'll be pushed to find a Fergy 135 in your price range as they are sought after. They come with hydraulics, diesel, 2 stage clutch (PTO keeps going when you depress the clutch to the first stage to change gear). They are much more user friendly, and parts are still readily available. They come in at work from time to time but don't stay in the yard long. Other tractors in that size are Ford 3000, David Brown 850/880, International B414 etc. The basics you should know... Here it start from cold (without the aid of ether), check coolant colour, engine oil colour, and trans oil colour. Any white oil means it has water in it. Once running look at the smoke.. Lots of it, walk away, smoke on start up is to be expected. Light blue when idling is acceptable, but should clean up once working. See it work, for a good half hour to know it has no cooling issues. All of the above are 2 wheel drive only. All but the TE20 will handle a small loader but they are not ideal. Option 2 (the better option IMO) is the more compact four wheel drive tractor, with mower deck and loader. They still have 20/40 hp, but are only 1.1m to 1.5m wide. They will still lift and drive a 4' slasher, have better turning circle, and are on the whole a lot more user friendly. Look at Kubots's, Case 234's (Mitsubishi painted red), Shibaura, Mitsubishi, Branson, Iseki etc.. WARNING... Stay away from the Chinese tractors.. They are cheep for a reason!! I work for a Tractor dealer so get to see and deal with what comes and goes.. I paid $5000 for mine (same as one pictured) but have since made and fitted a loader to it, re sprayed it and put new tyres on it. It is fantastic, and looks after my 4 acre block and half the neighbours!!! We just sold a 15 yr old Kubota with mower, catcher,4x4, loader and hydro drive for $12000. Anything of this size that's clean, running well and has a mower/slasher is a good buy for $5000. 500hrs is low, 2000hrs is average, 3000+hrs is high for a tractor of this size, tho mine has 5600hrs on it, but... I am able to fix it! Shout if you need any more info!!

[Sitec]

Just dropped onto Gumtree in your area, and there are a few reasonable Kubota's for sensible money. Here's one that I've found. To get a loader, you will have to spend more tho...

[POD]

We bought an old Ford tractor a few years ago primarily for keeping the driveway graded, but decided to look for something with a front-end-loader for the versatility of it. A loader adds several thousand to the price, compared to a comparable tractor without. It is also hands-down the most useful implement, ours gets used for a gazillion different jobs, moving firewood, pushing up bonfires, lifting engines and such, putting mulch on the garden beds......
Once you have the tractor, the fun of collecting implements begins. I'm in the process of mounting a PTO-operated cement mixer that I picked up at a clearing sale. Fortunately I have no need for a slasher, as they seem to be way over-priced compared to other implements.

[Tote]

Have a browse on Farm Machinery & Equipment - Irrigation, Pumps & Tractors - farmmachinerysales.com.au (http://www.farmmachinerysales.com.au) in your price range. A good place to start looking at whats available for the money.

Regards,
Tote

[Tank]

Hi guys I need some advice
I'm thinking about getting a tractor and I'm not sure which way to go?
I don't want to spend more then about 5grand.
It will only be used for slashing the grass and prob pushing/pulling trees and tree stumps if it has a bucket attachment even better!
I've always liked old Massey's and have been leaning toward an old one with a 6ft slasher.....
Could you guys give your views on makes and models and a guesstimate a rough price?
Doesn't have to be a Massey and I don't wana start petrol vs diesel debate I'm open to either lol
Steer away from a Kubota, costs more for an engine rebuild than what they are worth, I partially rebuilt a friends kubota which was worth about $5000, cost nearly $6,000 to get mobile again for parts and machining, no labour costs, poison, Regards Frank.

[33chinacars]

If you only want to do a bit of slashing you cant go past the TEA 20 Fergy with a 4' slasher. Only draw back is the single stage clutch
Next step up is the MF 35 or 135 with 2 stage clutch. But that will see out you budget of $5000
If you want a front end loader then you will need front wheel assist .
Tractor Loader Kioti Daedong 26HP With 4in1 Bucket Mower Deck | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/tractor-loader-kioti-daedong-26hp-with-4in1-bucket-mower-deck-/261114581375?pt=AU_HeavyMachinery&hash=item3ccba4517f&_uhb=1)
or Mahindra 32 HP 4WD Tractor With Implements 2010 Model With LOW Hours | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mahindra-32-HP-4WD-Tractor-With-Implements-2010-Model-With-Low-Hours-/331000455556?pt=AU_HeavyMachinery&hash=item4d112a2184&_uhb=1)
or Iseki Refurbished TL2300F Tractor | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Iseki-Refurbished-TL2300F-Tractor-/121162422013?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Farming_Agr iculture_Farming_Agriculture_Equipment&hash=item1c35d7d6fd&_uhb=1)
Front Loader Tractor Kubota B7001 in Melbourne, VIC | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Front-Loader-tractor-Kubota-B7001-/221261296037?pt=AU_HeavyMachinery&hash=item33843371a5&_uhb=1)
I know this is well out of you price range but they do come up S/H every now & then.
A good MF 35 will cost up to $8000.
Look on ebay etc to get an idea

Gary

[D110V8D]

I bought a little Kubota. About 16HP, with a loader, 4WD (need it here), PTO. Pretty simple little thing but to be honest the loader is useless. The machine just doesn't have enough weight to really make good use of it. Actually I managed to bend/snap the loader frame trying to turn a large compost heap. :D:D

Really should've gone with a bigger one. :angel:

[Bigbjorn]

A Fergie could be almost 70 years old now and quite dated. They were being assembled at Austral Motors when I was in early primary school around 1950. Surely there are modern tractors available at a reasonable price.

Fiats are very good and were sold in thousands. Keep away from those semi-automatic David Browns. It is a brave man who takes the top off one of those in the paddock.

When I worked at Leyland Truck and Bus we would get a stream of hopeful acreage dwellers pass through the used yard looking for a "good cheap tractor for mowing acreage". The salesman's response could have been "the good ones are up the front and the cheap ones are down the back". When asked to nominate a price range $2000 seemed to be the favourite. The prospect looked a bit sick when told that a set of near new tyres are worth that.

How rough and steep is your bit of country? What else are you planning to use it for other than slashing? Want a loader, or front blade or under-blade? Rotary hoe? Cultivation gear, how heavy? You may need a bigger unit, 70-80 horsepower, if you plan on doing anything other than easy slashing on good level ground.

[juddy]

I've got a "fergie" that could need a new home :angel: It has five attachments with it and all in working order.

It does need a little tlc though

Here's Juddy putting it through it's paces :D

Yes a fine sound little Fergie... I forgot about those pictures...

[richard4u2]

not all the fege 20.s have the reduction in the pto so you cant run a slasher or rotary hoe , with the tree work you would need a d6 track or above, with a bucket 4wd with power steering if you get one without power steering with a bucket fit the biggest tyres you can get at the front like ones from a plane

[Chucaro]

I used to have a 27 acres lot with 80% of it covered with guinea grass, the one that grown to near 2 m high.
The Ferguson T20 that was in the farm when I bought it was struggling.
I sold it and got a 17HP twin cylinder Kubota and the job was much easy .
If you do not like to have so small tractor I would recommend the Frord 5000. the JD 2020 or the MF 135.
Cheers

[goingbush]

When I saw the title and poster I thought you were getting a Td5 Dan :D

ahem, you mean Isuzu :)

cant knock the Fergies but ....

I had a Kubota B7001 very similar to the one in that ebay link, a fantastic little tractor, thats price is about right with those attachments. I sold mine to brother in law and its got over 3000 hours and still going like it will do another 3000.

[digger]

I have a massey ferguson 65 (1964) diesel and goes well
has a FEL, slasher, 14 dish disc, and a grader blade (but grader blade has wrong top on it! :(

This does real well here, used constantly on out 5 acres and 20 belonging to my mate behind us. Pushed and pulled all trees and roots etc (orange) off the 20 acres when it was cleared 5 or so years ago.

A good reliable tractor, not 4wd but seems to cope well here I wouldnt rule them out.


But lets be honest the reason for wanting an older tractor is in the long run theyre cheaper than a drummer :twisted:
Tractor Music - YouTube





for those TEA20 fans, this is why they were so popular
Ferguson tractor, old commercial - YouTube

[akula]

You could get an international 454 (50 hp) diesel for around $5k.
I have been using one for mainly slashing a 150 acre property with a very heavy 6x5" slasher for the last 25+ years. Despite abuse and neglect the old thing has not had a problem ever mechanically or with its electrics (despite being Lucas!). A very sturdy, rugged tractor.

Here's one for example for <5k. They turn up every now and again on the mainland.

INTERNATIONAL 454 TRACTOR | Heavy, Farming & Agriculture Equipment | Gumtree Australia West Tamar - Bridgenorth | 1025320596 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bridgenorth/heavy-farming-agriculture-equipment/international-454-tractor/1025320596)

Mark

[disco2_dan]

When I saw the title and poster I thought you were getting a Td5 Dan :D

No I'm not converting to the dark side yet muppet! However I may be moving out towards your way.

Well as it happens the block I was looking at sold so I'm rather annoyed!

But I'm looking at another place now that's alot smaller its only 12 acres so I'm actually thinking about one of these little kuboto 4wds (even though they may be super expencive to fix) with attachments as I think post hole digger sounds handy and even though the bucket isn't hardcore I think it will be handy to carry odds and ends around... Only thing is they are more then I wanted to spend but to get anything decent you guys have talked about it going to be 1-2-3-4 thousand more so I will just bite the bullet and stop cheaping out lol

If this place sells and i look at a bigger place then I will be thinking about prob a Massey 135 they sounded like the best option for the last place

[Disco Muppet]

No I'm not converting to the dark side yet muppet!

You will....Eventually :D




However I may be moving out towards your way.


Let me know if you do, I'm always up for a wheel or a shoot :D

[Dougal]

Buying a tractor could be the most expensive decision you make for a long time.

The tea fergies are great and very light. The 35x and early 135 are pretty much the same tractor with different bonnet. The best 135 to get is a diesel straight axle version with power steering and multipower gear box, it is basically 6 speed with a splitter to make it 12.
The 65 and 165 are pretty similar to the 135 but bigger with an extra pot on the engine.

The single worst thing about these Masseys is the hydraulic setup that needs a diverter valve to run externals. It can't move the arms and a loader at the same time.

With newer tractors 20 grand is where you start to find 4wd loader tractors with decent power.

[disco2_dan]

Buying a tractor could be the most expensive decision you make for a long time.

The tea fergies are great and very light. The 35x and early 135 are pretty much the same tractor with different bonnet. The best 135 to get is a diesel straight axle version with power steering and multipower gear box, it is basically 6 speed with a splitter to make it 12.
The 65 and 165 are pretty similar to the 135 but bigger with an extra pot on the engine.

The single worst thing about these Masseys is the hydraulic setup that needs a diverter valve to run externals. It can't move the arms and a loader at the same time.

With newer tractors 20 grand is where you start to find 4wd loader tractors with decent power.

Excellent advice... I was wondering if the 165/65 was just a big brother! And I think I've run into the hydrollic issue once on a friends tractor where you could only do one movement at a time

And yessssss!! I would love to spend 20k on a tractor and I've even seen a few really nice ones just under that mark...

But unfortunately my absolute budget for farm machinary is 20k and I really wanted to pick up a little dozer as well also I need 4-600 to get a new engine fitted to my ride on...

Basically I'm trying to find either house and land for under 200k or I'm trying to find land with building permit and build my own house and get farm machinary for under 200k lol

So i figure now I have to spend closer to 10g and hope I can still get a dozer...

[disco2_dan]

Oh and muppet wheeling and shooting on the cards for sure!

[richard4u2]

how often would you use it , is there a local tractor dealer who it may turn out cheaper to hire one for a day or two ?

[disco2_dan]

No definatly going to buy one it will be used for lots of things around the place on a bare minimum 1 time a week...

[FeatherWeightDriver]

When I saw the title and poster I thought you were getting a Td5 Dan :D

Lol I'm glad I wasn't the only one - I thought an older Defender... :wasntme:

[disco2_dan]

Does anyone know much about the euroleopard 25hp 4wd tractor? It's the 2006 model

[ian4002000]

I have three tractors and a backhoe, all are good depending on what is being done at the time.
The most used one of the lot is the BX2350 Kubota with front end loader, it does a power of small work and saves my back and the missus back from heavy lifting.
Kubota's may seem expensive but not much seems to go wrong and appear to have great resale if needed.
I dont know much about euroleapords but make sure spare parts are available and check how many dealers they have

[Sitec]

Euroleopards are buckets of snot!! Don't waist your money with one.. I think they are imported in a tie up with Branson Tractors... Branson are not well known, but seem to take the punishment. I used to work for a Branson dealer, and we had a couple of tractors fitted up with forklift masts, and the bricky transporters really worked them, and they survived. As said before, avoid anything Chinese! Euroleopards, Sota's, Dong Fengs, Luzhong, YTO's, Foton, and Mahindra to name a few.....

[Rick1970]

The single worst thing about these Masseys is the hydraulic setup that needs a diverter valve to run externals. It can't move the arms and a loader at the same time.



The available hydraulic flow rate is also quite low, making loader work a fairly leisurely affair....

Don't know how people find it in other areas, but around here if its a tractor and look like it may actually run, someone will pay 5G+ for it....

We had a customers old and very well used (ie rough) Massey 40 Loader/Backhoe at work....he wanted $9G for it, I laughed but someone gave him $11G :o

Guy I know works at a place that used to sell Euroleopards.....don't even think about them...old Belarus would be a better option!

One of your customers is a Massey mechanic, lives and breathes Massey tractors....he likes the 165's....cheap, simple, reliable.

Old Universal Farmliner? Basically cheap Fiat knockoff but there are enough old ones still going around here to show they can do the hours if half looked after.

[wrinklearthur]

--- and Mahindra to name a few.....
Mahindra tractors are Indian built, I'm not saying that their any better built though.

I like my Massey Ferguson 165, it has the AD4-203 Perkins and it did have an axillary pump fitted inside the gearbox, but I have since pulled that out to fit a creeper gear instead.

To power the hydraulics for a loader on a Massey Ferguson, I would fit a pump driven by the front of the crankshaft, this still gives working hydraulic power after the clutch is disengaged to stop the travel of the tractor.
.

[33chinacars]

Check out the Daedong range . Models I would recommend for you are the 35 hp CK35 or for something a little bit smaller 26 hp CS2610

Here:
New Summer 2013 Catalogue Ebrochure (http://www.kiotitractors.com.au/ebrochure/ebrochures/new_summer_2013_catalogue)

Gary

[Sitec]

Mahindra tractors are Indian built, I'm not saying that their any better.


They used to be.... Chinese writing all over them now...


disco2_dan, what size block do you have, and what do you plan to do with it??

[Bradtot]

Ok I will chime in now.
I bought one of these

Absolute competitive for tractor dealers QLN-254 Tractor with front end loader 25-35hp mini farm tractor, View farm tractor, QLN Product Details from Henan Qianli Machinery Co., Ltd. on Alibaba.com (http://hnqianli.en.alibaba.com/product/675181282-212665365/QLN_254_Mini_Farm_Tractor_25hp_4wd_with_front_end_ loader_Absolute_competitive_for_tractor_dealers.ht ml)

last December, with the slasher and the FEL and aux valves and dual clutch and with air compressor and with a backhoe.
I imported it direct from china
All up 13k inc delivery and customs etc etc.
yes it had some faults like loose bolts and things just not right, but I expected this. Its the same as the fotons and the others and has a laidong engine.
I now have 15 hrs on it and its great.
I have been in contact with the manufatures in china for advise via skype and all good. If I need any spares they have said to me they will send via DHl. Everything so far is above board with the company. They are genuinely trying to do the right thing.
There is a really good forum that you can search and it has lots of good info.
So not all chinese Tractors are crap in my opinion.
I have 3 acres to maintain and this little tractor is great
Brad:)
Chinese Tractors (http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chinese-tractors/)

[joel0407]

Hey guys, It's too late at night for me to read this whole thread so I appoligize if I'm off track here.

My best suggestion is the tractor in the vid but that might be too much power for you. Not for me, I'd want at least that in a tractor.

Go the MF135. Make sure you get the 3 cylinder perkins motor. The 4 cylinder diesel was well under powered and the 4 cylinder petrol was thirsty. The perkins is the same motor used in the 155. God knows how the motor makes 35hp in the 135 and 55hp in the 155. In those days they didn't detune motors for lesser vehilces. The only thing the 135 lacks that the 155 has is weight. The 135 would struggle for traction sometimes when I had the bar as low as it would go.

traktor racing volvo terror - YouTube (http://youtu.be/9yHl24QynOM)


Happy Days.

[33chinacars]

They used to be.... Chinese writing all over them now...

Mahrindra has manufacturing plants in India, China & America among others

[disco2_dan]

Ok I will chime in now.
I bought one of these

Absolute competitive for tractor dealers QLN-254 Tractor with front end loader 25-35hp mini farm tractor, View farm tractor, QLN Product Details from Henan Qianli Machinery Co., Ltd. on Alibaba.com (http://hnqianli.en.alibaba.com/product/675181282-212665365/QLN_254_Mini_Farm_Tractor_25hp_4wd_with_front_end_ loader_Absolute_competitive_for_tractor_dealers.ht ml)

last December, with the slasher and the FEL and aux valves and dual clutch and with air compressor and with a backhoe.
I imported it direct from china
All up 13k inc delivery and customs etc etc.
yes it had some faults like loose bolts and things just not right, but I expected this. Its the same as the fotons and the others and has a laidong engine.
I now have 15 hrs on it and its great.
I have been in contact with the manufatures in china for advise via skype and all good. If I need any spares they have said to me they will send via DHl. Everything so far is above board with the company. They are genuinely trying to do the right thing.
There is a really good forum that you can search and it has lots of good info.
So not all chinese Tractors are crap in my opinion.
I have 3 acres to maintain and this little tractor is great
Brad:)
Chinese Tractors (http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chinese-tractors/)


Yeah not sure about Chinese stuff hey... My mate used to import mini bikes from there now some were good after a few changes like hi strength bolts and if you took it very easy and putted around they were ok but the main problem with these bikes is they arnt
WESTIE PROOF
For those who don't know what a westie is
It's kinda like a bogan
So honestly I think I would prob break the things....
Say I got frustrated I may possibly get the stupid idea the jobs worth doing at any cost and this has happened to me on many occasions and the old Massey just took it in its stride that's I think why I liked the Massey's,

And the property I'm now looking at is only 40acres mostly cleared with some steep stuff behind the house and one bit right up the back...

It will be used for everything from slashing to grading to fertilising to spraying to seeding to rotery hoe for the veggie garden drilling fence post holed, mulching, really the only limit for work will be what attachments I don't end up with

[wrinklearthur]

Around here a tidy 135 ( like the one pictured ) is selling for $8.000.

If you are working ground that isn't flat, install a ROPS if it hasn't already.

Add; note that the tractor pictured hasn't got it's drawbar fitted under the diff housing, I also take mine off the MF 165 when using a slasher as the PTO shaft can foul the end on the drawbar.

http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/blnc/130707/963r1/3935lc0_20.jpeg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/08/85.jpg
.

[kenl]

If I were to get some land again I think I would buy a 2-3 ton excavator first off, certainly before buying a dozer. And if your planning on building your own house definately the excavtor.

On my 15 acres I had an old Chamberlain 9G with a nasty frontend loader.

I have always thought that the older bigger tractors that aren't in high demand from the hobbie farmers are better value if you have room for them.

Years ago a wheatbelt cocky told me if the tractor doesn't have airconditioning on it now it's worthless.

[Sitec]

And the property I'm now looking at is only 40acres mostly cleared with some steep stuff behind the house and one bit right up the back...

It will be used for everything from slashing to grading to fertilising to spraying to seeding to rotery hoe for the veggie garden drilling fence post holed, mulching, really the only limit for work will be what attachments I don't end up with

That changes it a bit..... Double your original $5000 and add some! For a 40 acre block with hills, you need a decent size (50/70hp front wheel assist (4x4) tractor with decent loader and ROPS......

[33chinacars]

That changes it a bit..... Double your original $5000 and add some! For a 40 acre block with hills, you need a decent size (50/70hp front wheel assist (4x4) tractor with decent loader and ROPS......

Now we know a bit more totally agree with Sitec

It is a legal requirement ( Vic anyway ) that all tractors have ROPS.

Minimum 50 hp tractor with front wheel assist & loader.

I have an 80 hp Daedong Very happy with it

Gary

[joel0407]

Minimum 50 hp tractor with front wheel assist & loader.




Dont under estimate the capability of the old MF135. Mine would do more than asked. I cant recall the exact width but it was about a foot either side wider than the tractor and it would go down a foot and a half deep without a problem. The tractor had a reasonable % of slip but more than enough power with the 3 cylinder Perkins.

The MF135 is a very good tractor. Hence why people pay so much money for such an old tractor.

Happy Days.

[disco2_dan]

And I wouldn't say it's hilly as much as a gradual slope up to tge house... I would drive a ride on sideways across it no worries

[isuzurover]

FWIW the tractors owned by my relatives (they are/were all happy with their choice):

My grandfather until recently had a Fiat 411 on ~20 acres of rolling hills.

My uncle on 700 acres of VERY steep country has:
Fiat 880 4wd - air cond cab
MF 285 4wd
Ford 3600 diesel 2wd

[Tote]

Fiats are pretty good tractors and are at the cheaper end of the market. We replaced a MF 135 petrol with a Fiat 640 special on the Farm when I was a kid and it was a good solid performer and would certainly do anything that you require on your block including having full flow remotes (one set only)
With Fiat tractors the special label refers to the fitment of a seperate PTO clutch.
To give an idea of value we bought a 980DT 12 months ago for our 300 acres. It cost $14500 and I've spent about another $2500 on repairs and fixing the aircon since but it is a reliable and very capable tractor but too big for a small block ( 100 HP and 5 tons )
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/toteau/media/IMG_4311.jpg.html)

Regards,
Tote

[Sitec]

Tote, I've not seen one of those for ages! We used to own one in Ireland when I was a kid, and you're right, they're not a bad tractor. From memory the 6 pots were a 6 litre engine down rated, so reliable for ages... Same engine in the 7.5/10 tonne older Ivecos.... Good for 160hp+ if played with...;)

[Bigbjorn]

Fiat are highly regarded tractors in Queensland. Fiat make good tractors, diesel engines and earthmoving equipment. Pity about their cars and trucks. I always reckoned that the one good thing about Fiat cars was that they were marginally better than a Renault.

[MR LR]

Fiat are highly regarded tractors in Queensland. Fiat make good tractors, diesel engines and earthmoving equipment. Pity about their cars and trucks. I always reckoned that the one good thing about Fiat cars was that they were marginally better than a Renault.
Their Laverda headers are rubbish though!

[Saitch]

Another thing to consider if getting a FEL or 4 in 1 bucket is if the machine has 1 hydraulic pump for both steering & implement or a pump for each which is preferable. I've got a Chinese (Yes, I know) 45 hp 4 cyl Perkins Diesel powered 4WD for very steep 40 acres & so far so good 100+ hrs of pretty heavy work. No slasher though. I have a Grillo for that. It's fantastic but that's another story!
Good luck with it.
Steve

[1950landy]

Why dont you get an 80" Landrover they have a tow bar for a 3 point linkage for a slasher:BigThumb: . They can bo anything & go any were:D

[33chinacars]

Nothing wrong with the MF 35/ 135 / 148. They punched well above there hp / weight class. That is where people went wrong with the stopgap MF 30 they tried to work them as a much bigger tractor. Fine if worked as per their hp rating.
You will soon find the limits of the MF 35/ 135 / 148 tractors if used for loader work. Really need a tractor with front wheel assist.

[123rover50]

No ones mentioned Ford.
I had a 4000 County 4wd in PNG. Great tractor ,wish I still had it.
All I have now is a 3000 2wd I bought for $2000 but its still a good little jigger.
Does the slashing and I put a Japanese FEL on it but the hydraulics cant do both at once and I cant lock the slasher up when I am using the loader. It creeps down.

Didiman

[wrinklearthur]

Ferguson tractor, old commercial - YouTube

[MR LR]

Well now that Ford has been mentioned, I thank the Fordson Super Major is one of the best tractors ever made, although its in a much higher class than your TEA20 Fergie, whole different tractor. We have a diesel one and it runs an 8ft slasher effortlessly, but it's a heavy beast and not for a small hobby farm.

Our TEA20 has a FEL and it's capable of lifting a hay bale, although the tractor gets some epic wheel spin in the wet!

However that tractor and loader has dug out a fair few dams. It's amazing what the old gear used to accomplish.

Makes everything modern look like a bunch of pansies!

The old gear is the best IMO

Cheers
Will

[isuzurover]

No ones mentioned Ford.
...

check on the previous page...


...
Ford 3600 diesel 2wd

[123rover50]

check on the previous page...

Sorry, thought I had read them all. Must have missed it:(

[Dougal]

Well now you're talking tractors for 40 acres with a FEL it's a completely different ball-game.
I can confirm that the 35/135/148 is a bit average with a front end loader. Due partly to being a 2wd tractor, but also due to all the FEL's that fit them being of crap design with the bucket far too far forwards.

Compare the TEA20 picture at the start of Wrinklearthurs linked video to the likes of this John Deere:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1632.jpg

Once hydraulic rams got cheap enough to have two on the bucket (instead of one or even none) the loaders could be designed to be a lot more compact, giving better lifting capacity, better stability and less forward weight shift on the tractor.

But anyway. We've got a Kubota M4050DT here that fits your requirements (it's not for sale). The only bad thing about Kubota is like most japanese manufacturers they used indirect injection diesels for 10-15 years longer than the europeans did. As a result most Kubotas are smooth and sweet sounding but are hard to start, can pop head gaskets if the air filter gets blocks and use around 20% more fuel than a perkins powered tractor to do the same job. The M4050DT has a 6 cyl 2.5 litre idi diesel. Smaller kubotas use 3 and 4 cyl versions of the same engine.
This isn't a problem if it's an occasional loader tractor, but if you plan to do ~1000 hours mowing a year the fuel bill difference can be huge.

Iseki is one of the few Japanese tractor makers who used direct injection diesels. I looked at one which used an Isuzu 4JA1 engine (2.5L 4 cyl). Yanmar is the Japanese tractor maker churning out the small John Deeres and Bobcats (US market only).

Some great resources to check out any tractor you might be interested in:
TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors (http://www.tractordata.com)
Sparex Ltd is a world leader in the supply of Replacement Parts and Accessories for agricultural tractors and machinery. (http://www.sparex.com)
Bare Co - Home (http://www.bareco.com.au)

If money was no object I'd have a Landini Mistral with FEL sitting outside just in case I needed it.:D
I think it's the ideal balance between capability and compact size.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1628.jpg

Family business took delivery of a Landini Rex late last year (image off web).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1633.jpg

4.4L perkins turbo diesel, one of the quietest engines you'll ever hear. No earmuffs needed, you cannot hear the tractor over the mower. Absolute joy to use. Our only concern is breaking implements, it is about 3 ton and can pull over twice as hard as a 135 but fits the same tools.

[wrinklearthur]

---- Landini Mistral with FEL -----
I think it's the ideal balance between capability and compact size.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1628.jpg

4.4L perkins turbo diesel, one of the quietest engines you'll ever hear. No earmuffs needed, you cannot hear the tractor over the mower. Absolute joy to use. Our only concern is breaking implements, it is about 3 ton and can pull over twice as hard as a 135 but fits the same tools.

What appeals to me with that loader is the parallel lift arrangement that keeps tilt on the bucket in the same plane from the ground to the highest the loader frame can lift.
.

[POD]

What appeals to me with that loader is the parallel lift arrangement that keeps tilt on the bucket in the same plane from the ground to the highest the loader frame can lift.
.

All the modern loaders seem to have the level-lift arrangement, certainly a big plus. For a modern-ish tractor with a level-lift loader and 4wd/front-wheel assist, you would be starting around $20k.

With regard to ROPS, they are not a legal requirement in Vic (as stated earlier) unless in a workplace.

[33chinacars]

With regard to ROPS, they are not a legal requirement in Vic (as stated earlier) unless in a workplace.

So what is a work place. Any farm, that would include hobby farms, is a work place IMO.
Have a look here.Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/tractors/rops/index.htm#.UiS5wNLI040)

http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/14679/rops_vwa.pdf

[wrinklearthur]

With regard to ROPS, they are not a legal requirement in Vic (as stated earlier) unless in a workplace.

When the legislation was first mooted by the Tasmanian Parliament in the late 1970's, My Dad and I had already fitted a ROPS to our MF135 and by doing this we was able to hire our tractor to the fledgling company that was planting Peppermint for Essential oil distillation.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1623.jpg

We made enough from the hire to pay all the costs of fitting the ROPS and costs associated with the hiring of the tractor.

So what I am saying here, is if you have the right equipment it's possible to offset the capital cost by a moderate hire out of your new tractor.
Just bear in mind if you need to do this, that today, OH and S constraints require all sorts of protection for the operators, this would include a air conditioned ROPS cabin and certification of the loader if fitted.
.

[Bigbjorn]

In the early 1970's when new tractors sold in NSW were required to have a ROPS frame fitted, we at Leyland Brisbane and our border dealers often had a NSW cockie cross the border to buy a tractor without the added cost of a ROPS. Now we all know cockies are reputedly cheap but this really convinced me.

Another cockie bon mot was to do with one of the first six cylinder 100 hp Leyland tractors sold. The deal was done by the Dalby dealer and the two adult sons of the buyer came to Brisbane with the farm truck to pick it up. Real country boys, big as houses and slow talking. they were distressed to see the new tractor had a full lighting package as standard. They requested the work lights be removed before they took it away. They reckoned if dad saw the lights he would have them working 24 hours.

[Davehoos]

TEF20 and our 148 industrial had a massive loader frame with small bucket.
the tef had gravity tip over bucket and lift only hydrolics --3 point link locked in place.

too much load--wet chook poo -- see the front axle try to roll over and feet power steering.

john deer euro bucket we use as a bumper bar on works slasher tractors.
dad just bought a 70hp kabuta with a challenger 4 in one that unstable.

[MR LR]

In the early 1970's when new tractors sold in NSW were required to have a ROPS frame fitted, we at Leyland Brisbane and our border dealers often had a NSW cockie cross the border to buy a tractor without the added cost of a ROPS. Now we all know cockies are reputedly cheap but this really convinced me.

Another cockie bon mot was to do with one of the first six cylinder 100 hp Leyland tractors sold. The deal was done by the Dalby dealer and the two adult sons of the buyer came to Brisbane with the farm truck to pick it up. Real country boys, big as houses and slow talking. they were distressed to see the new tractor had a full lighting package as standard. They requested the work lights be removed before they took it away. They reckoned if dad saw the lights he would have them working 24 hours.
I can second that.... The better the lights the longer you work.... Driving a tractor at 1am in a pitch black and huge paddock of stubble gets rather spooky...

[Bigbjorn]

I can second that.... The better the lights the longer you work.... Driving a tractor at 1am in a pitch black and huge paddock of stubble gets rather spooky...

I don't think the boys were worried by the ghosts of worked and starved to death farm hands and murdered aboriginals. On a below zero Dalby winter's night they preferred the homestead fireplace with a stubby and TV to freezing their butts off ploughing the black soil plains.

[Dougal]

TEF20 and our 148 industrial had a massive loader frame with small bucket.
the tef had gravity tip over bucket and lift only hydrolics --3 point link locked in place.

too much load--wet chook poo -- see the front axle try to roll over and feet power steering.

I've just taken a loader off the 148 and put it up for sale. Big steel boomerangs for mounts but it was so long and heavy that traction was terrible. About 15 years ago a 1 ton concrete counterweight was added to the rear arms. This solved the traction issues but it really just put too much load on the tractor. Front axle pivot carriers broke, steering was very heavy and I think it even tweaked the sump (structural) on the 135 that the loader and counterweight was on previously.

A shorter loader and lighter counterweight would have been far more usable and suited the tractor better.
The kubota with a Pearson loader is a complete beast in comparison. The only problem is the narrow bucket on a wider tractor can't be seen when scooping. You could see the bucket on the 135 and 148's easily.


john deer euro bucket we use as a bumper bar on works slasher tractors.
dad just bought a 70hp kabuta with a challenger 4 in one that unstable.

Pics?

[disco2_dan]

Well not sure if this sucker has been mentioned but its a Leyland Tractor Model 245

3 Cylinder Perkins Diesel 45 HP, 2.5 L

I was thinking this for slashing and any bigger work

And get a little kubota for all the smaller jobs

[Dougal]

Well not sure if this sucker has been mentioned but its a Leyland Tractor Model 245

3 Cylinder Perkins Diesel 45 HP, 2.5 L

I was thinking this for slashing and any bigger work

And get a little kubota for all the smaller jobs
TractorData.com Leyland 245 tractor information (http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/0/8/1089-leyland-245.html)
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2548&context=tractormuseumlit

If it is the Perkins AD3.152 like the MF135 then you can't really go wrong with that. If the gearbox etc have survived this long then they must be reasonably robust.

[VladTepes]

I ahven;t read the thread (not all of it).

Is it really just for slashing?

Twooptions:

1. Buy a cool old Fordson and spend the $ restoring it !
2. Buy a series 1 - they had a PTO - and get a suitable slasher. Uber cool.

[Dougal]

2. Buy a series 1 - they had a PTO - and get a suitable slasher. Uber cool.

If landrover had put a perkins AD3-152 into a series 1, the world would be a better place.

[1950landy]

If landrover had put a perkins AD3-152 into a series 1, the world would be a better place.
friend of mine who comes from Malta tells me most of the series Landrovers in malta have perkins engines fitted:o

[Sitec]

Save the coins, leave the Leyland where it is, and buy a Kubota that's still compact enough to do all the smaller stuff, but gutsy enough to drive a 4' slasher....

[Dougal]

Save the coins, leave the Leyland where it is, and buy a Kubota that's still compact enough to do all the smaller stuff, but gutsy enough to drive a 4' slasher....

Kubotas in that size are rocking horse poo.

[350RRC]

Bought a MF 165 yesterday.

1300 hrs, probably original tyres in reasonable nick, only downside atm is a leak in the radiator.

Came with a crude hydraulic tilt trailer, 10 inch pto post hole digger, pto dozer attachment, elaborate bedding plough and an offset Jarrett plough. All a bit crusty. Don't need a slasher with what I'm doing.

$2k for the lot. :)

cheers, DL

[Dougal]

Well done.

[mick88]

Ferg 35x diesel or 135 diesel, outstanding tractors for their age, 45HP at the PTO and a two stage clutch as Baricat said earlier. Perkins AD3/152 is an exceptional motor, gutsy, reliable, starts easily, no glowing necessary, economical and spin a 5 foot slasher no problems. Alternatively a 35 or 135 petrol is a good tractor for that type of application, 135 probaly scarcer to find but both are cheaper to buy, however they will not give the economy of the Ferg diesel. I have both 135 petrol and diesel and they great tractors for hobby farm applications.

Cheers, Mick.

[NavyDiver]

Almost every farmer has a nice new or near new air conditioned cabin meaning so many very good tractors with out 'a nice air conditioned cabin" are sitting waiting for you at a great price. I like Fergies but after tow starting the diesel or aerostart on the petrol one we had to get them going more than once or twice. I would get to a few clearing sales or look at ex government ones perhaps.

grays online like International Harvester 684 4x2 Tractor & Howard Rotovator (Virginia, SA) Auction (0019-8001019) | GraysOnline Australia (http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0019-8001019/agriculture-and-tractors/international-harvester-684-4x2-tractor-howard-rotovator-virginia-sa'spr=true#/lot/0019-8001019)
or here with starting prices at about 2k Tractors - Search New & Used Tractors For Sale - farmmachinerysales.com.au (http://www.farmmachinerysales.com.au/buy/results.aspx?pkw=tractor&TabID=2612066&mkwid=szcbqwLBs&pdv=c&N=1552+1715+1712+1600+1602+1601+4294957658&pcrid=29663055729&plc=&pmt=b&Ns=p_StockHasPrice_Int32%7C1%7C%7Cp_StockPrice_Dec imal%7C0%7C%7Cp_StockRankSort_Int32%7C1&gclid=CKbq_JXSz7kCFc7DpAod0DkA6g)

here is one with a slasher under your budget http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Industry/Tractors-/Grey-Massey-Ferguson-Tractor/Longwarry/VIC/AdNumber=TP005628271

[Sitec]

Kubotas in that size are rocking horse poo.

You must have had a bad one... We are selling more this year than ever, and Kubota is now the No 1 biggest seller of smaller tractors in Oz. CNH and Deere are still holding first place with the broad acre boys in the high HP sector. Not for long tho... We have big Kubota's coming soon as they've just bought out Versatile..... :)

[Rick1970]

TractorData.com Leyland 245 tractor information (http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/0/8/1089-leyland-245.html)
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2548&context=tractormuseumlit

If it is the Perkins AD3.152 like the MF135 then you can't really go wrong with that. If the gearbox etc have survived this long then they must be reasonably robust.

Most tractor mechanics that I have talked to rate them right up there with Nuffields.

Walk away....fast.

[MR LR]

You must have had a bad one... We are selling more this year than ever, and Kubota is now the No 1 biggest seller of smaller tractors in Oz. CNH and Deere are still holding first place with the broad acre boys in the high HP sector. Not for long tho... We have big Kubota's coming soon as they've just bought out Versatile..... :)
What he meant is they are as rare as rocking horse poo... because it doesn't exist.

Can't imagine anyone knocking their quality!

Will

[digger]

New Versatile Kubota B26 TLB Offers Three Machines in One -- re> TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-versatile-kubota-b26-tlb-offers-three-machines-in-one-54175502.html)

is that what he refers to?

[isuzurover]

What he meant is they are as rare as rocking horse poo... because it doesn't exist.

Can't imagine anyone knocking their quality!

Will

Wouldn't knock their quality, however their parts prices...? I remember my uncle telling me (several years ago) his mate was quoted $25ea for a Kubota wheel nut. He checked his MF tractor and the threads were the same. MF wheel nuts were $2.75 new...

[Dougal]

Ferg 35x diesel or 135 diesel, outstanding tractors for their age, 45HP at the PTO and a two stage clutch as Baricat said earlier. Perkins AD3/152 is an exceptional motor, gutsy, reliable, starts easily, no glowing necessary, economical and spin a 5 foot slasher no problems. Alternatively a 35 or 135 petrol is a good tractor for that type of application, 135 probaly scarcer to find but both are cheaper to buy, however they will not give the economy of the Ferg diesel. I have both 135 petrol and diesel and they great tractors for hobby farm applications.

Cheers, Mick.

The 135 was 35hp at the pto at 540rpm. They put out a bit more at "std belt speed" which is a bit faster.
The 148 has a PTO geared lower (higher engine revs) and put out 42hp max out the PTO and about 39hp at 540rpm.

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2320&context=tractormuseumlit
TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 148 tractor information (http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/002/9/9/2990-massey-ferguson-148.html)

[MR LR]

Wouldn't knock their quality, however their parts prices...? I remember my uncle telling me (several years ago) his mate was quoted $25ea for a Kubota wheel nut. He checked his MF tractor and the threads were the same. MF wheel nuts were $2.75 new...
What do you think LR want for a wheel nut? (exactly the same as Kubota I think!)

[Sitec]

Kubota Searches for a Large Farm Machinery Match - DTN/The Progressive Farmer (http://www.dtnprogressivefarmer.com/dtnag/view/ag/printablePage.do?ID=BLOG_PRINTABLE_PAGE&bypassCache=true&pageLayout=v4&blogHandle=agequipment&blogEntryId=8a82c0bc3e43976e013e617bf3d40131&articleTitle=Kubota+Searches+for+a+Large+Farm+Mach inery+Match&editionName=DTNAgFreeSiteOnline)

Don't know if this'll work, but what I meant is Kubota are wanting to get into the big Broad Acre Market... and go head to head with CNH and Deere. The next few years will be interesting...

Re parts.. Kubota are now tied in with Krone, (a bit like Massey Ferguson, Iseki and Fendt)... and carry a lot more parts etc. there are a lot more out there now, so subsequently parts prices have come down a lot. All the engine parts are also available aftermarket now, and the likes of Bepco and BareCo are now starting to stock parts to suit.

We added another dead three yr old Chinese tractor to the scrap bin today and another New Kubota left the yard!:)

[Sitec]

What do you think LR want for a wheel nut? (exactly the same as Kubota I think!)


You are dead right.. They are the same thread, and now a pack of 4 will cost you $20 from Kubota. :). Sorry... Starting to sound like a salesman.. I'll shut up now!!

[Tote]

Kubota Searches for a Large Farm Machinery Match - DTN/The Progressive Farmer (http://www.dtnprogressivefarmer.com/dtnag/view/ag/printablePage.do?ID=BLOG_PRINTABLE_PAGE&bypassCache=true&pageLayout=v4&blogHandle=agequipment&blogEntryId=8a82c0bc3e43976e013e617bf3d40131&articleTitle=Kubota+Searches+for+a+Large+Farm+Mach inery+Match&editionName=DTNAgFreeSiteOnline)

Don't know if this'll work, but what I meant is Kubota are wanting to get into the big Broad Acre Market... and go head to head with CNH and Deere. The next few years will be interesting...



When we were in the US in 2014 there were more Kubota dealers in rural areas than JD or CNH.

Regards,
Tote