Thread: Tractor talk

We bought a 100HP Fiat that is about 1982 vintage. Keeping it running is OK once we fixed all the bits that had been neglected over the years and it has been a good buy. The only problem is that if a major component like a gearbox or diff let go you have a real decision to make whether to scrap it and move on or spend more money on a tractor that won't ever be worth more than you paid for it.
Newer tractors will have nicer cabs, more hydraulic ports and will use less fuel but they are also more complicated to repair. What do you need the HP for, Drawbar or PTO? or just more weight and traction?
What price range are you looking at? I think our Fiat was about $14K and we've probably spent another $3k on it in three and a half years although most of that was when we first got it. I'd be nervous about anything with more than about 5000 hours unless it has evidence of rebuild work being done.

Regards,
Tote

I need the HP for the PTO. We want to up-grade to a 1.8 - 2.1 meter flail mower that can handle large prunings and most recommend 80 - 90 HP.

I'd be happy to keep the weight down if I could, but the old big engine tractors start to weigh in at over 4 tonnes. So although it is a consideration it is not the major one. Price wise we are looking between $15K - $20K.

Getting to be a few years ago now, but my 1969 Chamberlain 306 in that power range cost $3200. Like you, it does not see a lot of use, but hasn't cost that much either.

Only repairs have been a clutch, a radiator hose, a couple of batteries and a pair of rear tyres, plus regular filters etc. Have just bought a new cutting edge for the blade - its major use is grading my roads.

John

Something like this?



2.25 Chinese flail, has been OK considering what we have asked it to do.

Same paddock (looking the other way ) 12 months later....



Regards,
Tote

Hi Tote,
That is exactly what we are looking to do. We have some scrub to clear before we plant trees and then we need to keep the grass down and deal with the pruning.

What type and where did you get your flail mower from?

We bought ours from Diesel Traders - Australia. Kubota Tractors, TYM Tractors, engines, generators. Agricultural implements via ebay. Bill at dieseltraders was very good to deal with.
The safety guard on the front of the mower lasted approximately 5 minutes and I broke the input shaft on the gearbox after about 50 hours, this was replaced under warranty without issue.
I looked at the Italian flail mowers but considering they were nearly double the price and the 300 acres I needed to slash we decided to go with a cheapie and replace or rebuild it as necessary.

Regards,
Tote

Dependant on you're budget, an older John Deere 2wd would be the go for you. Bags of power, cheep hp for the money, simple and fairly reliable. I traded a 4440 Front Wheel Asist recently on a Fendt. 150hp tractor, and it sold last week for $10000. We dynoed it and it had nearer 200hp at the shaft so someone had had a 'play'. If your budget is low, something like this would be the go....

JOHN DEERE 2030 | Heavy, Farming & Agriculture Equipment | Gumtree Australia Northern Midlands - Cressy | 1089948088

I am leaning towards 4wd as I do a lot of work on my own and have nearly got bogged a couple of times. Unfortunately 4wd tractors cost a bit more.