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Posted: 8/23/2017 10:23:10 AM EST
[#1]
Anything bigger than a garden tractor, you want diesel.
Its nice to standardize on things, but diesel stores very well. |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 10:34:33 AM EST
[#2]
Older antique tractors do, like an old Ford or Farmall.
If you're doing any serious work just go diesel. |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 10:38:37 AM EST
[#3]
Diesel +Kubota
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Posted: 8/23/2017 10:47:06 AM EST
[#4]
It's already been said but I would highly suggest going diesel over gas for the storage and longevity of the machine. I recently purchased a Massey Ferguson 68HP subcompact tractor and I have used it for almost
everything one could during the summer months. So far, I don't have any complaints. It's truly not all that much extra work to have a couple of six gallon diesel cans around. |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 10:50:18 AM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Diesel +Kubota |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 12:52:26 PM EST
[#6]
There is a reason nobody makes gas tractors anymore.
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Posted: 8/23/2017 1:16:59 PM EST
[#7]
Worked at a Ford/New Holland dealership in high school as a shop hand and grew up on a farm as well. We had diesel Ford and New Holland tractors. But now own New Holland and Kubota.
We had a number of gas tractors come thru the dealership, all older models from the 50s-60s seams like. They were all great tractors but lacked in horse power & weight. Seams like the mechanics told me that gas tractors would run hotter than a diesel. And would give fits if working the machine hard on a hot day. I have no idea if that is true. My fire chief has a older diesel John Deere and he will run Jet-A, Kero & used motor oil in his. He said the motor with 100% oil makes it run kinda hot so he cuts the ratio down to like 50/50 Jet-A & used oil. He manages a small airport and every 6 months to a year they have to drain in the Jet-A tanks and he gets whatever is left and places it in a settling tank at his house. He also has a farm and heavy equipment that is where he gets the used oil from. My suggestion is look for a 50-75 horse power tractor, New I would go with Kubota used I would go with a older Ford. Once you drop below a 50-45 horse tractor you dont have much more than a expensive residential lawn tractor. My father has 2 farms one of which is 200 acres and all we have is 75 HP tractors ( I think the kubota is more). We have 3210 bushhogs and the 75HP New Hollands pull them just fine. If you are plowing large amounts I would jump up to 100-130Hp. Also It maybe cheaper to just lease your farm per year and let it be someone else problem. |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 1:20:02 PM EST
[#8]
As stated lots of older tractors run on gas. The biggest issue is new ethanol gas is crap. USLD is not a lot better. I have owned 2 gas tractors and sold both for more than I paid. I will say the next one I buy will be a Kubota.
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Posted: 8/23/2017 1:36:09 PM EST
[#9]
My uncle has had a 60's John Deere 2010 gasser forever. Never heard of him having any real problems with it. Works fine for lighter duty stuff (snow removal, pulling wagons), no doubt diesel is far superior though.
It was pretty nice when when we were kids, as we could always go steal gas out of it for our dirt bikes. Ha |
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Posted: 8/23/2017 11:50:58 PM EST
[#10]
Old 8N would do fine for maintaining a drive way, planting a garden, and running a bush hog. If you need a loader bucket then get a skid steer. It more compact and maneuverable than a tractor. You can also put about anything on the front of a skid steer that you can put on the 3point of a small tractor. Bush hog, tiller, blade, ect.
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Posted: 8/24/2017 11:04:02 AM EST
[#11]
I honestly don't think theres new Gasoline powered tractors out there. So I think your going to have to go to the used market and most of them are at least 40 years old. I'd look at a compact 35-45hp range tractor with a loader for that many acres. The loader is excellent for stacking brush moving rocks and hauling firewood. As stated above diesel has a better shelf life than gas. The thing about owning a tractor is you find more and more chores to do.
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Posted: 8/24/2017 11:29:06 AM EST
[#12]
You want to know something OP?
Unless you need ground engaging capability or a HUGE finish mower (which means turf tires on your tractor which make it worthless for pretty much anything else), look into getting a skidsteer instead. They are INSANELY handy, and unless you need to put a plow in the ground, they will do everything a tractor/loader will do and more, and about 1000% more efficiently. |
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Posted: 8/27/2017 8:21:52 PM EST
[#13]
For infrequent hobby type use, light trail maintenance, large garden, food plots, firewood hauling, etc, all the manufacturers made gasoline engine models into the 1970s. Ford 3000, and similar size MF, Deere, etc. If older equipment is suitable for your needs I sure wouldn't let storing diesel turn me off the right used machine at the right price though.
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Posted: 8/28/2017 6:25:00 AM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You want to know something OP? Unless you need ground engaging capability or a HUGE finish mower (which means turf tires on your tractor which make it worthless for pretty much anything else), look into getting a skidsteer instead. They are INSANELY handy, and unless you need to put a plow in the ground, they will do everything a tractor/loader will do and more, and about 1000% more efficiently. |
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Posted: 8/28/2017 6:46:45 AM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There is a reason nobody makes gas tractors anymore. |
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Posted: 8/28/2017 7:19:22 AM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why would you be looking for a gas tractor anyway? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
There is a reason nobody makes gas tractors anymore. 
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Posted: 8/28/2017 7:25:17 AM EST
[#17]
OP I can certainly understand wanting to maintain fuel commonality but the benifits of a moderns diesel utility tractor far outweigh maintaining one type of fuel, for me anyway.
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Posted: 8/28/2017 7:37:41 AM EST
[#18]
Get past the gas/diesel barrier and go diesel for your tractor. You'll be much happier, have a better machine, and use less fuel.
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Posted: 8/28/2017 8:28:47 AM EST
[#19]
I've run my share of old gas tractors. If you want dependable, go diesel.
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Posted: 8/28/2017 11:32:28 AM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I do plan on putting in food plots for deer hunting. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You want to know something OP? Unless you need ground engaging capability or a HUGE finish mower (which means turf tires on your tractor which make it worthless for pretty much anything else), look into getting a skidsteer instead. They are INSANELY handy, and unless you need to put a plow in the ground, they will do everything a tractor/loader will do and more, and about 1000% more efficiently. 
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Posted: 8/28/2017 12:49:49 PM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Unless your starting from pasture/grassland for your plots, you may want the skidsteer for clearing the land anyway. Plus, you can get/rent a tiller for a skidsteer Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
You want to know something OP? Unless you need ground engaging capability or a HUGE finish mower (which means turf tires on your tractor which make it worthless for pretty much anything else), look into getting a skidsteer instead. They are INSANELY handy, and unless you need to put a plow in the ground, they will do everything a tractor/loader will do and more, and about 1000% more efficiently. One downside to a skidsteer is if you have a nice lawn, they will tear it up more than a tractor when turning. You can make gentle turns to minimize it and something on rubber tracks will help. |
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Posted: 8/28/2017 2:23:25 PM EST
[#22]
for a hobby farm, can I just get by with a UTV and skip having a tractor entirely?
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Posted: 8/28/2017 2:57:04 PM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
for a hobby farm, can I just get by with a UTV and skip having a tractor entirely? I own 40 acres with woods,,and I can't survive without 2 tractors, a bobcat, and a bulldozer. Just buy the land and then buy equipment as you need it. My utv is diesel |
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Posted: 8/30/2017 7:20:38 AM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
for a hobby farm, can I just get by with a UTV and skip having a tractor entirely? |
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Posted: 8/30/2017 8:40:57 PM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would say no. If it was one or the other get a good FWA utility tractor with loader. With that many acres I would honestly get both the tractor and UTV. What is a FWA utility tractor ? |
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Posted: 8/30/2017 8:48:29 PM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Apologize in advance for my ignorance but What is a FWA utility tractor ? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I would say no. If it was one or the other get a good FWA utility tractor with loader. With that many acres I would honestly get both the tractor and UTV. What is a FWA utility tractor ? |
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Posted: 8/30/2017 9:22:13 PM EST
[#27]
My grandpa farmed a few hundred acres with a fleet of these until the late 90's.
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Posted: 8/30/2017 9:50:14 PM EST
[#28]
gas is going to make a comeback. EMISSIONS have the diesel engine makers fed up. Kubota announced that they are working on a high HP gas engine, becuase the new diesel emissions targets coming out of europe are unworkabe. heck the air coing out of the exhaust of most of these engines is probably cleaner than what went in.
that said, id buy a diesel ih 574 with a loader, and it would probaby do what you needed yes, i think man made global warming is a farce also. |
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Posted: 8/30/2017 10:00:34 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
gas is going to make a comeback. EMISSIONS have the diesel engine makers fed up. Kubota announced that they are working on a high HP gas engine, becuase the new diesel emissions targets coming out of europe are unworkabe. heck the air coing out of the exhaust of most of these engines is probably cleaner than what went in. that said, id buy a diesel ih 574 with a loader, and it would probaby do what you needed yes, i think man made global warming is a farce also. 
ETA...you are right though, in some places the air out of the exhaust is now cleaner than what comes into the intake. In some urban bus applications around the world there are diesel powered busses that actually clean the air. |
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Posted: 10/22/2017 3:43:12 PM EST
[#30]
Gas sucks. I would convert all my small engines to Diesel if it were possible. Ethanol is the biggest scam ever.
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Posted: 10/22/2017 8:16:45 PM EST
[#31]
OP, if you're near nixa, I know where a gas tractor (not sure of brand) is for sale for $3500. It's been sitting out for over a year for sale, and no buyers. Belonged to my former next door neighbors, I've seen it run, not sure why it hasn't sold yet.
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Posted: 10/23/2017 8:56:36 AM EST
[#32]
I've decided to go diesel since there must be a reason for the trend.
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Posted: 10/23/2017 9:49:26 AM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You want to know something OP? Unless you need ground engaging capability or a HUGE finish mower (which means turf tires on your tractor which make it worthless for pretty much anything else), look into getting a skidsteer instead. They are INSANELY handy, and unless you need to put a plow in the ground, they will do everything a tractor/loader will do and more, and about 1000% more efficiently.
If you are handy, you can find old tractors for decent prices and fix it up. $2,500 for this without cutter.  Attached FileThe dirty gas ford on the left was $2,000 
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Posted: 10/23/2017 10:59:19 AM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would kill myself if I had to bushhog with a skid steer.
If you are handy, you can find old tractors for decent prices and fix it up. $2,500 for this without cutter. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/221518/19814246_10155690813329131_716502900_o-341636.JPG The dirty gas ford on the left was $2,000 https://i.imgur.com/36MvKpK.jpg |
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Posted: 10/23/2017 3:22:22 PM EST
[#35]
Not trying to be an ass, but 80-160 acres is a lot to maintain, depending on trees, roads, pasture, etc.
Even if it's just trees, you will need a tractor with a mower and front end loader to keeps the roads clear and the fallen limbs, trees out of the roads. If you have pasture it will have to be mowed or sprayed or both unless there is livestock. When I was a kid we did it with a 30hp gas tractor on 25 acres, but EVERY time we got a chance to get a bigger tractor it paid for itself. I now have a 75 horse Massey with 4WD, and would sell my left cod before I'd do without it or a similar tractor. |
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Posted: 10/25/2017 8:10:43 PM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would kill myself if I had to bushhog with a skid steer.
If you are handy, you can find old tractors for decent prices and fix it up. $2,500 for this without cutter. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/221518/19814246_10155690813329131_716502900_o-341636.JPG The dirty gas ford on the left was $2,000 https://i.imgur.com/36MvKpK.jpg If the ethanol scam ever goes away, I think gas will be viable again. Lot of farming was done with gas tractors in the first 2/3 of the last century. It is the gummy corn syrup in modern gas that has screwed it up, IMO. (Yes, I know there is not actual corn syrup in gasoline. ) |
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Posted: 10/25/2017 8:18:52 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
for a hobby farm, can I just get by with a UTV and skip having a tractor entirely? The guys who have the little Kubota tractors with the FEL and the hoe on the back...those seem like the PERFECT land manager for a hobby farm, to me. The real farmers will be doing the real farming, but you will have work that needs done. There are several really excellent threads within the last two years that address the kinds of issues you are facing. I know you can't search the archives (at least I think you can't, since you'er not a team member) but if you have specific questions, drop me an IM and I'll see if I can do an archive search for you. |
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Posted: 10/30/2017 4:45:52 PM EST
[#38]
All I have is gas tractors, there are four in my fleet. 1946, 1947, 1950 and 1953 model years. I farm my 10 acres with them and get along great. Time to push snow in the driveway, they crack right off with no ether or engine heater, let them warm up a bit while you break the ice off the other controls.
When I first bought my place I plowed under the tired hay field to go to row crop. Pulling a 3-14 plow with my 1953 Allis-Chalmers WD-45 in heavy black soil/clay and 30 year old grass sod that was almost too wet to plow I burned about 1.5 gal/hr... not too bad for "economy". I do avoid ethanol at all costs although if it doesn't sit long I can get along fine with it. The '45 carries a cool blue flame out the exhaust at night under a load running it. If it sits long in the '46 JD B I have to drain the alcohol that separates out of the carb bowl before it would start. Being an all fuel it had 6.5:1 compression when it was new... and it ain't new anymore. Need more than that to run on straight alcohol. |
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