Buying an Old Tractor for Your Small Farm

Buying an old tractor for your small farm can be a daunting task; there are so many brands and types of tractors available. I'll walk you through the basic differences in horsepower, hydraulic systems, PTO (power takeoff) systems, and drawbar systems available on old tractors. I'll also talk about how to select the right old tractor for your farm based on the jobs you need it to do.

[JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hey all, I intended this video to be a broad and simple introduction for those unfamiliar with old tractors. I would love to do some more educational videos delving into more detail on specific topics about old tractors and what to look for to find one that best meets your needs, how different parts of them work, etc. I need feedback in order to know what the best topics would be. What topics would you like covered? Please leave your feedback here!

[joehovanec]

You're a good person Pete. This country could use more people like you.

[rbtractorman]

Just a quick note: To add to what Pete shared in this video, one thing to consider when buying a tractor is the type of attachments and how often you may use them. Working in a rental yard, I work with customers all day who moved to the area, bought a small farm, went and spent 20, 000 on a tractor, and even more for implements. But in then end they still give us a call at the rental yard because they didn't purchase the one implement they needed. Often times that is a backhoe attachment. You could easily spent 5-8, 000 on a backhoe attachment that you may only use a couple time a year. So in that case, it may not be a good return on your investment especially when you can go to a rental yard and rent a bobcat excavator for a weekend for around $300.00. The other aspect would also be service and maintenance of an piece of equipment. generally attachments will require more maintenance then the tractor. I love my antique tractors and use them when ever possible, but sometimes, especially in the case of needing to dig with a hoe, its just easier and more efficient to go rent a piece of equipment for that intended purpose. I full heartedly aggrege with Pete about using an older tractor for your homestead and this is why: 1.) With an old tractor you will find that there is just certain things about it, such as how much choke it likes to start. 2.) with the simplicity of operation, you will find that others in your family, even younger people will be able to operate it. 3.) You will build a bond with that tractor, learning its limitations and what it can and cannot do. In all its just like adding another member to your family. Be careful though... As I am sure Pete will agree with, you will fall in love with your tractor, and before long, it will have a sibling sitting next to it in the barn!... Thanks Pete!

[srmuffett]

Farm born and raised I still have a great affection for the smaller simpler tractors and a desire to get back to the farm! Those tractors are simple to maintain and work on and cheap to purchase. Many now want to start out with a new tractor with a multitude of attachments, problem is you can only use one attachment at the time. I am an advocate of having multiple older tractors with each dedicated to a particular job or two. If one breaks down, just move to another for the time being. Many of us can take a lesson from you on that, you are rebuilding/repairing one of your tractors right now, yet your whole operation did not cease because you took one tractor out of service. Every tractor has a job and every job has a tractor and you have spent probably less than if you had bought a new tractor with multiple attachments. Great videos Pete, I enjoy living vicariously through you till I can get back on the Farm!

[lennyabo]

Love my old 8N. I have a rear scoop, and some other attachments. Even with it’s limitations I love the cheap price tag and the ability to work on it without a computer and software. Great video,

[dougssemi-retiredlife]

I think one thing that people like about certain YouTube channels is when it really captures their attention and it's very hard to keep the attention of some people but your channel you go in depth of whatever you do and a lot of people like that whether it's the cows chickens your business the tractors the going of around and telling each part that you take off the tractor people like in depth you're doing a fine job I like farming but I also like auto mechanics say you got me hooked

[deercreeker]

Pete; I just wanted to write you a note to communicate how much I enjoy your programming. I grew up on a farm in Iowa in the 1950-60s. Much of what you do reminds me of how it was during my youth. Today, the Iowa farm operation is operated my brother and it has grown tremendously as a grain operation. The cows, pigs and chickens and related chores are in the ancient past. Fortunately, I get to go home and be a kid again when I watch your posts. You are appreciated.

[azimus]

Best 13 minutes of education I had all year. Just explaining what a live PTO is enhanced my knowledge today - thank you Pete!

[morekare]

Sir, I appreciate you more than I can say. Having been stressed greatly for some months now, over which tractor to buy, with no experience or knowledge about tractors, you are a true God send. You've just put my mind at ease. I still question exactly which make/model but I now understand which size I can use and know I can make this work. Thank you. May God generously bless you and yours. Sincerely, KenKaren from TX flat lands :)

[NotOnYourLife]

When we started our little hobby farm I looked at a lot of old and older tractors. Virtually every one of them would need work and since we started with raw land and no infrastructure I skipped over that idea. We bought a new Mahindra 30 hp with loader, box blade, shredder and I found some vintage implements to go with it (plow, bedder and post hole digger. Six years later we have cleared land and have all of the infrastructure in place. We built a working hobby farm and though I have beat the snot out of the little Mahindra (Mitsubishi) it has had zero failures other than battery cables. I am not sure I could have made an older tractor do what I have made this little tractor do and have it survive. We paid $265 a month for the tractor and it is paid off now.

I still want an older tractor to play with, but for us the new tractor was a very wise investment. Since I have not yet found my old tractor, I get to live vicariously through you Pete. Thank you for this series and all of your videos, it does make a difference to many of us to see your life and benefit from your experience.

[donaldwallace]

At home we had almost every brand you mentioned on your list other than Allis Chalmers. My Dad ran a truck farm, and aside from the big tractor we had for plowing and discing, which was an Oliver 1655, all our tractors were similar to what you have Pete in horse power range. We used a Super C Farmall for planting....It had a belly mounted 2 row planter. We also had a Super A Farmall which was primarily used for cultivation. We did have one odd balll....A German made Holder, model AG3 articulated tractor that we used for roto tilling, and for pulling our transplanter, because it had really slow creeper gears that worked great for both applications. That tractor had a two cycle Diesel....Noisy little devil, but it put out 34 horse power.
Great information Pete, for anyone starting out, even us collectors!! Have a great day Pete!!

[jakeschroeder]

Having used both transmission driven and live PTO, I can say that even for just mowing fields live PTO is SO MUCH EASIER!!

[paulbernander]

My 1976 JD 401C industrial tractor has an unusual, but very serviceable "dual-clutch" PTO. Pressing the clutch pedal half way down disengages the ground drive, and pressing all the way down also then disengages the PTO. Works great for the three-point rotary mower.

[jerrylehnertz]

I really enjoy your videos. I grew up around a number of 1950-1970 green tractors, so I can relate to your bias/preference comments. I really like the way you are able to explain/articulate in very clear and simple terms the various things that you convey. You are able to dumb-down things without making the viewer feel dumb. Thanks again and always look forward to your new vids.

[jakeschroeder]

Feedback for topics to talk about that tractor newcomers might not know:
--How to use a diff lock to get unstuck when you don't have 4 wheel drive
--How to use a split brake to turn very sharply
--How and when to use wheel weights
--How/if to fill tires with calcium chloride
--How to combine range and gear selector for optimal speed with an implement
--How to properly adjust a three point hitch (top link and side angle of drawbars)
--How to safely jack up one side of an offset tractor so it doesn't tip (Farmall Cub, A, etc.)

[BRAN_Poultry]

I would recommend a tractor with a front end loader...their handier than a shirt pocket, i don't know how i ever got along without one lol

[MyNameIsChristBringsASword]

I can never get enough of watching a hay baler working in the field I feel like I'm accomplishing something.

[johncarman]

Hi Pete. I watch your videos regularly from the Charente region of South West France . I moved to France four years ago from the UK when I retired after spending my working life as a John Deere Engineer, (Nine years ) and then a Motor Engineer until my retirement. Recently I have bought and renovated a 1954 Massey Harris Pony 812 petrol (Gas) 😁😂which is French built. Watching you working on the old tractors inspired me to dust off my old tools and return to my roots as an Agricultural Engineer. Please keep up the fantastic informative work.

[LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I love my old Farmall tractors. My favorites are versions of the Super C with the Fast Hitch. If you get a 3-point adapter you can connect to “most” modern implements. They’re easy to get parts for, easy to work on, and are a joy to own. They have live hydraulic power and with an overrunning clutch, are great for rotary mowing. Thanks Pete. I enjoy your videos and your book
-Tom

[tommcmillan]

Great video Pete! My Dad with my Grandpa bought a 1940 H in 1970 and we have been using it ever since. For many years it was our only tractor. My Dad and Grandpa have long since passed away, fortunately the old tractor stayed in the family, my brother and I have acquired newer John Deeres, Fords and Farmalls but he and I always favor jumping back on the H when ever we can. No other tractor that we have works so well in the woods skidding logs out in the mud and snow. It's so reliable, stable, maneuverable, great visibility, perfectly geared and just the right amount of power. My Dad put new rubber on it in 1971 and this year we finally replaced the tires when one finally blew its brine out. Ditto on liking Red tractors because that is what you grew up with! Regarding future topics, our 1940 H has a small gasoline tank, big distillate (I think) tank and a shutter mechanism with part of that removed now. It would be interesting to know how that system once worked and what happened to distillate fuel and when did farmers stop using it?