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Tractor For Small Farmer Circa 5K

  • 14-09-2015 8:27pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭


    Hi Guys,

    Looking for a tractor for the usual jobs on a small farm, something around 60-80 horse power. 2 wheel drive is fine.

    I'm going to bypass the mf165 and 185 as much as I love them, I want something different and a little more comfort as well as reliability.

    I like the look off Cases especially the 885XL, and some Ford's 4900 I think. Anyone for any other suggestions? I don't like Zetor or Ursus. I'm sure that are great but hey, we all dislike stuff for no rational reason and I won't be looking at them.

    Thanks a million.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭tanko


    I've a MF 590 here, it does anything I need done. Only downside is that it's slow on the road. Would you consider a 290, lots of them around here and a lot faster on the road.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭dave81


    Absolutely big 290 fan. Hard to get under 7.5k I thought,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 461 ✭✭mikefoxo


    590 is the way to go I think. Or for something a bit smaller you could try Ford 4600. Seem to be pretty good value atm http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/ford-4600/10227445?offset=16


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭tanko


    dave81 wrote: »
    Absolutely big 290 fan. Hard to get under 7.5k I thought,

    Oh, just after seeing your budget is €5K.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,158 ✭✭✭jimmy G M



    Good man Clough, I was just looking at the same ad myself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,158 ✭✭✭jimmy G M


    How about a case 1390 or 1394?, 1290 or 1294, They see to be a decent machine, can handle a round bale, economical, good cab & power steering and within the €5k budget

    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-1394/10166681

    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-david-brown-1290/10405148


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,264 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Go onto Done deal and search for tractors between 3500 and 5500. Some nice possibilities appear. There is an Inter 956, which if sound, would be a fine tool.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    A few points worth noting would be what sort of work you wish to do with the tractor and what sort of land ye have. If ye are in the south east then a big(ish) 2wd makes a lot of sense as they are generally cheaper than other models and you get a lot of bang for your buck a case international 956 is the perfect example of such a scenario.
    However their are many handier tractors to be had but 4wd will be a tough ask with your budget.
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-international-885xl/10313901?offset=17 Case ih 885xl hands down the most comfortable and well spec'd tractor in your price range. http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-international-885-xl/10184558?offset=21
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-ih-885/9866368?offset=12 savings to be had if you go for the stock man cab its a big step down though
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/intetnational-784/10342457?offset=29 IH 784 these are a grand tractor too

    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/david-brown-1490-2-wheel-drive/10395864?offset=14 DB1490 hard beat these for cab and bang for buck
    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-1394/10166681 DB1394 these are turbo charged and very light on diesel a 1494 is a serious machine for the money but are rarer and don't hang about long when up for sale
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/international-674/8014470?offset=11 IH 674 very nice tractor but may be too old? the 575 versions have an excellent perkins engine but are rare and usually dear
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/ford-4600/10227445?offset=13 Ford 4600 grand tractor and a nice cab a bit under powered when you take into account the case internationals and db's ya can get for the same money or less
    http://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/zetor-7211/10124577?offset=30 Zetor 7211 never right off zetor for a cheap and comfortable tractor a 8111 is another nice model with the crystal stylings.
    Also consider aircooled same and lamborghini's they are great tractors too but many are rough like wise fiat 880's.
    Before the massey men are up in arms, my view is that they are just too dam expensive for what they are! some great models but they are all accompanied with hefty price tags.
    If you are super vigilant and lucky you might get a 4wd mk1 IH885xl within budget but be ready to pounce when it comes up as it wont last long if its in good condition. Also a 4wd db1494 would be a great tractor but they are hard found and don't have as good a turning circle as the IH


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,724 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    We have an 885xl 4wd and an old DB996, the 885 is a great tractor out on the land. Light and good traction but it is a good bit harder in diesel than the old 996.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭dave81


    Many thanks all, some of you put a lot of thought into it, so thank you. Some fine options there. I'd probably go to 6K but cant go much higher as I need a topper, fertiliser shaker and a loader in due course.

    I'm not doing anything heavy with it at all and if it sees 100 hours a year, it will be doing well. I might mow a meadow every other year and that will be as hard as the pto will be tested. In due course might need a muck spreader.

    Main thing is that whatever I buy, can be flogged on in a few years for roughly the same price. Something well-minded and that someone took a bit of pride in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    dave81 wrote: »
    Many thanks all, some of you put a lot of thought into it, so thank you. Some fine options there. I'd probably go to 6K but cant go much higher as I need a topper, fertiliser shaker and a loader in due course.

    I'm not doing anything heavy with it at all and if it sees 100 hours a year, it will be doing well. I might mow a meadow every other year and that will be as hard as the pto will be tested. In due course might need a muck spreader.

    Main thing is that whatever I buy, can be flogged on in a few years for roughly the same price. Something well-minded and that someone took a bit of pride in.

    Well if thats the case why wouldn't you look at a clean square axel 165 ot 168 with power steering and stick in a new seat in her and that will surely hold its value


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,264 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Keep an eye out for a tractor already with a loader, then. David Brown/case 1490 etc have a very good "own brand" loader. Strong and simple.

    You rarely see a loader on an International 956, so even finding a second hand one with brackets to suit could be a problem.

    I bought this yoke a year ago for just on your budget, its been good so far.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    Nekarsulm wrote: »
    Keep an eye out for a tractor already with a loader, then. David Brown/case 1490 etc have a very good "own brand" loader. Strong and simple.

    You rarely see a loader on an International 956, so even finding a second hand one with brackets to suit could be a problem.

    I bought this yoke a year ago for just on your budget, its been good so far.

    What's the Same like Nek? What would ya compare it to?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    _Brian wrote: »
    We have an 885xl 4wd and an old DB996, the 885 is a great tractor out on the land. Light and good traction but it is a good bit harder in diesel than the old 996.

    Hard beat the ol browns when it comes to fuel economy although some zetors are misers aswell. I think a db case 1494 held the record for fuel economy in the over 80hp category in canada for nearly ten years I remember reading an article about it over on the david brown club website but can't find it anywhere now :( Although the IH 885 are thirstier than brown's and the likes they're not as bad as some of the other brands a good few MF's and ford's are found of the green stuff when under pressure.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,264 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    What's the Same like Nek? What would ya compare it to?


    Comparing it to a Fiat 90-90, they are pretty evenly matched. Both suffer the same kind of rust issues with the cab. Fiat cab cramped, Same spacious and room for a passenger to sit on the inner wings.
    Both have exact same type of 4wd system, high speed shaft running centrally and with no UJ's . Bit of an Italian speciality apparently.
    You can't adjust the steering wheel on the Same, you can on the Fiat.
    Fiat has a nicer gearbox, more logical and car like. Same has better hydraulics.
    The Same has two completely separate hydraulic systems. The spool valves have their own pump, and use the gearbox oil. The 3 point lift has its own pump and separate oil reservoir. You can use spools and linkage at the same time therefore, you can't with the fiat.
    Same steering lighter and a tighter lock than the Fiat (not a difficult task)!
    PTO on Same is hydraulic pack, dry clutch with hand lever on Fiat.
    The Same has a lever at the back that lets you select 540 or 1000 rev. PTO, my Fiat doesn't. Instead it has a PITA system where you unbolt the PTO stub and insert a piece of bolt to get 1000 rpm.
    Electrics the same on both, mainly bought in from Magnetti-Marelli.
    Same is noisier, being air cooled. But you have no Radiator, Thermostat, water pump or frost worries.
    The Fiat just about comes out ahead, as the gearbox is better, but then the Same is probably 40% cheaper to buy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 904 ✭✭✭yourpics


    Fiat 680 / 780 / 880

    **End of Discussion**


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    Getting a nice one at the op's money is the problem though. If I was given the choice of a kncakered fiat for 4k that a contractor has had on a wrapper fro the last 20 years or a clean IH 885xl that a farmer has had for 5k I know which one I'd be choosing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    Nekarsulm wrote: »
    Comparing it to a Fiat 90-90, they are pretty evenly matched. Both suffer the same kind of rust issues with the cab. Fiat cab cramped, Same spacious and room for a passenger to sit on the inner wings.
    Both have exact same type of 4wd system, high speed shaft running centrally and with no UJ's . Bit of an Italian speciality apparently.
    You can't adjust the steering wheel on the Same, you can on the Fiat.
    Fiat has a nicer gearbox, more logical and car like. Same has better hydraulics.
    The Same has two completely separate hydraulic systems. The spool valves have their own pump, and use the gearbox oil. The 3 point lift has its own pump and separate oil reservoir. You can use spools and linkage at the same time therefore, you can't with the fiat.
    Same steering lighter and a tighter lock than the Fiat (not a difficult task)!
    PTO on Same is hydraulic pack, dry clutch with hand lever on Fiat.
    The Same has a lever at the back that lets you select 540 or 1000 rev. PTO, my Fiat doesn't. Instead it has a PITA system where you unbolt the PTO stub and insert a piece of bolt to get 1000 rpm.
    Electrics the same on both, mainly bought in from Magnetti-Marelli.
    Same is noisier, being air cooled. But you have no Radiator, Thermostat, water pump or frost worries.
    The Fiat just about comes out ahead, as the gearbox is better, but then the Same is probably 40% cheaper to buy.

    Thanks Nek. Was always wondering why they were so cheap to buy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,724 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    The other thing is say to OP is unless your on REAL dry land consider 4wd.

    Can travel ground without issue in the early/late shoulders of the year which can be a real bonus.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭dave81


    Fiat's are lovely to drive but would need 10k to get a minded one. I would love a nice 80 90.

    The same is a serious bargain. Great reviews on the old ones. I'll get away without a 4wd as land is dry and on a slight incline. I'm worried about trouble with 4wd in older tractors. They might not have been built great back then. 4wd are generally bought and put to heavy work. I saw some smashing deutz DX for 8k, in super order.

    One with a loader would be ideal. A nice old man's tractor is what I'm after, where the only time the pto was used was when he moved it with the bag of messages by accident! The case appears to be coming up trumps on most fronts. DBs I never considered, I always thought they were no good, but you know what they say about assumptions. They are also a great possibility. Great word for them.

    Thanks all. I better go sell a few cattle and around xmas I'll post up a photo of whatever hardship i buy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,767 ✭✭✭White Clover


    Op, I'd agree with the others in recommending a 1494. However, If I were you I'd take a look at that Zetor 7211 for sale in Waterford on done deal (can't link as on phone ). Asking 5k, it will be bought for a bit less. Bombproof, comfortable and light on juice. And before anyone says it :-). All parts for renewing the brakes can be got for €300 from main dealer. That's shoes, master cylinders, slave cylinders, handbrake bands and pipes. Also includes seals to prevent oil from back axle leaking into the brakes. Brakes will last 15 years if used regularly but not dogged stopping trailers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    Op, I'd agree with the others in recommending a 1494. However, If I were you I'd take a look at that Zetor 7211 for sale in Waterford on done deal (can't link as on phone ). Asking 5k, it will be bought for a bit less. Bombproof, comfortable and light on juice. And before anyone says it :-). All parts for renewing the brakes can be got for €300 from main dealer. That's shoes, master cylinders, slave cylinders, handbrake bands and pipes. Also includes seals to prevent oil from back axle leaking into the brakes. Brakes will last 15 years if used regularly but not dogged stopping trailers.

    +1 The link for it is in my first post on page 1 of this thread, it looks a very clean tractor and they have a great cab, also it has a nice handy loader on it so that's always a plus as long as all the front axle is in good order! Also it would definitely be bought for less than 5k provided the seller is genuinely interested in selling. A 4wd 7745 turbo of that era is a tractor I've always admired we nearly bought one about 5 years ago but it was just out of our price range at the time, not sure if they've come down much since but they are a rare enough tractor so finding one for sale can be tough.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 740 ✭✭✭IH784man


    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/international-784-44/9666948 At this stage it's probably gone but I think there an underated tractor


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,724 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    IH784man wrote: »
    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/international-784-44/9666948 At this stage it's probably gone but I think there an underated tractor

    Sweet looking machine there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    IH784man wrote: »
    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/international-784-44/9666948 At this stage it's probably gone but I think there an underated tractor

    You would :-);-):-D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,555 ✭✭✭Limestone Cowboy


    IH784man wrote: »
    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/international-784-44/9666948 At this stage it's probably gone but I think there an underated tractor

    No lift arms??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    No lift arms??

    Something I don't like to see when buying a tractor but who knows he may have them left one side if not IH lift arms from any model pre 1990 are generally interchangeable so sourcing replacements would be handy. All that is trivial if for instance the lift was f*#ked but everyone should know that when buying a 2nd hand tractor no stone should be left unturned when checking over the tractors mechanicals


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 740 ✭✭✭IH784man


    You would :-);-):-D

    Are you saying I'm biased??:o


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    IH784man wrote: »
    Are you saying I'm biased??:o

    Not at all....your a massive JD fan sure!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    IH784man wrote: »
    Are you saying I'm biased??:o

    Sure weren't you selling the man a pup with no lift arms! !;-)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 740 ✭✭✭IH784man


    Not at all....your a massive JD fan sure!

    Couldn't beat a nice Deere either like,just though she might do his job alright but no lift arms are a down side


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,741 ✭✭✭CloughCasey1


    IH784man wrote: »
    Couldn't beat a nice Deere either like,just though she might do his job alright but no lift arms are a down side

    I agree. Lads like to have to have the big names and wouldn't look twice at a Same, zetor or International but if they do the job and don't give trouble what is the point of having an oversized, overpowered and overpriced wagon sitting idle half the week looking pretty!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,891 ✭✭✭Bullocks


    IH784man wrote: »
    Couldn't beat a nice Deere either like,just though she might do his job alright but no lift arms are a down side

    If everything is right I think that 784 is a good buy aswell . We had an 884 2wd years ago and it was a great tractor to go , the only thing I could fault it on was the gears were a bit tricky in the high low reverse


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    I agree. Lads like to have to have the big names and wouldn't look twice at a Same, zetor or International but if they do the job and don't give trouble what is the point of having an oversized, overpowered and overpriced wagon sitting idle half the week looking pretty!

    +1 case didn't buy out international and david brown for nothing they both pioneered technologies that were way ahead of their time and made quite a few memorable tractors. When going for low budget 2nd hand tractors following a badge blindly is a fools practice it really should come down to value for money and condition. At the time we bought our 4wd 885xl we would have loved to get a fiat 80-90 but we just couldn't justify the price of a wide cab model so the 885xl won out and we've not looked back since. Every tractor has their merits and drawbacks it's really all down to the individual situation in the end.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 740 ✭✭✭IH784man


    Every tractor has their merits and drawbacks it's really all down to the individual situation in the end.

    Or the abuse it got previous to your ownership and the name you'll give it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,264 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    The 784 is a good tractor, but that Kimco Japanese front axle with the side drive was a low point in Inter's 4wd offerings.
    Not liked at all.
    If the axle blew up, it would be handier to change it back to 2wd than search for Kimco parts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,055 ✭✭✭selectamatic


    @Nekarsulm
    Usually pretty reliable though as long as its kept serviced it's lack of servicing and constant road work that kills them but as you say parts would be tough to find. The ZF axle in the 85 series were by in large much more heavy duty also offered superior steering lock but again the outer "spider" links do suffer if not maintained. Also worth noting 4wd engagement happens mechanically via a lever in 4wd mk1 885's but in mk2 and mk3 editions it's done electronically so if there are any issues with the latter it's generally just a solenoid, still not as reliable as the mechanical way but made more sense during production and was the way forward really when it came to adopting new technologies.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 Fermboy


    Anyone know about the new same virtus 100? What kinda reviews are they getting?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 223 ✭✭dave81


    And the winner is.... International 785XL.

    Small money, less than 4k, starts runs and drives really well and never seen hardship. Good lift and pto. Need to fix indicators and sunroof and a few other bits and bobs, but overall pleased.

    donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/sold-international-785-xl-sold/10602689


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭Miname


    dave81 wrote: »
    And the winner is.... International 785XL.

    Small money, less than 4k, starts runs and drives really well and never seen hardship. Good lift and pto. Need to fix indicators and sunroof and a few other bits and bobs, but overall pleased.

    donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/sold-international-785-xl-sold/10602689
    best of luck with it, there a great tractor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,129 ✭✭✭✭patsy_mccabe


    That cab looks cosy.
    Try and get a Shop Manual for it if you can. Fierce handy thing to have.


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