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Well, I"m no expert, as I"m just getting into it myself, but I"ve been around this site for around a year now, and done a lot of reading, so I"ll tell you what I know. First off, decide what you want this tractor for? Farm work? Gardening? Shows? Pulling? These are all legitimate reasons for owning a tractor, but depending on what your answer is, the choice will be different. If it"s for farm work, make it something with some of the modern conveniences of newer tractors, like three-point hitch, live hydraulics/PTO (they keep working with the clutch pressed in), etc. Also make sure it has sufficient size/horsepower to power/pull the equipment that you want to use. If it"s for small gardening work, a small tractor, like an N-series Ford, or for very small work, a garden tractor would be better, for example, an old Cub Cadet. If it"s for shows, your choice doesn"t really matter, as long as it is something that you can transport. A tractor that weighs two tons is fine for shows, but you have to have a truck and trailer that can handle it. If it"s for pulling, your choices, once again, are wide open. There are (usually) different classes for different weights of tractors, and whether they are stock or modified. Another consideration is where you will be keeping it. If at all possible, you should have your tractor inside a shed or garage, but then the size of tractor you can own is somewhat limited by what size your storage building is. For a first time restoration, your best option would be to go with something that is as common as dirt; that way you can find it easily and at a reasonable price, and find parts for it, also at a reasonable price and without too much difficulty. If you are restoring something for memory"s sake (i.e., "Dad/Grandpa had a [insert name of tractor], and I want one just like that.") In that case, go for it, but if it"s something uncommon, you might consider trying something easier first. Another good idea is to go with something that is common around your area. If every farmer and his brother for a 50 mile radius has run Farmalls for the past 60 years, then the ideal thing for you to do is to buy a Farmall, because most likely they will know something about them and can help you when you have questions. The other thing is, before buying anything or getting too attached to any particular make or model, do as much research as you possibly can, not only about that model, but tractors in general. That way, when you do go out to buy one, you will be well informed and less likely to buy something that is less than ideal for your situation out of excitement. On the left side of this page, click on "Articles" and read some of those. Not only are they great and fun reading, but you will learn a lot. Hope this helps,
Nathan in MN
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