used tractors fordson need opinions

Oldryder · Feb 15, 2010

need tractor for hobby farm.

100+ fruit trees, need tractor for drilling holes, tilling, mowing, and snow removal.

regional dealer (100 miles away from me) has the tractors noted below.

would these tractors work well for my use and is pricing reasonable.

any big watch-outs on thse models?

comments and suggestions are welcome.

from the dealer:
"We have a Fordson Dexta & Fordson Major, both diesels,both have 3pt. $3000 for the Dexta. $2500 for the Major. Both tractors are in operating condition. www.salvagetractors.com "

thx. in advance for any help or suggestions.

Bill(Wis) · Feb 15, 2010

Two of the best tractors ever built. I have a friend who has each. He loves them. Are you capable of what they might require? Overhaul, etc? My friend got his not knowing a thing about them. He's quite well mechanically equiped and inclined. He also made friends with an old Ford tractor dealer who uses a Major for pulling, plowing demonstrations, etc., and picked up some tips.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 15, 2010

the prices may seem reasonable, but these Fordsons were made in England and any repair parts you'll need will have to come from there as well- how long can you wait for parts?? Bite the bullet and buy a good used New Holland (Ford), J.D., Case IH or Kubota that will suit your needs. They'll cost a bit more up-front, but you'll be able to get parts either off the shelves or overnight at half the price and have dealers, mechanics and part counter jockeys that will know your machine and what you are talking about!
Fordsons are pretty much for the "Collectors" that can afford to wait months while critical parts are located for them

rrlund · Feb 15, 2010

The Dexta is a heck of a nice little tractor. My uncle bought one new back about 1960. A second cousin still has it. Still running strong. I'd like to have one myself.

terry274@gmail.com · Feb 15, 2010

I have a Super Dexta, I love it. Parts are available on this site, as well as several other sites. New Holland also still carries quite a few parts. Many parts from other Ford tractors are interchangable with the Super Dexta. Don"t know much about the Major.
Terry

buickanddeere · Feb 15, 2010

Any other brand dealers closer?

sotxbill · Feb 15, 2010

cant beat a super dexta.. but the parts are very hard to find.. My first... ran it for years and never needed a part...would not be my first choice as the parts are nearly impossible to find. look at a ford jubalee series for cheap and great.. 1953 through 65 and made here, parts everywhere.. or better yet a x000 series from 65 through 75.. even better tractors and sold in most every country in the world with tons of aftermarket parts... but.. get a live or independant pto, and an (5 speed on the jubelee)8 speed transmission as there were other variations sold and they are not any where near as good. now your into a tractor that has cheap parts and can run forever.. then there are the red, orange and green tractors out there, but parts will be more..

Ultradog MN · Feb 15, 2010

I like Fords. Going to steer you that way if I can. The knowledge base here at YT is larger for Fords and not Fordsons - though I know they built some great tractors across the pond.
A 3600, 4600, 3910, 4610 and probably other 37-55HP models would suit your needs. They have good dealer support and a lot of the usual wear parts are available aftermarket.
Dunno how thick is your checkbook but any of them could be had in the $5-9000 range. It pays to hold out for a good one even if you spend a couple thou more for it up front. Heck, tires alone can run the better part of 2K and Will if you need rims too.
Keep us apprised. Can't afford to buy a tractor myself right now so the next best thing is to see a fellow buy one of his own.

MarkB_MI · Feb 15, 2010

The Fordson Diesel Major is I think my all-time favorite tractor. I spent many hours operating a Major as a kid, and the Major never failed to start in the coldest weather. However, it sounds like you need a modern tractor for which you can easily get parts. The Fordsons don't qualify. Also, I don't know that these tractors came with live PTO, which is something you'll really appreciate for mowing and tilling.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 15, 2010

A tractor that is a little newer with better parts back up for the next 10 years or so might be a better choice. Almost all the smaller Massey Ferguson tractors would be a good choice for your needs. 100 or 200 series with a diesel is most preferred but gas is still good. The only one to avoid is the rare 130 and 235's with power steering had issues. Other than that, the MF's are all excellent tractors. Dave

RodinNS · Feb 15, 2010

Find something newer like a 3000 or 4000. The Dexta was a nice tractor for it's day. It still is in many ways... but you really need to think about how long you want to wait for serious parts or what kind of scrounging you have to do to get them.
We sold our Dexta (4 cyl Standard petrol engine) to a neighbour (originally from scotland). I think he actually finds bits and pieces he needs by searching around the UK in places that he knows of there... but if you go to most dealers around here you're going to get some blank looks.
You'd be better off finding something else.

Rod

used tractors fordson need opinions

Oldryder

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rrlund

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