Buying a used tractor?

All tractors have a poor weight distribution when you add a frontend loader. Yuppies call it a fulcrum and lever effect. That's why you buy or build the add on rear weights, and an adapter to fill the rear tires with water is to offset the leverage effect.
If a man aint in physical shape enough to run a post hole auger or push snow without power steering, he don't need power steering, he needs Richard Simmons and some Tae Bo classes anyway.

I may have to open a boot camp for yuppies around here. I never realized you boys are so tender and out of shape.

I stick by what I said about loaders screwing up most small 2WD farm tractors. I'm sure that the guy with the initial question isn't looking for a lightweight manure loader with a trip bucket. Everybody wants hydraulic buckets, down pressure and to move snow and dirt. Most 9Ns 8Ns TE/TO Fergusons and other lightweight ag wide fronts get beat to death with the loader's weight. The 600 and later Fords and MF's are a little sturdier.

Having been used to field tractors, I was amazed at how pitiful the traction is on the Ford style machine. Had a 600 diesel with a Ford loader and even with the tires fully loaded and wheel weights (1100 lbs) off a 800, it couldn't back up an incline with a full bucket on dry ground and was totally useless in snow (yes with chains on). Yea, hang another 1000 lbs off the three point and you might get around. I've replaced that with a AC D-12 with a AC L-99 loader. The AC has better traction than the Ford even though it only has 300 lbs of wheel weights and no ballast in the tires. However, the loader weight is hell on the lightweight ag-type wide front, and even has caused cracks in the wheels radiating from the lug holes. I love the machine, but the steering is miserable, especially when you're turned around backing a wagon or trailer, or working the hydraulics and only have one hand on the wheel. If you know so much, why don't you tell me where to get an after market power steering for a D-12? (Yea I know you can get them for an M or H, but I don't have an M or H and the guy asking the initial question probably ain't buying an M or H either).

A loader is handy, but most utility size 2WD ag tractors are better machines without them. 4WD and industrial models are better suited to loaders. If the guy is looking to buy one, he ought to be aware of the limitations.

--->Paul

Kind of a nice little machine, but they just aren't worth what people are paying for them. My B-i-L got a good deal, & still could get a good 65 hp IHC for less money....

--->Paul

Thanks,
Paul

They make an ratcheting attachment for these kind of pto's that allow the drive to overrun the implement. For $60 you can be safe again - not that big of a deal.

Thanks.

--->Paul

While on the subject of snowblowers, are 3-point rearmount blowers as much of a (literal) pain in the neck as I think they are? I hurt for days after spending 4 or 5 hours looking over my shoulder at my bush hog.

I have two main issues with it:

1. The headlights aren't much help backing up in the dark, and it is sometimes hard to see the marker stakes in the rear (red) light. Better rear lighting and/or better markers may help.

2. I mostly blow down hill because that is the prevailing wind direction, and you will get buried if you p... uh blow into the wind.

I couldn't imagine trying to move as much snow with a rear blade as I have with my blower since the last week in January. Earlier this season we only got a couple inches at a time.

--->Paul