I'd suggest something like a Ford 3930 or 4630 at 45 and 55 hp.
FWD is a must if you want a loader, and you probably should have a loader.
Find one with the dual hydraulic pumps and the 8x8 transmission.
An open station should be found with the loader for under 15K. With a cab you'd be banging pretty hard on that 15K but you might find one the way things are today...Watch the hydraulics on thsoe things that they work normally when it's warmed up, no knocks or oil consumption on the engine... jack the front end up with the loader (if it's a loader tractor) and check the wheel bearings in the hubs by rocking the wheel. Check the king pins... then rock the axle fore and aft to check the axle pivot bushings. All are known wear points....
Run the transmission through ever gear and make sure it shifts right without any grinding on the 8x8. If you want to go a bit older then the 3910 and 4610 are similar tractors except they have a differnte (8x4) syncro transmission and have power assist steering instead of the the hydrostatic on the 30 series. Otherwise they're much the same tractor and you inspect the same things... If you wanted to go larger or cheaper then you could look at 2 wheel drive 5610's, 6610's or even a 7710.
My preference of the lot is the 7710 if it's got a cab because it's simply easier to work on, both for routine maintenance or big repairs.
Any of the smaller tractors I listed are somewhat difficult to repair... and with a cab are pure nightmares. If you want to stay smaller and cheaper then the older models of that class like the 4000, 4600, 5000, 5600, 6600 are all tough reliable old tractors. Just don't expect any big hydraulic flow from them... and the transmissions are all 8x2 crashboxes, so that will require some skill at shifting. Otherwise very good tough tractors. Rod
| 