Hi All,
I should start by saying that I have previously owned a beautiful 1966 Massey 165, and did plenty of repair work on it, so I'm ok on the generalities of looking for a tractor...
what I don't know is the detail around which other makes/models are going to fit the bill for the new smallholding. I remember that our 165 for example had a very primative front loader on it, with a crude lever operated "tip" for the front bucket. There was obviously no fancy 3 way hydraulics option back then!
This is what I think we need:
- older tractor - anything simple to work on, but not so "classic" that it's too weak for most jobs
- strong 3 point linkage - in case we go down the post knocker route
- multi-hydraulic front loader options, so that we can have up/down and tilt
- red is a distinct favourite in my book
I seem to remember that the Massey 165, and possibly the john deere 2040 were popular older tractors 10 years ago for smallholder type stuff. I have no experience JD stuff, except perhaps my old neighbours JD 7410 - but that was a bloomin monster!!!!
I was thinking that some of the older ford/leyland stuff might fit the bill.... possibly renault too? I think old Nuffield tractors have quite a weak 3 point linkage (I used to know an enthusiast).... and then the infamous Zetor.... I'm not sure if Zetors deserve their bad rep or not, but I've never driven a nice one. I assume there is a level of massey at which point you get the extra hydraulics, but I don't know what model(s) that would be.
I suppose the other thing is price range... we don't have a firm idea of this yet, but cheaper is better of course.
advice appreciated.
Adam