Posted on 01/10/2020 8:59:45 AM PST by DUMBGRUNT
Tractors built in 1980 or earlier cause bidding wars at auctions.
...last bought a new tractor, he opted for an old one — a 1979 John Deere 4440.
He retrofitted it with automatic steering guided by satellite, and he and his kids can use the tractor to feed cows, plant fields and run a grain auger. The best thing? The tractor cost $18,000, compared to upward of $150,000 for a new tractor. And Folland doesn’t need a computer to repair it.
“They cost a fraction of the price, and then the operating costs are much less because they’re so much easier to fix,”
“The newer machines, any time something breaks, you’ve got to have a computer to fix it,”
“The main reason we do this is to make money,” Folland said. “Older equipment is a way to reduce your cost per bushel to become more profitable.”
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
No way! You can’t enjoy setting the points every 5K, and never having the carburetor exactly right, ever. Electronic fuel control is an unmitigated blessing. Buy a voltmeter and replace a few hundred dollars of sensors every 70K, and your engine will run perfectly.
Yup digital obsolescence. They can program a diesel to pass a test, the can program your parts to ‘fail’ on a schedule.
A lot of people convert old cars. A lot more drivable that way. Although the simplicity of a points system cannot be beat.
I have a gas 1973 Ford and a New Holland tractor we purchased a few years back.
I will take the newer tractor any day. 1000 times more comfortable.
The New Holland starts easier, runs better, easier controls and uses half the fuel of the gas tractor.
A fun read, but long.
..manual transmission Jeep Grand Cherokee that I’d foolishly purchased sight unseen for $700. We were 1,300 miles from home, and I’d clearly made a grave mistake.
https://jalopnik.com/i-bought-a-260-000-mile-holy-grail-jeep-grand-cherokee-1840824046
Dont overlook a starting/ignition key.
My 1979 Bobcat sucked but I could repair it myself.
I buy all my lawn care power equipment from the same shop.
They say it will all be EFI in a couple of years to meet EPA codes. Four stroke carburetor engines will no longer be available for weed whackers, blowers, mowers...
Computers needed for maintenance. Yay.
Also, definitely not the Grand Cherokee. I remember them being a rattle trap and not well built.
My goal is simple.
Have a 93 4Runner that has 250Kmiles. Exactly what I want but it is getting old and has been sitting outside for a few years.
“And my dad makes fun of me for not wanting the newest, most expensive tractor.”
But you are missing out on so much fun.
A friend put in a corn maze, drawn on a computer and downloaded to the GPS of the tractor!
Better than a different friend that paints messages on the roof of his barn. Fifty (?) miles west of Ohare, probably not noticeable.
I've got an '87 YJ. Engine has finally quit so I'm re-building one. They are a kick.
If you've never had a Jeep before make sure you don't get the 4 cyl.
“and lose his farm if he tries to hack the diagnostic software, because he is looking for a bad limit switch “
I have read a few articles on that subject and suspect it may not be a net gain for JD, but a big gain for the dealers they need to keep fat and happy.
The only thing I do not like about the Kubota tractors is setting down on the heel of the pedal for reverse. I prefer the two pedal design on all the JD tractors for forward and reverse.
The thing I do not like about John Deere tractors are their own version of quick disconnect attachments. Therefore, you have to buy their own forks, front blade, snow blower, etc.
All the other compact tractors use the Bobcat quick release system. So, you can put ANY quick release attachment on the front.
My retirement hobby is restoring old woodworking machines (Old Arn).
Built before accountants took over design!
My 89 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the same way. They built them to last back then.
Here in NH the 1960’s and 70’s Cub Cadet tractors are still sold on Craigslist. They all had those 100% cast iron single cylinder engines.
The other large tractors that still are bought and sold are the 1940-1950’s International Harvester H’s, Super H’s, C’s and D’s. Again, cast iron engines that work as long as you kept oil in them. They sell around here from $1500-$2500.
I really Don’t
Want to work on
Vehicles much longer.
My New F250
Is
Fantastic!
standard transmission, crank windows, manual 4WD, etc.
Check, check, that's what I have.
Do any of the new Jeeps meet my minimal specs? You can probably still get a standard transmission but primitive 4WD, etc.
Looks for low tech, reliable.
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