Ok, you all have convinced us that we need a "real" tractor and not just the garden tractor variety. We went today to see 2 tractors that are in our price range. One was a Ford 2000 and the other an International Harvester 424 - both are in the neighborhood of $3,800. Does anyone know about these and if so, which is the one to go with. I would suspect that parts are easier to get for the Ford, but which is the better? I think both are in the 1960's age. This is our first tractor and no NOTHING. Living in a VERY small community, our choices are limited. Also, they will deliver either one for free which we have had no luck from individuals selling tractors - they won't deliver even if you pay them! We have no way to get it home and way too far to drive it if purchased outside our community. We can't find a one in our town. We appreciate any input!

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), August 24, 2001

Answers

Karen i vote for the international mainly for the hydrulics international has both up and down. im assuming they both have three point hitch? i have had several all have been good. but u know there agey so plan on some repairs along the way. hope you enjoy which ever one you choose. Bob se,ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@hit.net), August 24, 2001.

The right one is the one where you have a dealer nearby.

New Holland is Ford Case is IH.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), August 24, 2001.

I would have to say go with the Ford,but I have a biased opinion we have been running Ford /New holland for quite afew years.Given the choice I guess it would boil down to dealer support,is a dealer for NH or Case/IH close by??As with any older equipment I can assure you things will need replaced on either one you choose,even minor stuff like filters can be a pain to find without a local dealer.One other thought on the Ford make sure the P.T.O.Clutch is good,should be a two stage clutch.....replacing the two part clutch is very little fun and $$$............

-- Steve in Ohio (stevenb@ohiohills.com), August 24, 2001.

If you don't have a preference, go for the one with the close dealer who acts like they are going to stay in business for awhile. You might take a look at their draw bars, too. A draw bar with a lot of wear and elongated holes may belong to a tractor that has had hard use and would be something to stay away from.

-- Jennifer L. (Northern NYS) (jlance@nospammail.com), August 24, 2001.

I'd go for the Ford, if for no other reason that I'm a Ford guy. Either one might work though, just depending on the shape each tractor is in, intended usage, ect...

BTW, Ford no long owns New Holland. New Holland is a division of CNH now. Who's CNH? They are the parent company of New Holland, Case IH, Link Belt, Fiat-Hitachi, Fiatallis, Case, Steyr, along with several other brandnames (most old and long out of production). They are a pretty monsterous conglomerate.

-- Uriah (Uriahdeath2@netscape.net), August 25, 2001.

There is a company in Iowa that puts out a catalog where you can get about any part for any older tractor. I have bought a lot from them and they are a good company to deal with. If you want the information I will look it up and send it to you. I like the Fords better.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), August 25, 2001.

OK now here it is. The Tractor parts Company has changed its name. Now it is VALU-BILT. You can get about any new or used part for any older tractor. Their phone number is 1-888-828-3276 and it says their catalog is $1. I needed a block heater last winter for my diesel so I could remove snow and I had it in 2 days. It seems like they have fair prices and I haven't got any bad parts yet.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), August 25, 2001.

The catalog is free and you can order at catalog and parts via the new website at:

http://www.valu-bilt.com

-- Mike Larson (vbcustsupport@qff.com), January 30, 2002.

www.ytmag.com is a good place to browse for info on older tractors, you will find a lot! :)

You can e-mail me or continue here:

I'm not familiar with part 1, what is this tractor going to do for you?

Are both gasoline engines?

Is it the newer (3 cylinder engine) or older style (4) Ford 2000?

Does the IH have a TA transmission? ($500-750 to fix, they ternd to go out every 10-20 years...)

Does the Ford have a SelectoSpeed (automatic type) transmission? (These are complex, while they work well they cost $3000 to repair - be ware!)

Compare the 2 on: Power steering 3-point hitch (The IH may have a 2-point - ok, but less modern implements fit this. Can be convered to 3-point.) Live pto Transmission gears (between 4- 10 forward is your range, which has what?) hydraulic ports - how many if any, how big a pump, is it live? pto - live? Drawbar - is there a good mounting for pulling wagons & such? (Some of both of these models rely on the 2/3 point for the drawbar...)

What is the general condition of each machine? Both are about the same to repair (except those Ford SoS trannies!) and both are generally good & durable machines.

I can look up specs on each (hp, engine size, values...) in my bluebook if you don't have that info.

Just ask for questions on any of this info...

--->Paul

-- paul (ramblerplm@hotmail.com), January 30, 2002.