Thinking of getting a bigger tractor

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Tractorologist
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I've been browsing some local ads thinking about getting something bigger to move boats around the yard. I don't know very much about this size range of tractors so I thought maybe I'd ask for some opinions on two that I'm considering...one that is ready to work and one that has carb issues (which doesn't worry me much).

What do you think of these machines and the asking prices? Keep in mind the prices are in Canadian play money...

#1
1951 Ferguson TEA 20
Recently painted. Runs great, everything works. Comes with good set of ring chains.
Asking $1800

#2
David Brown Select A matic 3800
David brown tractor for sale 1000 firm does not run believe it needs carb work.
Asking $1000

Would you buy either of these or should I keep looking?
 

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Are you planning on using the 3 point for your hitch? Will you be doing a lot of slow backing up? Is this a commercial boat storage or just your own?
Sorry for all the questions but it makes a difference.
I'm not familiar with the reverse speeds on either of these machines but it might be something you will want to look into. I quite often find myself in a lower range when moving trailers around here.
 
Are you planning on using the 3 point for your hitch? Will you be doing a lot of slow backing up? Is this a commercial boat storage or just your own?
Sorry for all the questions but it makes a difference.
I'm not familiar with the reverse speeds on either of these machines but it might be something you will want to look into. I quite often find myself in a lower range when moving trailers around here.
I actually want to put a ball on hydraulics on the front. That's the plan.
I'm with boats as you guys are to tractors. I currently own 7. All are in different stages of restoration and I've sailed all of them over the past 25 years. They are all on trailers tucked into the bush around my yard and I haul a couple out every spring to sail or progress work on.
With limited space I end up wrangling into some tight spaces and after using the hydrailics on the front of my Honda to park the last boat I moved, I know I want a front ball, but it's only 11hp and it won't pull my biggest boat.
I have customers bring boats in for repairs and maintenance too, so I am constantly moving things around and in and out of my building. And yes, I'd like something with a low range to keep things under control.
I guess one of my biggest concerns, knowing jack about tractors, is which models are easiest to maintain as far as parts and serviceability go.
 
I think the David Brown would be the better choice. It's newer then the Fergie. I believe it has more gear and hydraulic options. Your comparing a 1940's, early 50's era (fergie) to a late 60's to 70's era (DB).
 
I own a 1951 Tea20 Ferguson tractor. It a great machine. David browns are expensive to fix and hard to find parts for. A buddy of mine has a 990 DB. This is what he tells me, I’ve never had one.
Another thing I’ve heard about DB’s is unreliable hydraulics.
Everybody will have an opinion. You’ll just have to decide what you want.

Noel
 
DB's were tied in with Case, now CaseIH/New Holland. Granted some parts are probably hard to find, but I imagine it would be easier to find parts for a later tractor. DB's were pretty popular in Europe, especially Britain. There is a nice Fergie 265 for sale near me, not sure on the price though. Ferguson is part of Agco now, just not sure if they still have parts for the earlier tractors.
 
Personally the DB would not be my choice. I think if you look you'll be able to find parts for the Furgie without much problem. They are like Ford 8N's and there are still a lot of them around. Not only that servicing one should be a breeze.
 
DB tractor, doesn't run believe needs carb work. I wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole. Yes parts can be found as the case models pretty much correspond.
But it doersn't run, What is the compression like? what are the Hrydrlics like? Doesn't look as it was cared for even a little bit to me.

The Fergie new paint runs can check hrydrlics and to see if the engine smokes compresstion on it even. Comes with a set of tire chains those are expencive in this area if and when you can find a used set. Depending on where in Canada those chains will come in handy. Looks easy to me to make up a snow plow hrydrlic cylinder mount on the front.

Con is no power steering when front pushing a boat or pulling one hooked on the front.
With a little work a power steering unit could be set up too.

I would go Fergie if that were my only chouce.

:D Al
 
Cockshutt, Mineapolis Moline and Oliver were bought by White, they are all now owned by Agco.
 
Fair amount of aftermarket suppliers for most old tractors. Just a matter of find what you want in parts.

Noel
 
The David Brown shown does not have power steering.
I TOTALLY agree with Alleyyooper in that a DB not running has far too many "what-if's" that could cost thousands.
Its funny, I have a Ferguson and a David Brown. Like them both.
 
The David Brown shown does not have power steering.
I TOTALLY agree with Alleyyooper in that a DB not running has far too many "what-if's" that could cost thousands.
Its funny, I have a Ferguson and a David Brown. Like them both.
Go with the Ferguson. As said super simple, three point, front hitch available but not hydraulic, and running! Jmtcw.
 
Did you get a tractor -floater- ?

Noel
Both of those are gone. I'm going to wait until spring and get back in my unheated garage and work on a weight box for the back on the Honda. If the right farm tractor comes along I might buy one but for now the plan is to restore and enhance the one I have considering it has every feature I need.
I appreciate all the input from you guys. It's been an eye opener.
 
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