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- Joined
- Oct 16, 2014
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- Location
- Salisbury, Vermont
Finally broke down and spent the money on a tractor. My budget was $5000 bucks and it had to have at least 40 HP and a bucket loader. I wanted 4WD too but had to let that go as they were all to much. So I found this 1968 McCormick International 434 that is one that was made in England. It has issues but nothing I cant handle. $4500 was the right price as well. I am just using it to move manure from the sheep and two donkeys, nothing earth shattering. In the spring I'll buy a used brush hog and clear some more pasture from our 11 acres. Here's some pics of it on my buddy's trailer behind my old Ford truck. The thing weighs 3800 plus pounds and was about the limit for both the truck and trailer. Fun thing happened as I went to drive away with the thing. The brake line going to the rear "T" on the axle housing blew out. Wheeeeeee. After lying on the dirt for a few I decided to just pinch closed the metal line end and fold it over on itself and clamp the thing closed with a pair of 4" vise grips. Went on the front brakes alone, 40 miles through the mountains. We get within a mile of home and the exhaust fell off of the Ford. Not kidding. We made a lot of noise for a mile or so. lol. The tractor is 43 HP and has some out of square loader frame issues where some idiot tried to rig it when it broke. I'll fix that in the spring with all new steel framing. The tractor itself is in great running shape and strong. A couple of hydraulic seals in the valve body of the loader controls need to ne replaced and a couple of hoses too. So all in all no big deal. It's a diesel tractor which is what I wanted too. The rear tires are worn but still usable and the brakes work well but could use an adjustment. This how you have to buy stuff when your a poor retired soldier. lol.