I had a Case IH 674 (~1974 manufacture) loader, bought ~11 years ago. When I got it supposedly the engine had been overhauled but when warmed up oil pressure dropped, had to keep it revved a bit to be safe. Lately cooling issues, suspected water pump. Replaced a lot of hydraulic hoses, other maintenance issues, just becoming a time hog for someone where tractor use was just a hobby.
Bought a 58 acre property a 90min drive away for hunting with food plots, this beast was too big to trailer there with my standard F150. Traded it in on a JD 4052M. I was concerned that going from a 60+HP tractor to 42HP I might lose use of the 7ft equipment on my home property (I negotiated a full set of 5ft equipment into the purchase of the new property).
Very happy with my decision. I can't tell the difference using a 7ft brush hog. Also just pulled my 7ft toothed disc through wetter ground than I ever did with the 674, with less aggressive tires, and had no issues until the disc completely mucked up (not tractor's fault). Pushing into a dirt pile it actually seems easier. The 4WD probably helps. Very happy I didn't settle for a smaller tractor, seems I hit it "just right"...
Bought a 58 acre property a 90min drive away for hunting with food plots, this beast was too big to trailer there with my standard F150. Traded it in on a JD 4052M. I was concerned that going from a 60+HP tractor to 42HP I might lose use of the 7ft equipment on my home property (I negotiated a full set of 5ft equipment into the purchase of the new property).
Very happy with my decision. I can't tell the difference using a 7ft brush hog. Also just pulled my 7ft toothed disc through wetter ground than I ever did with the 674, with less aggressive tires, and had no issues until the disc completely mucked up (not tractor's fault). Pushing into a dirt pile it actually seems easier. The 4WD probably helps. Very happy I didn't settle for a smaller tractor, seems I hit it "just right"...