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  • From: Road's End Farm <organic87 AT frontiernet.net>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] How bad are those farmalls
  • Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:36:34 -0400

I run two gas-fueled Oliver 550's that date to somewhere in the mid-50's. They are usually parked (in an unheated but closed barn) most of the winter with no particular winterization done, and as long as the batteries are good they will reliably start up again whether it's midwinter or next spring.

They will keep going as long as the old-tractor mechanic down the road keeps going. After that, I'm not sure. They have needed some repairs, from time to time; but I don't know what wouldn't, over 50+ years.


Old diesels were unreliable in the winter up here, as they wouldn't start in cold weather; but newer diesels, I believe, don't have that problem. I don't know how new they have to be.


-- Rivka; Finger Lakes NY, Zone 5 mostly
Fresh-market organic produce, small scale


On Jul 15, 2011, at 11:18 AM, Barking Cat Farm wrote:

I suggest asking him what in particular he finds unreliable about gas tractors in general. I think as long as they are maintained properly, they will work just fine. Proper winterization, for instance, is a must, as well as regular oil changes, proper greasing, etc. As an owner of two "vintage" Ford gassers from the 1950s, I must say the best advice I have received is to work them regularly to keep them in good working order. Both of our old gals run and work great well into their 60's.

Laurie
NE TX - will it ever be cool or rain again?!








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