Tractor, Implements and Tools
We do rely on a few machines to complete some of the heavy duty tasks around the farm, though we try to use these on a minimal basis we do still employ a few of the following items. We only purchase equipment that we can pay for and that appreciates in value ( usually rusty junk we get for a bargain or free then fix & modify to suit our needs)
1946 Ford-Ferguson 2N - On July 1, 2007 we found a great deal on a tractor, blade, chopper and drawbar and had it delivered. This has been a great addition to the homestead and we use it mainly to cut grass and brush, plow and cultivate, haul heavy loads, and blow snow. It has a three point hitch system (hydraulics to raise and lower implements) as well as a Power take off ( to power implements from the tractors engine) Its about a 20 hp tractor and we probably put 50-100hrs on our tractor annually.
The Ford-Ferguson 9N was the earliest model of this tractor in 1939. The 2N model came into production in 1942 and originally had plans to equip it with steel wheels and no electrical system ( for the war - though most of these plans never went into production) Following the 2N the model 8N was produced from 1948 to 1952. Our tractor is painted the Red and Light grey of the 8N though the original 2N would have been painted a solid darker grey. In 1939 the Ford-Ferguson was the first tractor using the 3 point hitch system which at the time was a revolution in farming and now the majority of all tractors have a system like this.
Toro Lawn Tractor with mower, snow blower & tiller.
Cockshutt 2 furrow plow - Originally a 3 furrow but with some help took off the 3rd furrow to make it suitable for our tractor as otherwise would have been to heavy for the tractor to lift the implement.
10' 3pth Triple K Cultivator - Used for Cultivating.
8' Disc
5' 3pth Bush Hog - We use this for taking care of brush and was originally our first grass cutter.
7.5' 3pth Ford Flail Mower - This is a great finishing mower for our general purpose grass cutting. Though not the best on rough terrain, it does an awesome job on flat level ground. The roller on the back is an added bonus.
6' 3pth V-type pull snow thrower & Tire Chains- A great addition to cutting through the drifts that form in front of the house.
Massey Harris Ferguson Side Rake - Raking hay into wind rows.
6' 3pth Blade - Used for leveling the driveway and road if needed. Also used for pushing snow around.
Wagons & trailers - Used for hauling veggies, firewood, and any other things that need moving around.
Chainsaw - A great tool for cleaning up the property and processing firewood. I could not imagine having to saw it all like in the old days. Though we chop all by maul(axe) the chainsaw is a tool we would not want to do without.
Wheelbarrow - One of the best $20 investments we have made.
100 Bushel Gravity Wagon - To Collect and store grains for the livestock. Grains can be loaded on the top, and opening a door allows gravity to empty grains when needed.
Hand tools - These include shovels, hoes, saws, hammers, rakes, fencing pliers, side cutters, sledgehammers and a slew of other tools, all requiring elbow grease, but without them many tasks would be next to impossible.
Power Tools - For construction or maintenance we use many electrical/battery powered tools. These include drills, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, Jig Saw, Angle Grinder, Air Compressor and tools, welder, push mower, weed whacker and many others.
1946 Ford-Ferguson 2N - On July 1, 2007 we found a great deal on a tractor, blade, chopper and drawbar and had it delivered. This has been a great addition to the homestead and we use it mainly to cut grass and brush, plow and cultivate, haul heavy loads, and blow snow. It has a three point hitch system (hydraulics to raise and lower implements) as well as a Power take off ( to power implements from the tractors engine) Its about a 20 hp tractor and we probably put 50-100hrs on our tractor annually.
The Ford-Ferguson 9N was the earliest model of this tractor in 1939. The 2N model came into production in 1942 and originally had plans to equip it with steel wheels and no electrical system ( for the war - though most of these plans never went into production) Following the 2N the model 8N was produced from 1948 to 1952. Our tractor is painted the Red and Light grey of the 8N though the original 2N would have been painted a solid darker grey. In 1939 the Ford-Ferguson was the first tractor using the 3 point hitch system which at the time was a revolution in farming and now the majority of all tractors have a system like this.
Toro Lawn Tractor with mower, snow blower & tiller.
Cockshutt 2 furrow plow - Originally a 3 furrow but with some help took off the 3rd furrow to make it suitable for our tractor as otherwise would have been to heavy for the tractor to lift the implement.
10' 3pth Triple K Cultivator - Used for Cultivating.
8' Disc
5' 3pth Bush Hog - We use this for taking care of brush and was originally our first grass cutter.
7.5' 3pth Ford Flail Mower - This is a great finishing mower for our general purpose grass cutting. Though not the best on rough terrain, it does an awesome job on flat level ground. The roller on the back is an added bonus.
6' 3pth V-type pull snow thrower & Tire Chains- A great addition to cutting through the drifts that form in front of the house.
Massey Harris Ferguson Side Rake - Raking hay into wind rows.
6' 3pth Blade - Used for leveling the driveway and road if needed. Also used for pushing snow around.
Wagons & trailers - Used for hauling veggies, firewood, and any other things that need moving around.
Chainsaw - A great tool for cleaning up the property and processing firewood. I could not imagine having to saw it all like in the old days. Though we chop all by maul(axe) the chainsaw is a tool we would not want to do without.
Wheelbarrow - One of the best $20 investments we have made.
100 Bushel Gravity Wagon - To Collect and store grains for the livestock. Grains can be loaded on the top, and opening a door allows gravity to empty grains when needed.
Hand tools - These include shovels, hoes, saws, hammers, rakes, fencing pliers, side cutters, sledgehammers and a slew of other tools, all requiring elbow grease, but without them many tasks would be next to impossible.
Power Tools - For construction or maintenance we use many electrical/battery powered tools. These include drills, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, Jig Saw, Angle Grinder, Air Compressor and tools, welder, push mower, weed whacker and many others.