Need input on new square baling/raking tractor

Hey everyone. Looking for some input from guys who have been around the block! Looking to get a different tractor to use on the New Holland 269 baler and the rake. Have a 190xt I use on the round baler and love it. Now looking for something around the 50-60 horse range. I grew up on Farmall and liked them so I was leaning towards something like a 460-560. Neighbor has a 400 he was willing to sell so I went to look at it and while I was there he tried selling me on a case 800 with a case o'matic. I've never been around one but after driving it a bit kinda liked it. I like sitting up higher for visibility is the reason I haven't looked at another Allis ( unfortunately​). Anyone have any input on either of these or maybe a better choice. Thanks in advance

I had a Case O Matic once it wasn't for me guess they take some getting used to.I've been
using the D15 to square bale works pretty good,also the Oliver 1550 gas with high/low giving it 12 speeds is a good tractor with the square baler.

Eldon (WA) wrote: D17 is a good choice, but a 170/175 diesel feels more nimble and the Perkins engine is hard to beat. I'd stay away from any gas tractor for economy....

Economy with a gas tractor is the difference between the cost of it and a diesel and the prices on them.If the gasser is several thousand less than a diesel on a lightly used tractor
a few hrs a year then it'd be a long time before the diesel caught up to it price wise.
Also diesels run cheaper but the repair bills are a whole lot more when they need work.

The first machine I ever operated, was a D17, and Grandpa put me at the controls to rake hay. After that, we used it to bale hay.

He told me once that the D17 was 'the best' hay-baling tractor ever made. It wasn't until I operated other tractors, that I understood what he meant, but after having done so, I'll have to agree with him on it. My mother raked and baled with his WD-45, WD, and WC tractors from her early teenage through college years, and her brothers and sisters did too (youngest brother still works the family farm).

I don't farm, but I use my D17 for all sorts of things, and if I were to need to hook up a baler or rake, the D17 would be the first choice.

Dads 830 Case O Matic had a 4 speed with a high low and a converter lock. 16 speeds. Fun tractor but there are zero converter parts left in the world. 20 years ago when dad had to redo his he got the last of several of the converter parts. I’d go for a 170 or 175. D17 is what I use on the baler, but I think a 170 or 175 sits you a little higher.
AaronSEIA

Also while I'm at it just to widen my search a bit, if I were to look at d17's was there a certain series that got better hydraulics or a series that had better p.s. for loader work? Anything to look out for etc. Would all help me. Only been around a couple d14's while I was younger but never got to operate them.

If you want better hydralics, you have two options.  The Series IV was the best from the factory, but those tractors demand a premium price, still cheaper than a 170 175 in most cases apples to apples when talking condition.

We were typing at the same time. D17 series IV will have live full flow hydraulics. There were some other changes but that's the main thing to know. Around here they bring $1000 more than the other series.

Edited by wekracer - 23 Apr 2017 at 7:18am

gerkendave wrote: I've been leaning towards gas. We won't be doing any more than a couple hundred squares a year and thought a gas tractor would be nice to have in the winter. Would eventually like to put a loader on whatever we go with to help feed rounds and move snow if needed. I'm not opposed to looking at a 17 but around here it's hard to find much in the shape of an Allis and we are trying to keep it at 3 thousand or less if possible. Also not to keen on straddling the transmission honestly.

Just FYI with a 170/175 you'll still be straddlin' the tranny.

Thanks matador. And allisfreak I thought that's the way they were. The flat platform didn't come until the 190's correct?

Although I really do like the Oliver's and would consider them. My wife on the other hand has a no green policy. A strict one at that lol!

Problem I seem to be having is hitting my budget I set once we get into the hundred series tractors.

If your budget is that tight, why don't you just use your 190? Maybe save a few bucks for a few years and get something additional.

I realy liked Raking with a WD45. It handled a NH 268 very nicely. but it would be a misrable Baling tractor with a loader installed. There cheep enought I only paid $800 for my last one. it the tractor I use the most very handy size  cheep to operate and Wheels and tire are about all I have into it. Starts real well in the winter and without weights it light enough to drive on my grass without tearing it up.  

Just over wind the pto and it will do a better job tyeing the bales. Set the throttle at pto speed and not over.