Barry and Yoder hit on some great points.
Compare a modern 25 up tractor to one that's 70 years old
and you have a toy beside a tool.
I don't think the OP is needinga large tractor from what he posts.
Maybe true with large tractors, but compare say an old Ford 8N vs a newer same size tractor like a Kubota 2501 The old Fords don't have the mass in the front axle to do heavy lifting BTDT. A 2501 Kubota has about the same HP raring as the old Ford, but the Ford didn't have the gearing..It is about like comparing a 58 Ford 1/2T with a newer F150 that has tow rating of 13,000 lbs (not that I would ever try to max that out. ) Plus with these newer tractors,you get a 5 ft bucket vs the old Fords had 30" one or so. It wasn't even as wide as the front wheels. I have had older Fords 8n an 9N's, John Deere 40's and Massey Furgeson. I sure like them at the time and have even spent some time using mule teams to pull equipment, but sure won't go back to them.
Saddlesore,
Wish I could do something for the fronts, that will be my next research project. So far it's doing better
I tried that on my 2501,but the front tires came too close to the tractor frame when in a tight turn.
