How to identify a tractor:

I have not figured the serial number yet. I did look at it but it will require some paint removal to ascertain the number exactly. Didn't want to do that unless absolutely necessary. I really don't have a need; just a want. I'm wanting to put almost 12 acres into hay within a couple of years is reason for the interest at all. I've never been a farmer but grand daughters are getting to wanting a couple head of horses and I well remember what that cost with my daughter..... Wanting to turn "scrub ground/woods" into good pasture/feed to offset the cost(s) a bit. Uncle in the area is willing to help me get started and has much of the needed equipment. He would round bale and take first and third or last cutting for his feeder calves where I would square bale the 2nd and possibly 3rd cutting. I'm only repeating what I've been told as there is no experience speaking but second cutting is usually best for horse feed?

I asked about the rear pinion and gears upgrade and they were done at the dealership many years ago. A former mechanic whom still frequently visits did them and remembers the parties well. He was there almost 55 years so seen a lot. Only employment he ever had other than farming and horses.

You are in the same ballpark I am with purchasing price. There seems to be heavy emphasis on the loader on the tractor for some reason. They have a bale spear for it but it' s never been attached to this loader. I don't know what tires in the sizes for this tractor are worth in the purchase either. The fronts are "Firestone" and new, the rears are "Earth-Quake", (I think) and about 75% with good tubes. I'll append this post to get a photo attached. I too thought that rim could be easily repaired but it depends on what it looks like once the tire is broken down. I've sectioned a lot of rims over the years on tractors brought to me for repair.

Tires:

Thank you for your help. I don't know much about hay at all really but Timothy is one name that is very popular in the arena. Alfalfa, Timothy, and another name which slips me now are a common field crop for animal feed here. My uncle has been raising feeder cattle and some horses for over 50 years and grows most of his feed for the animals on about 120 acres IIRC. He was telling me the 1st cutting is out for sure for horses. He also has a round baler as that is what he feeds with.

We have 30 acres of undeveloped land/woods of which we have been opening up over the past couple of years for this project. I'll then get a road cut through instead of the ATV path there now for access. I don't have any farm equipment at all myself, but family members do and are willing to help me get started. However that being said, I only want to use their equipment to figure out what I need to have, and what not so I can acquire items that will be used and not become derelict.

I have a bulldozer, a backhoe loader, and a skid steer. I really don't need a loader tractor so I could do without that loader on the 190XT. My mowing tractor is a White 2-55 but I've been told it would be a little "light" for hay work and when this larger tractor came in I inquired about it. I still see a few of these working too.

It sounds as I should not place too much emphasis on that loader as it could be a problem with a bale spear. I've seen loaders with the bracing running to the rear as you mentioned, and I've seen tractors welded back together in the attachment areas, but always thought that was from abuse. The only real reason I could think of for the loader would be a bale spear to load round bales on a wagon or trailer, but I don't really think that is the loader to use in that task. If I'm correct in this assumption it was a very good tip you and Dr. Allis brought forth.

I will be speaking with her on Tuesday about the purchase. 

Know what you mean about horse owner's and their "opinions" on hay. Never really participated in those squabbles as far too childish to warrant my time. Same thing with their trailers. Have several customers with very expensive outfits that make no sense to me. However, they are breeders and apparently their field is lucrative. It would have to be to justify the expense for me.

My daughter knows how to break into a flake and tell if it's worth feeding or not; not I for sure.  I would plant a crop she researched and fostered as I'm only looking for a family project to work together for. Granddaughters are anxious to get started so trying to ramp up before they get the age to get into trouble. Family unity and interaction is very important to us so all concerned are on board with the project.