Just came into the John Deere LA tractor. It’s been stored in a container out of the weather for the last 22 years or so. According to the previous owner, it was 90% restored when it was stored in the container. I’m new to vintage tractors and motors, but I am mechanically inclined. What are the first things to do or check before trying to crank this thing? Thanks!!
John Deere LA
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oldnslo
Super Member
Check for rodents in the intake and exhaust. Mice, bees, etc. like building nests or hives in those areas.
Check oil levels in engine and transmission. Possibly pull drain plugs to see if water runs out from condensation build up.
Check for rodent damage and nests everywhere especially where there are wires.
Turn engine over by hand to confirm not seized or cylinder full of some foreign material. Again mice will carry food in and fill intake and or exhaust
inspect gas tank for rust, varnish, etc. same with all of the fuel components especially if parked with fuel in the system.
Does it feel like clutch is releasing and engaging. I think this had foot operated but don’t remember for sure.
Check oil levels in engine and transmission. Possibly pull drain plugs to see if water runs out from condensation build up.
Check for rodent damage and nests everywhere especially where there are wires.
Turn engine over by hand to confirm not seized or cylinder full of some foreign material. Again mice will carry food in and fill intake and or exhaust
inspect gas tank for rust, varnish, etc. same with all of the fuel components especially if parked with fuel in the system.
Does it feel like clutch is releasing and engaging. I think this had foot operated but don’t remember for sure.
beenthere
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Welcome to TBN
Member oldnslo has good recommendations to start with
Your LA is a beauty.
I had the LA model back in the day (actually fell in love with the LA when I was just 2-3 years old and neighbor bought a new one in 1941 or 1942 that I would follow around walking in the plow furrow -- remember it quite well).
In 1965, found mine at a local implement dealer. It was a hand crank (see yours appears to have a starter being it looks like battery box hanging on the right side of the engine). Used my LA to clear land of rocks and brush piles for building a my home in 1968.
Wish you well with your LA, and hope to be able to follow along with your restoration, or whatever you discover to do with it.
Member oldnslo has good recommendations to start with
Your LA is a beauty.
I had the LA model back in the day (actually fell in love with the LA when I was just 2-3 years old and neighbor bought a new one in 1941 or 1942 that I would follow around walking in the plow furrow -- remember it quite well).
In 1965, found mine at a local implement dealer. It was a hand crank (see yours appears to have a starter being it looks like battery box hanging on the right side of the engine). Used my LA to clear land of rocks and brush piles for building a my home in 1968.
Wish you well with your LA, and hope to be able to follow along with your restoration, or whatever you discover to do with it.
Thanks for the quick reply!!
I appreciate all the help and advice. It was stored with gas, so my plan is to drain the tank and check it out, and I was thinking of draining all the fluids and replace with fresh fluid. Do you have any tips for cleaning the tank? I haven’t researched it online yet, but thought I’d ask on here as well. Also, what do you think would be the easiest way to try turning it over by hand, breaking bar or use a hand crank? Speaking of that, I need to order one of those. One other thing I noticed is that it has a 12v battery that was bought in 2000, so I’m assuming this was designed to run on 12v instead of 6v or it was converted to 12v. Do you know of a way to confirm 12v is okay for this tractor?
The clutch seems to be working fine. I was able to shift into neutral with no issues to unload it from the container.
Sorry for all the questions. I’m beyond excited to get working on this tractor and hopefully get it running.
Thanks again!
I appreciate all the help and advice. It was stored with gas, so my plan is to drain the tank and check it out, and I was thinking of draining all the fluids and replace with fresh fluid. Do you have any tips for cleaning the tank? I haven’t researched it online yet, but thought I’d ask on here as well. Also, what do you think would be the easiest way to try turning it over by hand, breaking bar or use a hand crank? Speaking of that, I need to order one of those. One other thing I noticed is that it has a 12v battery that was bought in 2000, so I’m assuming this was designed to run on 12v instead of 6v or it was converted to 12v. Do you know of a way to confirm 12v is okay for this tractor?
The clutch seems to be working fine. I was able to shift into neutral with no issues to unload it from the container.
Sorry for all the questions. I’m beyond excited to get working on this tractor and hopefully get it running.
Thanks again!
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Thanks!! We have the oldest house in our town and this tractor just seems to fit so well. I’m hoping we can bring it to life and show my kids, nephews, and grandkids (someday) a little JD history.
Started digging in and removed the cowling and the tank, and drained what little gas was in it. The tank doesn’t look bad but I think I’m going to go through the cleaning and sealing process to make sure it’s good to go. I have found a bunch of wasp nests under the cowling and found some in the oil “bowl” in the intake. I was also able to turn the engine over by hand to make sure it wasn’t seized. Great start to the process and very excited to work through it! Have my brother and my nephew onboard to help. It’s going to be a great experience and hopefully some awesome memories will be made! My wife bought me a spiral notebook that I’m going to use as a restoration log/journal which I think will be great to look over when we get done.
