First Antique Tractor?

[Olympus]

Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying an antique tractor for something to play with. I already have a 40hp tractor with a loader, hydraulics, and 4wd. I'm really just looking for something to tinker with and maybe pull a blade or landscape rake. I don't really have a lot of mechanical ability aside from routine maintenance stuff, so I'm really thinking about something that's maybe had an older restoration or something may need some small things fixed, but otherwise runs and drives. I don't really want to spend a lot of money and I don't want something very big. I have a covered lean-to that I can park it in. I'm open to any and all brands, just something small that I can play around on at my property. Doesn't need to be rare or valuable, just something inexpensive and something that I can play around on. Anyone have any recommendations? I want to start keeping my open locally so I know what models to pay closer attention to and what kind of price would be reasonable. Thanks!

 

[DJ54]

If you want to use those attachments, you'll want 3 pt. hitch. And N series Ford, or something like a TO-20 Ferguson would fit the bill, and parts are plentiful. I'd prefer the Fergie over the N Fords, due to the Continental OHV engine, and more standard sized tires, and simplicity to work on, except the hydraulics. The differential cover has to be removed to work on most of the the hydraulic system. but that's just me. I have an IH 240 Utility that's similar in size, and has the Fast Hitch system, and more than several attachments for it, and the tricycle Super C Farmalls. Most attachments are for the Super C's, but will work on the 240, with a 1/8" flat strap under the points, that go into the sockets, that connect it to the tractor. But, all of my attachments were bought way before the tractors became popular to collect, and implement prices skyrocketed.

Case made some nice little tractors with what they called Eagle Hitch. 3 pt. attachments will work on them. They have a flip over top latch on the lift arms, instead of the normal ends on 3 pt. arms. Allis-Chalmers made probably the highest horsepower tractors for it's size, with the Models B, C, and CA.

I guess it all depends on what suits your fancy. About any tractor with hydraulics, there's a good possibility that someone made a 3 pt. conversion for them. But they may not have the true geometry of the Ferguson 3 pt. system, and work as well.

 

[Olympus]

I’ve been looking at the Farmall Super A and Super C models so far. I guess really I have no actual jobs that need doing as my 40hp newer tractor can do everything I need at probably a lot easier rate.

 

[LouNY]

Well with a 40 hp 4wd myself I wouldn't be looking at the small ones and I have never been a fan of the N series Fords.
I would get something a bit bigger like a IH 460 or 560.
And as a bonus if your 40 hp gets stuck you could get it out, maybe. :dance1:

 

[Olympus]

Well with a 40 hp 4wd myself I wouldn't be looking at the small ones and I have never been a fan of the N series Fords.
I would get something a bit bigger like a IH 460 or 560.
And as a bonus if your 40 hp gets stuck you could get it out, maybe. :dance1:

Definitely not going bigger than 40hp!

 

[Thomas]

Ford N models good utility tractors and parts easy to come by.

 

[Olympus]

Ford N models good utility tractors and parts easy to come by.

Yes, the 8N seems to be very common in my area. Not too expensive either.

 

[fried1765]

Ford N models good utility tractors and parts easy to come by.

I've had a '51 Ford 8N for the past 48 years.
I rarely use it, but it is fun to play with occasionally.
I keep it in the back of the barn with a grader blade attached.
Does a good job with the blade.
Don't get one with a loader....no power steering.

 

[dsmith94]

Hah, cape girardeau huh? Im from Sikeston originally!


The Fords and Fergusons are handy tractors (I've had both, prefer the Ferg between the two for reasons stated above), but my preference lies with farmalls. I find the letter series farmalls to be the easiest to work on and find parts for, especially in your area. Aftermarket additions like 3 point systems and power steering are readily available. Several salvage yards around with anything you could ever need. All states has about anything you could need for them on the shelves. Also doesn't hurt that theyre cheap to buy. Theyre very capable tractors for what they are. Theres a reason you can drive by any farm in your area and see an H or M pulling wagons or running an auger!

 

[Paystar]

Right now I'm biased towards orange paint but this is my first venture into antique tractors. 1955 Allis Chalmers CA.

I like all brands of old tractors, but this was local and I like it. Will be doing a restoration on it this year. And I like the power spin-out rear rims. I always thought that was a cool feature. And many people have told me these CA's do well in their weight class in the tractor pulls.

There is a Ford 8N for sale by here that has the Ford flathead V8 conversion. I would have loved to have that as a play toy, but it is restored to perfection and he wants big money for it.

I love the simplicity and reliability of these old antique tractors.

 

[Code54]

Farmall Cubs are a fun, small, inexpensive tractors to play around with.

 

[traderfjp]

I like anything with a motor. The old tractors have a certain look that can't be found today. I see a lot of older Oliver tractors.

 

[fried1765]

I like anything with a motor. The old tractors have a certain look that can't be found today. I see a lot of older Oliver tractors.

Both old, and current tractors, have engines!
Maybe soon.....Elon Musk wild build new ones with motors.

 

[Paystar]

".Elon Musk wild build new ones with motors."

And I will have ZERO interest in that, LOL!!!

 

[harrell727]

Well here's my dilemma, The 1951 Allis Chalmers AC tractor you see was the 1st tractor my dad learned on when he was 6 or 7. His dad bought it new for his dad in 1951. So it was my Great Grandpa's tractor. My cousin now owns it and had it running about 20 years ago. He wanted to know if I would or could restore it and get it running again, he would probably give it to me as long as I promised not to ever sell it and keep it in my family.
Well I have no idea where to start, I wouldn't know how to take down the engine/transmission, brakes, wiring etc. It's a 6 volt positive ground which I think I'd want to convert to 12 v neg ground.
I told him it's a matter of time and money.. the lack of both but I think I'd like to give it a try. But the lack of knowledge on this is overwhelming and I just don't know how big of a project it'll turn into.
So how much time and money does it take and how hard is it to refurbish to like new?
Thanks
Jason

 

[Paystar]

Harrell727, start with this site:
AllisChalmers Forum

I have gotten a lot of info there. I also have a CA.....a 1955 wide front. There are pics and videos on that site of complete engine rebuilds and rebuilding the hand clutch on those models.

Mine already has the engine done, new drive clutch and converted to 12 volt. But I priced out the following stuff new from Steiner and Yesterday's Tractor:

2 new power spinout rear rims, new gauges, new battery box, the webbing that goes under the fuel tank and straps, complete decal kit, hand clutch lever, new hood, all filters, tie rod boots, grill, shroud tool box sheetmetal, steering wheel, and fenders and it came out to me having an investment of around $4700.00 and I paid $2500 for the tractor. Just to give you a rough idea.

This is what I am starting with.

 

[ultrarunner]

You might not have to do a lot to get it running... the 6 volt positive ground would not bother me as most of my cars are 6 volts and about 50/50 on tractors.

Tractors that have not been abused, rolled or left to rot out in the elements often require time, fluids and some adjustments to bring it back to life...

So often bad fuel or bad points is all that is really wrong... sometimes a stuck clutch too...

I have started cars that sat outside for decades... Model A Ford was the last...

I did cheat as I bought my own carb and a peanut can gas tank I made up for testing... eliminates all fuel issues... I also carry a spare distributor which is simple to swap... the old girl sprung to life...

(I did make sure I could turn the engine over by hand and had pulled the plugs to squirt in oil to let it soak for a couple of weeks.)

 

[lennyzx11]

As much as I love the 8,9,2Ns, (I've had 3), I think a better value is the next up in the 600-800 series. One 8n tryed to push me through a barn wall with a brush hog due to the PTO not being shut off from the clutch and the other had no brakes for the whole time I owned it due to the oil leaking on the brake pads. Value for value, the 600s had a lot more tractor I believe.
The 8n didn't have a live 3 point. Clutch goes in, three point goes down. 600 doesn't.

here's a bit about them.
The History of Ford N Series Tractors

That being said, I wished I could make my wife understand that I REALLY need a V8 Ford 8n, a Rowcrop tricycle Farmall H, and a Poppin Johnny John Deere as backups for my L3301 Kubota. She's not convinced...yet.