John Deere M

[SuperA]

Hello Guys, I Have an opportunity to pick up a John Deere M Tractor in Running Order with a Snow Plow and Bottom PLow. I really know very little about these and sure could use some Advice on whether this is a Good deal or not. Price is $2,000 as seen it Pics with Plows. I am NOT sure of the Year yet, haven't run the numbers, going to check it out this week. Any special Problems with these that I should be looking for? Any input Opinions etc would be greatly appreciated See Pics For Details, Thanks For Your Help, DanO'

 

[Norm W]

The "M" is a solid tractor. Depending on the age it could have a six spline rear axle. They have a tendency to loosen up and wear. That is a decent price if the tractor is solid.

 

[ShowroomShine]

Had an M for near 20 years, I always thought it was extremely underpowered for the size.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

IF that M starts and runs good, doesn't have any odd noises coming out of it when you drive it, it's a pretty good buy!

I wouldn't sell mine for that price!

SR

 

[stuckmotor]

We had an M in the sixties. We never had any trouble with the rear end but a couple of people told me they had a tendency for something or other to break in there. An expensive repair. I think one of these people was trying to buy the tractor at the time and also told me that his M had turned over or flipped backwards and killed his son. To this day I wonder whether he was lying. What I know for sure is I'd rather have a tractor with a factory 3pt hitch and a facrory 12 volt charging system.

 

[wolc123]

I put a lot of hours on one of them when I was young. It was the first tractor on our farm. Grandpa bought it new in 1951. I never thought it was underpowered, in fact it pulled the two-bottom plow with relative ease through our mucky, bottomland soil. We did wear out the spline on both sides of the rear end but it was nothing that a good amount of weld rod could not fix. That 2-banger engine seemed to make lots of torque. I would say 2k is a good deal for one with a snowplow and bottom plow. We also had mounted cultivators on ours and they worked well. I use a Farmall cub for that job now, where you look right down on the row. I could cultivate a lot faster with that M, just opening up the throttle in 2nd gear and lining up the ridge on the hood with the row with no worries. Not bent over with a stiff neck, worrying about missing every plant, like I do now with the cub.

 

[grnspot110]

I agree, if it runs & sounds good & things like hubs & spindles are tight, hydraulics work that sounds like a decent price. Be careful of the steering column lock, they often don't lock when worn & could cause a fall when mounting the tractor!

I bought my 1953 40S about a year & a half ago for a little under $3000, it does have the advantage of more driver comfort & factory 3-pt. As for the 6 volt system, keep a good battery in it & there should be no problems! My 40 (6 volt) will start just fine when the weather is well below freezing. I do keep a 6V "Battery Butler" plugged in on it through the winter.

 

[rydforlyf]

Hi,

I'm new to the world of tractors and am looking at an M. I have a question that refers to the OP's post and in specific, the picture of the rear end. What is the large cylindrical object just below the seat. It looks to be a cover over a rotating assembly. I've looked at the JD parts catalog but can't locate anything that looks like this.

Here's a link to a Mecum auction and this tractor has the same "shield".
1952 John Deere M Propane | S81 | Gone Farmin' Summer 213

Here's one without the cover, showing what I'm calling the rotating assembly
TractorData.com John Deere MT tractor photos information

Can someone identify this for me?

- RFL

 

[ProjectKing]

Hi,

I'm new to the world of tractors and am looking at an M. I have a question that refers to the OP's post and in specific, the picture of the rear end. What is the large cylindrical object just below the seat. It looks to be a cover over a rotating assembly. I've looked at the JD parts catalog but can't locate anything that looks like this.

Here's a link to a Mecum auction and this tractor has the same "shield".
1952 John Deere M Propane | S81 | Gone Farmin' Summer 213

Here's one without the cover, showing what I'm calling the rotating assembly
TractorData.com John Deere MT tractor photos information

Can someone identify this for me?

- RFL

It’s a belt pulley. Many old tractors have these. You hook a wide leather belt to it and can run a cord wood saw, water well pump, corn sheller, etc etc

 

[rydforlyf]

It痴 a belt pulley. Many old tractors have these. You hook a wide leather belt to it and can run a cord wood saw, water well pump, corn sheller, etc etc

Thanks, I'm familiar with them coming off of the side of a tractor, but not coming off of the rear. Is there any reason why that wouldn't appear in the parts book?

-RFL