John Deere Model B/ Farmall H/M/C Question

vwbusman66 · Aug 31, 2014

Hi all, I am considering buying a second/ replacement tractor. I currently have a 1952 Ford 8n that has been nothing but trouble. I am considering either a John Deere Model B or a Farmall H/M/C. I need to be able to at least drag/ lift a blade and maybe even a finish mower. I am curious how one attaches implements to the back of either tractor. Also, how does the lift work? I just need some advice. Thanks, James

RickB · Sep 1, 2014

None of the tractors you mention came with a factory installed 3PT hitch.
None of the Farmalls you list had any kind of rear hydraulic lift/hitch.
A John Deere B probably will have a hydraulic rockshaft with no linkage and no position control.

DJ54 · Sep 1, 2014

Something like a Super C Farmall with Fast Hitch, would be a possible candidate for what you're looking for. You can get tongs that fit in the FH sockets, and a top link kit that goes where the belt pulley attachment bolts on. Or, there are a few of the full 3 pt. adapters around, but expensive. Not the true geometry of the 3 pt. system, but they work.

For the money they seem to be bringing now a days, I'm thinking you could find a newer than an 8N, but still 3 pt. system tractor. Lots of choices there, from Ford 600-800 series tractors, Oliver 55 & 550's, IH utility tractors, etc. By the time you find an C,H,M, buy a full 3 pt. conversion, and plumb it up, you could have a pretty nice older OEM 3 pt. tractor, with power assist, or full power steering, and live hydraulics. Something with at least a single set of remotes, which can be added if not equipped with, for a hydraulic top link, etc.

Just my 2 cents...

vwbusman66 · Sep 1, 2014

Hi, so could I get a rear mounted blade to plow snow for a John Deere A/B or Farmall H/M/C. I have found a handful of Farmall C's with hydraulically actuated front mounted snow plows. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, James

DJ54 · Sep 1, 2014

As mentioned, if the Deere has a rock shaft you can get an aftermarket 3pt. hitch for it, as well as the Farmall's. The C will be the only Farmall with live hydraulics, unless someone has added an aftermarket live hyd. pump. Those conversions are pricey. Probably in the $500.00 range.

motownbrowne · Sep 2, 2014

I like the old Farmalls, but I'd only consider an H or M if I had some task that they were designed for, like plowing or pulling a disc.

If you want one machine to do different tasks, get something with a 3pt. An international 504, Ford 600 or 800 or 3-4000 series or something like that.

Another idea if you're stuck on Farmalls, would be a belly mount mower on an A and a belly grader on a C or an H. A Farmall for every job.

vwbusman66 · Sep 6, 2014

What is the story with the Cubs? I could use it with a mower (sickle bar or belly) and a plow? did they have built in hydraulics? Thanks, James

RickB · Sep 6, 2014

vwbusman66 said:
What is the story with the Cubs? I could use it with a mower (sickle bar or belly) and a plow? did they have built in hydraulics? Thanks, James

Cubs have live hydraulics and a non-standard PTO that turns at ERPM in the direction of crankshaft rotation, counter to a standard PTO.

DJ54 · Sep 6, 2014

RickB said:
Cubs have live hydraulics and a non-standard PTO that turns at ERPM in the direction of crankshaft rotation, counter to a standard PTO.

And if everything is up to snuff, has a whopping 9 hp. On a good day....

flusher · Sep 6, 2014

vwbusman66 said:
Hi all, I am considering buying a second/ replacement tractor. I currently have a 1952 Ford 8n that has been nothing but trouble. I am considering either a John Deere Model B or a Farmall H/M/C. I need to be able to at least drag/ lift a blade and maybe even a finish mower. I am curious how one attaches implements to the back of either tractor. Also, how does the lift work? I just need some advice. Thanks, James

My 1948 JD B has a rockshaft that can be used to operate a true 3-pt hitch. YOu can find these on eBay for $500-700 or build your own hitch. Just be sure that the B you're eyeballing has a rockshaft. Some of the older B's (late 1930s, early 1940s) did not come with rockshafts.

My 1951 Farmall Super A normally came with the Farmall two-point hitch. My Super A has been retrofitted with a true 3-point hitch by Caltrans, the former owner.