I wouldn't be so easily discouraged - use some ingenuity, put in a bit of effort and a measure of determination, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve on one of these machines, and for a surprisingly low cost. There were hundreds of thousands of these machines manufactured - suitable second-hand parts are readily available and, in this day and age, easily found with the help of the internet. It's also a diesel - a real advantage, and a machine for free ..... that's a really good starting point. :laughing:
It's your choice from there - spend some time and some money and end up with a good strong reliable machine which will be attractive to enthusiasts of the era. Alternatively, you can spend just a little time but a lot more money and end up with a newer machine - which may not be any more reliable, but it will owe you a lot more in cost, and also be losing resale value because it is nevertheless newer. Additionally, it will be struggling to outlast a real machine, made from real iron and steel, like this one. Someone else might want it. Bottom line ..... it's your call.
I worked mine for five hours today - no dramas whatsoever. My neighbour loves watching it work so much, he wants one as well! :thumbsup: