My "new" tractor

PineRidge · Oct 29, 2006

Nice looking iron, nobody laughing here.

roxynoodle · Oct 29, 2006

Look, and it has a plow!

eBay: WIDE FRONT FARMALL H TRACTOR WITH SNOW PLOW (item 150052457765 end time Nov-05-06 10:00:00 PST)

Turbys_1700 · Oct 30, 2006

You stole it...
My grandfather bought a new one in 42...
Was on a waiting list for an M because ofthe war...
Took an H that came in earlier...
Gave $1150 for it...
My father restored it and then sold it after 50 plus years on the farm...
A local guy bought it and converted it to a super stock puller...
Saw it two weeks ago at a farm show...
Wish we still had it...

roxynoodle · Oct 30, 2006

I wish you still had it, too. It was part of your family's history.

frank_f15 · Oct 30, 2006

hey roxy nice machine , i looked at one about 5 yrs ago, but was in terrible shape. tires were shot and back rims were nothing but rust, and it would not start! so i passed.

roxynoodle · Oct 30, 2006

Tires were one of the things I checked well. If they had been shot, I would've passed because there were others in the area for not much more money I could've looked at. One front is new, the other isn't horrible. The back ones have worn tread but very little weather checking. One back rim has been welded on the inside in one place. If I restore it, something will have to be done with that rim, either a better weld, or replace.

I did discover a potential problem safety-wise, other than no ROPS. I read a newspaper story online the other night while doing research on the tractor. A teenage boy slipped or fell getting off the tractor and engaged the PTO in doing so. Of course he landed on it and was killed. The only good way on and off for me is also the back of the tractor. I have an owner's manual for it now that says the clutch must be down to engage the PTO. Wrong! Mine can be started too without pushing in the clutch. It has a rod that needs to be pulled up to start it. This boy may have caught a shoelace or something on it, pulled it up and then fell from being caught. I can see how it could happen. So now I either shell out $50 for a PTO shield or try to make one. I'm also thinking boots without laces could be an extra safety precaution. Still won't stop me from catching my pant leg, etc. Just a note to pass on for anyone else thinking of getting a vintage tractor.

Julian Mule · Oct 30, 2006

Roxy, Nice job! It's cool to see the tractor after seeing your posts in the vintage forum about the choke. I think your initial impressions about this gem were a little too negative. Congrats on a good purchase, I hope she serves you faithfully for a long time!

wolc123 · Oct 30, 2006

The best thing you could do to make that tractor safer is to install a kit for a wide front end. The tricicle configuration was handy for cultivating but not nearly as stable as the wide front version. Many roll over accidents have occured with the trikes which is why they stopped making them 40 or so years ago. Great care must be taken when crossing ditches and driving on hillsides. I am not sure what the kit would cost you but maybe others on this site could give you an idea. Other than that, the H is a fine machine and you got a good deal.

BobG_in_VA · Oct 31, 2006

wolc123 said:
The best thing you could do to make that tractor safer is to install a kit for a wide front end. The tricicle configuration was handy for cultivating but not nearly as stable as the wide front version. Many roll over accidents have occured with the trikes which is why they stopped making them 40 or so years ago. Great care must be taken when crossing ditches and driving on hillsides. I am not sure what the kit would cost you but maybe others on this site could give you an idea. Other than that, the H is a fine machine and you got a good deal.

Wide front ends for H's and M's: Farmall made them and there is at least one company that made and after market version. Either in good shape (not welded all to pieces...) will run you more than you paid for the tractor. Then you'll find that it doesn't steer nearly as well or easy, leading you to want/need power steering. Guess what and outfit called Char-Lyn made a PS unit for these tractors. Oh yeah, now you'll have to install a belly hyd pump to get the fluid to run the PS, but alas, the belly pump only puts out when the clutch is released (like and 8N Ford). Lots of good ideas hear, but if you're looking to pull a manure spreader, leave it as it is or find a set of fenders to add on (keeps you away from the rear tires). Enjoy the tractor and be safe. Bobg in Va

MikeD74T · Oct 31, 2006

roxynoodle said:
Tires were one of the things I checked well. If they had been shot, I would've passed because there were others in the area for not much more money I could've looked at. One front is new, the other isn't horrible. The back ones have worn tread but very little weather checking. One back rim has been welded on the inside in one place. If I restore it, something will have to be done with that rim, either a better weld, or replace.

I did discover a potential problem safety-wise, other than no ROPS. I read a newspaper story online the other night while doing research on the tractor. A teenage boy slipped or fell getting off the tractor and engaged the PTO in doing so. Of course he landed on it and was killed. The only good way on and off for me is also the back of the tractor. I have an owner's manual for it now that says the clutch must be down to engage the PTO. Wrong! Mine can be started too without pushing in the clutch. It has a rod that needs to be pulled up to start it. This boy may have caught a shoelace or something on it, pulled it up and then fell from being caught. I can see how it could happen. So now I either shell out $50 for a PTO shield or try to make one. I'm also thinking boots without laces could be an extra safety precaution. Still won't stop me from catching my pant leg, etc. Just a note to pass on for anyone else thinking of getting a vintage tractor.

I have logged hundreds of hours on an H. Liked it for mowing with a sickle bar as it had great visability & with a turn of the wheel & a tap of the brake will make square turns. The best protection from PTO injuries is stay on the tractor until the engine is stopped. I believe in calculating risk & getting off that tractor with the engine running is a bad risk. I envy your purchase, have fun with it. MikeD74T