Re-building tractor - what model is "easy" for beginner?

[Tullfish]

Hi,

I what to try re-building an old tractor as a hobby (i already own a Ford 4600 for work on the fatm and do minimal maintenance). I am looking for a 35 hp approx. old tractor, available in Canada, that I could "play" with during winter in my garage, but I want an "easy" one to start with since i am not a mechanician myself.

What model would you suggest for a beginner? I will then try to find a well beated, low cost, unit to start with.

Sylvain

 

[bcp]

Welcome to TBN.

I've only done a Ford 8N, and parts were easy to find. Something common would probably be best for a first restoration.

Bruce

 

[nybirdman]

Lots of 8N,9N's ,Ferguson's around that need work and most parts are available.I don't miss ours;but if you are looking for a "project" with some return ,they fit the bill.

 

[LouNY]

All the farmall letter series would be good or
an Oliver --50 or --55 such as a 1550 an interesting point on those Olivers is that "splitting" is not required for any work,
clutch or tranny they have a bathtub type frame and you can pull the engine and auxiliary trans ro work on them and they can been rolled around and moved while disassembled.

 

[Agvg]

A MF 35 or 135 is newer a bad choice, MF35 is still in production.

 

[rScotty]

Hi,

I what to try re-building an old tractor as a hobby (i already own a Ford 4600 for work on the fatm and do minimal maintenance). I am looking for a 35 hp approx. old tractor, available in Canada, that I could "play" with during winter in my garage, but I want an "easy" one to start with since i am not a mechanician myself.

What model would you suggest for a beginner? I will then try to find a well beated, low cost, unit to start with.

Sylvain

That's easy because there were not that many models designed specifically to be maintained and even rebuilt by the owner.

Machinery designed to be owner-maintained tends to get designed that way only rarely and in response to specific challenges in society.
So I think that's the kind of thing you are looking for. Because such machines tend to have a cultish following, the parts situation is usually good. In fact, it is ofter better than much newer machines. Also there tends to be a lot of published info and even online help.

I'd say that it depends on what you want the tractor to do. Staying around 30 to 40 hp, if it is a parade machine, get an older example. If you want to actually do work with it, there are several examples of simple tractors that are surprisingly modern.

Examples I can think of are: Model T & A Ford cars, WWII Jeeps, 8N & 9N Model Ford tractors, John Deere 2-cylinder tractors. And Yanmars circa 1970 to 80 for small diesels.

An example that always jumps to mind is the 2 cylinder John Deere model B tractors. Multi fuel and pretty much the same tractor from 1935 to 1959. 35 hp. The early ones had a modest 3pt hitch and could pull a plow or mower. Later models after about 1955 (model 520 & 530) had power steering, 3pt with draft control, lots of adjustments and even accessory hydraulics. Lots of parts and hobbyist info.
rScotty

 

[bcp]

Being in Canada, maybe the OP should look at a Cockshutt.

INTERNATIONAL COCKSHUTT CLUB INC. - Home

Bruce

 

[Tullfish]

Thanks Lou,

I always liked Oliver, dont know why... When you say no need of splitting , you mean not need to dismantle to get to all the parts to work on? (my mother tongue is french).

Sylvain

 

[LouNY]

Evening Sylvain

Most of the older tractors and also the new ones to work on the engines it requires the removal of the engine,
to remove the engine the tractor has to "split" separated at the bell housing and rear end,
also to replace the clutch or if you need to go into the transmission or rear end housing it has to be split.
The Olivers and Cockshuts with the bath tub frame the engine and auxillary transmission are bolted down to the frame and with the removal of the grill and radiator only four bolts and a coupler attach the power unit to the frame making repairs easier in that the engine less tractor is still able to be rolled around and moved out of the work area.

Good Luck

 

[stuckmotor]

A MF 35 or 135 is newer a bad choice, MF35 is still in production.

I'm confused about the MF35 still being in production.
TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 35 tractor information