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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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What steps in a tractor evaluation?

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Mike CA

03-14-2007 23:09:16




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I'm going to see a '48 H on Saturday. I have about 2 hours with it to figure out what kind of condition it's in. What I know from the owner is that he bought it not running as a future project he has been unable to get to. He says he knows the engine is free (unstuck) and that it has good compression. I'd like to build a checklist of things to look for to determine mechanical condition. He's asking $800, and already told me that price isn't negotiable. So I need to ensure I am not buying a worse headache than I already have.
In a previous post it was suggested that I pull the tractor along to test the transmission. I'm not sure I'll have he ability or time to do that, but I will try.
What else should I be checking for?

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49h

03-17-2007 07:12:36




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
I bought a 41949 H that was not running at the time. IN 3 weeks the tractor was running like my JD 420 that is restored. It is mostly checking the expesive stuff first.



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Mike CA

03-15-2007 08:29:09




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
Great suggestions! I'll be putting all these down in a checklist tonight to take with me, along with some tools. I hope I get enough time. He's also giving me a tour of his ranch with all his Farmalls on it, but he has to leave at 3pm (I should be arriving around 1) I may have to go up for further inspection at a later date.

What tools should I be bringing along?



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John A.

03-15-2007 06:19:18




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
Mike, All the suggestion below are great, Let me add when you do the compression check do each cylinder twice, once "dry" and once "wet" with a few sqirts of oil in the cylinder. If at all pissible use the starter, jump it off another battery it will give a better reading. Like gene said there are lot of Hs out there, they are almost,,,a Dime a Dozen! Good Luck,
John A.



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Michael Soldan

03-15-2007 05:57:00




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
An old friend of mine collected over 45 tractors, his advice was always to make sure the manifold wasn't cracked or broken and the rear rims weren't rusted out..from that point he would evaluate the rest of the tractor as has been suggested. He always figured a cracked, broken manifold likely let water into the engine where it didn't belong siezing it and causing damage even breaks from frost. Rear rims are usually expensive. If those two items were bad the evaluation ended there and he would walk away. He had many fine and beautiful tractors

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Steven@AZ

03-15-2007 05:23:37




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
Hey Mike, does this one have a wide front too?

Definitaly check oil levels in the transmission/rearend and engine. Pull the drain plugs slowly, just enough to let a drop or two of oil out to make sure there isn't water. Do this BEFORE you move it around or turn the engine over. After you have moved it or turned the engine over, check it again to see if the oil is milky. My H had 3 gallons of water in the rearend and 1 gallon of goo, plus several bad bearings and chewed up gears...

Look for evidence of any cracks in the castings, see if the bolts into the front bolster and bell housing are tight holding the framerails. I bought an H with stripped holes in the bellhousing...

Do you have a compression gauge? Hand cranking or with the starter on a cold engine you should get at least 80 to 90 psi if it's any good.

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Mike CA

03-15-2007 08:26:47




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Steven@AZ, 03-15-2007 05:23:37  
No, this one has a narrow double front and correct row crop wheels. If it's as good as he says it is, then it will save me a ton of money in parts over trying to get the '46 up to spec.



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Bill in NC

03-15-2007 04:40:57




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
I'd also take a 1/2 inch square bar and adjustable wrench to take off the transmission top oil fill/inspection plug. I didn't know to check for this and bought a tractor with a dry transmission. My 140 has got good seals now!



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Hugh MacKay

03-15-2007 03:01:57




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
Mike: Banjo has given you a good list, I will only add to that. Two items I always look closely at are condition of sheet metal and how much after market welding or brazing has been done on castings. When you see those two items all beat up, you know the tractor hasn't been well cared for. The reverse is also true, especially if you see factory paint still in decent condition. They don't stay that way sitting out in the elements.

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banjo

03-14-2007 23:59:21




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to Mike CA, 03-14-2007 23:09:16  
Just a few things i can think of, Check condition of oil if you can, loosen the drain enough to see if any water is in the bottom of the pan. Check the coolant in the radiator for cleanliness,oil film on the top.See if the brakes work. Slop in the steering, turn the steering wheel and see how much it takes to move the tires. Check the fuel tank for rust or evidence of leakage. Check to see if starter works, See if the generator,carb,linkages,control rods is still on the tractor.

Seing how you plan on making a show tractor the condition of the tires may not be a factor , but look for rusted through areas or welds on the rims.See if it will go in all the gears.

It must be a nice one if it doesn't run and wants $800. Hard to tell if it might need major work on the inside.

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gene bender

03-15-2007 03:11:56




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 Re: What steps in a tractor evaluation? in reply to banjo, 03-14-2007 23:59:21  
Remember that the tractor is in CALIFORNIA and their asking prices can be wild. Some sellers must think they have the only one left in the market.



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