Wardner / Hugh McKay

First, yes, I forgot about a Mag, and a tractor not needing a battery if it has a mag. That is the kind of "heads up" I am looking for. The reason I'm asking all this is I want to give this '48 H the best assesment I can. I jumped on the '46 without realizing the cost in parts it would need. A mistake I made that I am trying to correct. But I want to make the best assement I can, and I have to do it on my own, which is why I ask these questions you are dressing me down for.

As far as the stickers, I was reading through the Originaltiy guide and thought I should ask if there were any updates. No plan in buying stickers any time soon. I'm just asking for an update. When I think of stuff, I ask. I don't wait for an appropriate time, thinking someone may rake me over the coals for it. I keep logs of answers to my questions so I can refer back to them later.

If you want to jump to all kinds of conclusions that I'm throwing money around like a jack@ss, or that I'm hopelessly lost, then that's your own business. I know I'm jumping into an area that I have no experience in. I was welcomed by this group for just this reason, when I first asked "Should I do this?". I ask questions to help form opinion-based answers from you folks who have the experience with machines I am not familar with.

What I need are honest answers without sarcasm or insults. I can handle criticism to set me straight. I just take a sour view on disresepct. I have never intentionally disrespected anyone on this forum. I ask that you please extend that respect to me and offer me your advice, which is important to me.

I'm not angry or bitter towards either of you. I just thought it was important for me to explain to you, and to everyone, how important your answers are to me. So when I read things like you think I am a waste of time or energy... you can imagine how I feel.

that about says it all.

One thing you will find as you foray into old tractors is that thick skin will get you a long way. A lot of guys like to be sarcastic and cynical, and that is fine...you will be at some point too. It's the voice of experience.
Let people say what they will say, and glean what you want from what they say. I think if you go back and look at the original post, you'll find some good and heartfelt advice there, even if it is not what you wanted to hear. That said, if you have an interest in these tractors, and the means to follow the interest (that doesn't mean you have to have the means to follow it to the extent some folks do), go for it. You only live once, and why not experience the joy and angst of tractor ownership. Sure there will be days when you will question your logic in purchasing the tractor, but unlike things that don't earn their keep, a tractor can.

The overwhelming majority of folks on this board are just plain good people...but they are human and sometimes say the wrong thing, make the wrong decision, etc. Just like the folks you deal with in person. So keep asking questions, and chase your dreams as you see fit...and take good with the bad as you move along. You'll be better for having experienced it in the long run.

And believe it or not, for every "dumb question" you ask, there are a bunch of other guys reading through these forums who want to ask the same question but are too timid. There is no shame in asking questions, that's why these forums are here, really.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

In the meantime, read about 80% more and type about 80% less. I know you remember Grandpa's H, but you remember far less than you realize. I see this on forums everyday, and it hit close to home last fall. My brother who left the farm as a teenager, probably operated that old Farmall 300 more than I did back then, however also probably never looked at one since he was 18. I took him to visit a friend of mine, who has about 25 working Farmalls, amoung them a 300. Well, he argued with us for close to an hour, that the 300 he remembered had TA lever on right and IPTO on left. I'm not sure we convinced him. My friend and I probably had close to 65 years combined around a 300.

YOU ARE NOT READY TO BUY A TRACTOR.

Your story about your brother doesn't apply to me. The only thing I remember about my Grandfather's tractor was it was red, and the shape of the rear wheels. Everything else I have learned through research and from the good people like you on here. You will never hear me argue, because I don't know enough to argue a point.

You say I'm not ready. I'm not going to argue with that, because I tend to agree. But I can't seem to help myself. :)

Three times I've been going to part my Farmall 130 out, once I even had it in 3 pieces, then along came the parts I needed and at a very reasonable price. I've learned to wait, now I must admit that becomes easier with 3 tractors.

I would agree with the principle of spending a little more and getting a lot more. A free tractor is not usually the cheapest tractor in the long run.

Glenn

Why dont you shop around more and find you a good running tractor for your first project. You can find an H that might not be in "perfect" condition but yet it doesnt have to have an engine overhaul to make it run. Sure, you may have to dish out a little more money to get it but in the long run you will probly save more than you spent.

I got my SA free but still spent over three thousand on it and I didnt even do anything to the engine.

You said you dont know anything about tractors. Are you sure you want to jump in over your head with the first project? I dont know much about tractors either and even less about engines. I know when I am in over my head tho and then I get someone that knows that they are doing and has the tools to do it with.

So in conclusion, spend the money up front for a good tractor or you'll pay more in the end.

Good luck Mike

or this for body language?

This forum needs smilies.

However, I think you are way over your head in your tractor hobby pursuits. There are somethings you will never learn on this site.

For instance. negotoating a purchase agreement. If your seller will not buy a battery or make any effort to run the tractor, he knows he has junk. Under no circumstances should you improve the condition of his property or buy products anticipating a successful transfer. You are already behind the eightball.

Make him work for the sale. He fills the tires and radiator. He uses his wrench to check fluid levels and condition. Make him show you the motor is not stuck. See if he is willing to use his truck or tractor to pull the hulk down the street. If you are dealing with his ex-wife or widow, you will need a different set of strategies.

Just remember one thing. Time will always send/find you a better or cheaper tractor, particularly when you are dealing for a H.

Thank you for the info. I've put it down on my checklist of things I want to go over with this guy.

I think you're smarter that the whole danged bunch of us combined. If I remember right, you made money on that old H you bought off ebay. :>)

Allan