Can someone straighten me out?

I was fortunate enough to have been born to a farm family, which operated an irrigated outfit in western Nebraska. The farms lay flat as a pancake; not a hill in sight, in any direction.

When I was a very short person, my dad bought a brand new H.

He always told me that it was a ’53 model; however, I don’t remember any “Super H” decals nor did it have disk brakes. I remember him painting it once long ago (‘bout 1960) and putting on new decals, which just said “H”. It seems to me that it had 11.5/38 tires. Later, in about 1964 or so, I helped him overhaul the engine and we put in the ‘pop-up’ piston kit. I don’t recall any big power difference at that time, but that was many years ago. But, I remember him saying that it should have more horsepower now.

It had those long axles, what were they? Something like 102”? Anyway, we had to buy the bigger, wider Farmhand F-10 loader to clear those wide axles.

The loader had the big hay basket with steel teeth and that big steel push off. We used that old H to put up heavy alfalfa hay for years and years with no problems.

We used it to run the beet topper, to cut beans, to cultivate beets, corn and beans and in short, just about every job on the place except for the plowing which was done by the larger Ms, 400s, 560s and on up the line.

We used it in the winter to feed cattle; still mounted with the F-10 loader with a grapple and a PTO powered JD feed wagon hooked on behind.

My dad got sick and passed in 1974 and I continued using that old H for the smaller jobs around the place up until 1983 when I sold it. It was just a damned good old tractor.

Okay, fast forward to the present. I’m kind of a grumpy old semi-retired man who has moved up in the hills and I buy this “restored” ’51 H because I want something to clear snow and mow grass around my “hill place” and I’m remembering what a good tractor that old H was. This ’51 seems to run fine and all working parts seem to be in order; but I haven’t really used it all that much yet.

Yesterday, the local implement company gets the smaller F-11 loader with the wide bucket, which I just bought, mounted on this second “H” and delivers it back out here to my place. The front tires are pretty low as I forgot to check the air in them prior to hauling the tractor to town, but it is getting late and I decide to air them up today when it gets light.

What is driving me crazy is this: That old H from years ago would absolutely pull circles around this one. The smaller F-11 loader seems to be just about all that this tractor wants. It is like I have more loader than I have tractor. The tail seems to be waggin’ the dog. Coming up my steep drive in 4th won’t work; I have to use 3rd gear! It’s pretty steep, but I don’t think it is that steep.

Was that old “H” bigger than I thought it was? Or, do I have one sick, tired & worn out tractor on my hands now? Maybe, I need to look into some tuning? To me, this H should handle that smaller loader with ease.

Or, maybe my old brain is just showing it’s age like the tractor and I ‘m not “remembering” correctly? I dunno.

Thanks for any thoughts,

Allan

Hi ol Pard.

I got to fiddle with the thing just a little bit this afternoon. Got those front tires aired up to about 50lbs and that took away that "more loader than tractor" feeling.

Yes, I'm sure you are right. Get this: The old gal lugs very badly just by my running the bucket up and down. I think the timing is slow also and that she spent the last portion of her life looking 'pretty' instead of working for a living. :>)

I need more hours in the day as all these doctors are drivin' me crazy & I can't keep up, but I'll get 'er livened up soon!!

Thanks for the reply,

Allan

All that being said, Allan, I love the H and just bought one for myself. They are light steering easy to work on and fun to drive. Mine has a McCormick loader on it that I am thinking of selling as I realy do not need another loader tractor. I already have the M and an 86 Hydro with loaders.

By the way, how far out in the hills are you? I lived north of Hershey on the Birdwood for several years but now am north of McCook.

Alas, I hate to admit it, but I'm thinking you are correct.

The night the hauler delivered it, I remember thinking how "small" the tractor was as compared to my memory. Funny how reality is smaller than one’s memory take.

Thinking back now, I remember the beet topper had to be pulled in 1st and I cultivated corn in 2nd, as I recall. The haying was done in 4th and 5th.

It most definitely has the flat topped pistons and is probably somewhat tired or in need of a tune-up. Don't know, haven't played with it that much.

I'll fiddle with it a few days. If it does not cut the grade, it will just have to go down the road, as I don't need more than one tractor. She’s a sweet one, tho.

I live exactly 10 miles south of Chadron out here in the Pine Ridge and almost 100 feet straight up. Pretty in the summer; a killer in the winter.

You've got to know my old friends Hershel Rice of Ashby or Chet Lacy....up there in the country where Ted is buying up all the land?

Thanks, I enjoy reading your posts; you are a wise ole owl.

Allan

Zoid,

Boy! Thanks for that!

And, you are right come to think of it. The F-10 mainly hauled everything around on the back axle.

I've been beatin' myself up for hours now; Wondering how I could have been so darned dumb; didn't think of the axle thing!!

But now, it seems I've just got too much tail for the dog I'm using.

Like I said, I'll play with it for a few days, but if it doesn't appear to be working out, I'll just have to change tractors, that's all.

I won't use an unsafe outfit up here in these hills; I want to last a few more years yet. :>)

My wife tells me that I have more money than good sense. I think she might be right and there sure is not much money in the equation. :>(

Thanks for the response,

Allan

Allan, if you realy want to sell that H or swap it for an M let me know. Might trade you this one.

Hey! That might be a plan; that's a good lookin' tractor!

We've got clients both at the McCook Hospital and at the Curtis Clinic so it wouldn't hurt us to make a good-guy courtesy call down in your area anyway.

But first, let me play with this old gal a little. I just don't think it is tuned correctly. It doesn't even want to pull the hydraulics alone without grunting.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks,

Allan

Hey!! Thanks for the comeback...Such nice people on this site. Does my old heart good!!

Okay now, here's the deal...Get ahold of your brother. You and he have a little talk.

I'll load this H within the hour and come down there and somehow swap ya for that 656. :>) !!!!! I love those things!!

Regards,

Allan

As for the 656/H swap, let me think about it... Ok, done.:) I don't think it'll work, although my brother probably wouldn't care. Unfortunatly he "went green" a few years back and doesnt share my dedication to IH tractors(why he decided to put a loader on the 656 when we already have a FWD JD with a loader is beyond me). Actually, he's one of those guys who only likes "new" things, and anything "old" he considers a waste of time.

Myself, I'm now looking for a 1206 to put the 656's loader on. Got one spotted at a dealer located between you and me, but haven't looked at it yet. Happy Thanksgiving!