McCormick-Deering model F-12

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

My grandfather used to use the one I have; it probably hasn"t been started in 20 years but has been kept indoors in a barn for the duration. The manual is specifically for McCormick-Deering Farmall Tractor Model F-12. Left frame info is 1934 950 DA, right frame info is 1937 2950 DA.

How in the world do I figure out its value? And who might want it? I started looking at classifieds on this site, but the info there is a little overwhelming. I am completely new to the world of antique tractors, so I"m hoping someone here can steer me right. I hate to see it just sitting, I"d love to get it in the hands of someone who might want to restore it, or at the least, use the parts for another restoration. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Andy Motteberg · Nov 9, 2008

Please don't let it get parted out. If it was your Grandfather's, you may want to keep it. I have my Grandpa's old H and it is very special to me and I'm glad my Dad did not let it go on my Grandpa's auction in 1996. Do you have any pictures of it? Is the block cracked on the water jacket? Is the engine loose or stuck? Steel or rubber tires? Is it complete?

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

Thanks for your reply Andy. And I would definitely prefer to see it kept intact for sentimental reasons.

As far as your questions...I do have a few photos but they aren't scanned yet, I just started thinking about doing something with it yesterday. The tractor is not in great shape, but it's all in one piece from what I can see. The only question I can definitively answer is the tire one--the big tires look like steel, and the little tires are rubber. Is that what you wanted? I don't know what a block or a water jacket is, lol. And um...how would I know if the engine is loose? I was pretty serious when I said I am completely new to this, and not mechanically informed at all. I'm sorry =(

rustyfarmall · Nov 9, 2008

It is very difficult to give an accurate appraisal without actually seeing the tractor, or at least some good pictures. What State are you in? Maybe someone could take a look?

pgo12 · Nov 9, 2008

i suggest you keep it also. maybe you could get someone you can trust to get it running for you or help you with it. i am glad i have my dads old tractor. pg

Andy Motteberg · Nov 9, 2008

The water jacket is the side of the engine, above the fuel pump. Look and see if it looks like the engine has a crack there, it is hard to find a block that is not cracked or welded. Does the tractor have the crank on the front? The crank goes on the front of the tractor. Push the crank in and try turning it, if the crank won't turn, the motor is stuck. Where are you loacted?

John M · Nov 9, 2008

Unless you have a lot of implements or it has electric start on the tractor, I hate to say this, but its only worth what you could get for scrap prices. A collector may be willing to pay you more for it, but its not by any means a gold mine.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 9, 2008

I know a lot of people don't think f-12s are worth much, but I have a F-12 and F-14 and really enjoy them. What state are you located in? I might be interested.

John M · Nov 9, 2008

I own an F14 and wouldnt trade it for anything, but lets face it, there were so many 12s made, and so many running and restored 12s that the ones that what are basically parts tractors arent worth much until they are sold for parts. I for one hope this tractor does gets sold, or restored. Just too many people thinking that ALOT of these tractors are a gold mine, when they arent.

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

John, I have never thought this F12 would be a gold mine. I would just like to see it being restored or used for parts, rather than wasting away in my barn. If I can get some money for it all the better, but I'm certainly not expecting to pay off any bills with the proceeds =P

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

I am in NJ...too far?

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

The next chance I have to look at it in daylight I will see what I can figure out based on your instructions. With the time change, my full-time job and school at night, I am rarely here when it isn't dark, lol.

I'm in NJ.

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

Rusty, I am going to try and get some pictures scanned in the next few days, or barring that take photos with my digital camera next weekend so I can get decent shots in daylight. With the time change I am rarely home now when it isn't dark!

I'm in NJ.

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

PG, I'd love to keep it but I'm not sure that's practical. Even if I get it fixed up, I have no place to keep it but an old barn, and I'm afraid over time it would just deteriorate again. We'll see what kind of info I get here and if someone can come look at it, give me a sense of what could/needs to be done.

Thanks, and I'm glad you have your dad's tractor too. Sometimes it's better not to let go of things.

-Amy

Bob Kerr · Nov 9, 2008

I wish you were closer. I would take it in a heartbeat. I have a 1935 F-12 I use a lot and it has been a handy little tractor for pulling wagons or logs. I would like one on steel since you don't have to worry about flat tires! Just find someone who will take care of it like your Grandpa did when he used it. I for one would hate to see it parted out or junked.

AmyA · Nov 9, 2008

Bob, I'll do my best to get it to a restorer not a parts person. Wish you were closer too, it sounds like you would have taken good care of it! Thanks for the encouragement. =)

bob farrell · Nov 10, 2008

Amy - In your case I have a suggestion. You apparantly live in the country. So, as you drive down the road try to find an old looking farmstead with one or more red tractors sitting around. Stop and meet the owner. If he is older (50 and up) show him the pictures and ask if he could help you. Most of the older farmers are real helpful and if he has red tractors, chances are he will have some knowledge of your tractor. Might even want to buy, fix up and give it a new home. bob farrell

Tom Fleming · Nov 10, 2008

Amy, I am in Pennsylvania, and I travel to NJ at least once a month on business. If you want, send me an email offline, and if you are not too far aware from Somerset NJ, I could possibly swing by and take a look for you.

here is my email: [email protected]

take care,

Tom

John M · Nov 10, 2008

Amy, Congradulations. You are one of the few of a rare breed. Its refreshing to see. Im glad you dont want to scrap it, or you realize it would serve a higher purpose being sold to a restorer. Dont be too shy about, as I mentioned it is sill only worth scrap as it sits, but its worth more thatn some are willing to pay. Get some pics of it posted, and as mentioned see if its locked up or not. Knowing the overall condition will help us put a better value on it.

AmyA · Nov 10, 2008

Bob, thanks for the suggestion! Old-time farmers are a dying breed in rural NJ (our governor even wants to eliminate the state dept of agriculture boooo), but I have put the word out and there is one person I know of who wants to come look at it. I also spoke to the hunters I let use my property in season, to see if they can dig up any connections. We'll see what happens. =)

McCormick-Deering model F-12

New User

Well-known Member

New User

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

New User

New User

New User

New User

New User

Member

New User

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

New User

Similar threads