More time on that #*@%# M.

Spent a couple of days raking straw last week and got it baled. So today I started knocking down the weeds in my pasture. Where is a tractor with a comfortable seat and PS when ya need it! Well at least I will not have to rake hay with the M any longer.......got my 2nd worthless 8N Ford, mounted a vertical exhaust on it so the muff isn't dragging through dry hay/straw so now I can rake with that! Still I shouldn't complain that ole M sure starts and runs good and uses no oil! I am going to look at a 560 D next week! Maybe I can take that M to the crusher yet! OK, OK I'm joking! I'm not going to crush a good running tractor and I do count my blessings that it ain't a an MM U!

Rick

Count your blessing that it's a Farmall M and not a JD A or G, they were a little
rougher on the operators, especially if they had a FEL. I'd work stacking hay for
one of our neighbors who was in his 60's when I was in High School. He used Massey
Ferguson Tractors, one day he was talking about the good old days when he and his
brother were farming together. His brother was a confirmed JD man, The old boy
admitted that at the end of the day his brother had gotten a little more done with
a John Deere 60 that he did with his MF65, but he said at the end of the day he
didn't have to crawl to the house like his brohter.

You have my condolences on the purchase of the ford, even though after the first one you should have learned your lesson!

Al

Cmon Man.

I am sure that M has been there for ya when you REALLY needed it? Talk nice about your "work horses".

Don't know what you are talking bout.... My M has power steering. Something to be said for sfeering with one finger.

I know that this is a Farmall forum; but, hey, those 8Ns are the trick for small gardens and light duty work. I do prefer the live lift on my 650; but gosh it handles rougher than my 8N.

Yup!! Dad bought the M sometime in the early sixties, what a relief from baling in first and second gear with the Super C. Enough power to actually run the hay conditioner without stalling on the big lumps. Armstrong power steering worked just fine, never had live power before, so I didn't miss it.

Came back from college, M still the big horse, Dad slowing down a little and didn't really like to run it any more, guess who did?

A few more years, baler with kicker, pulling wagons, Hesston mower-conditioner, lack of live power/live hydraulics really aggravating. Armtrong power steering beginning to wear on the "power unit".

Got a MF 175D in a basket, made it run, all the modern conveniences, including automatic mosquito fogging, what an improvement.

MF cr@pped its drawers, (LPTO clutche$$$ and pump). Borrowed a JD A, AARRGHHH, back to the M.

MF working again.

MF down again, repeated head gasket failure, back to the M.

Finally managed to scrape up $$ and bought a Farmall 560 Diesel, M relegated to some rakeing and tedding when the IH 330 wasn't available.

MF engine rebuilt, still needs brakes, PS pump and leaking transmission seal fixed.

IH 330 broke a crank, M tedding and rakeing A LOT.

Tropical storm Irene!!! M and 560 both went swimming, MF finished haying, and stayed together.

cleaned up the M, flushed everything out and got it running, 560 didn't go as deep so I saved that project for spring, guess what I used for haying THIS summer. Didn't mention, MF has a loader on it, a real pig to use if you don't at least take the bucket off. I did do a lot of the mowing with it, but baled with the M. Armstrong power steering "power unit" just about completely shot, hard to lift my coffee cup in the morning. Put new tires on the Super C and used it a lot more than in the last few years.

So, in all those years, the M has had two new sets of tires, two clutches, and one new PTO shaft (oprator error). The head has been rebuilt once, I added a two way hydraulic valve, and the starter has been rebuilt at least four or five times. The radiator was removed and patched onec, and it may have had a couple of front wheel bearings.

The longest it was ever down, was when the head was rebuilt. The shop had to mine the iron, smelt it, refine the steel, forge the valves, machine them, and then fit them to the head. I borrowed a friend's IH 574 for that spell, really hated to go back to the M.

get a steering wheel from a w-9 and put it on your m. cheap power steering. the w-9 uses a larger diameter steering wheel, gives a little more leverage.

I am thinking of replacing the FARMALL WFE with an after market Swarchz one. Been told that it will turn sharper a steer better.

Rick

Rick, Since you really, really like, love those little N-series Fords. Then Please go park that old M of yours up by the road, Hang a For Sale on it an go buy a whole bunch more of what you like. And quit cussing one of the best tractors ever Made! I and many others here on the Boards believe the Farmall M is a basic necessity on their Farm.
I personally Detest the N-Series Ford series. But I do not go on to the Ford Board and bash them for I know folks that do like them and I do not see the need to raise a stink about it, and upset others.
The N-series was light yrs ahead, but those who bought them "Traded Off" a pair of mules or oxen so yes it was an improvement But since the advent if P.S., LPTO, Live Hydraulics, the N-series is relegated to Parade or Garden work. So in retrospect Why not stop the bashing of the M and get rid of it and get something you like better.
I like the seat on an M! When shredding I sit higher of the ground and do not have to eat as much dirt and dust as opposed to a low squatty N-series tractor.
Just My point of view. Not looking for and argument. But this is the Farmall Board and 99% of the guys here really do like our Farmalls. We do not Cuss them.
Later,
John A.

Nothing sounds quite as nice as a good running M Farmall! The sounds of POWER!
Good morning oldtaker; see you at Fleet Farm soon?

You'll like that 560 D. It's a lot cheaper to run than an M. One quick and cheap thing you can do is take a couple ibuprofen before you get on that M and a couple more every three-four hours. That will at least help with the soreness in your shoulders from wrestling that big old tractor.

By chance, where is your seat set on the platform?
If it's the later style seat it has several holes where you can move it forward or backward. Move it far enough back to where you can stand or sit while going. Nice to stand sometimes and get a break!

(quoted from post at 07:45:56 08/08/12) Rick, Since you really, really like, love those little N-series Fords. Then Please go park that old M of yours up by the road, Hang a For Sale on it an go buy a whole bunch more of what you like. And quit cussing one of the best tractors ever Made! I and many others here on the Boards believe the Farmall M is a basic necessity on their Farm.
I personally Detest the N-Series Ford series. But I do not go on to the Ford Board and bash them for I know folks that do like them and I do not see the need to raise a stink about it, and upset others.
The N-series was light yrs ahead, but those who bought them "Traded Off" a pair of mules or oxen so yes it was an improvement But since the advent if P.S., LPTO, Live Hydraulics, the N-series is relegated to Parade or Garden work. So in retrospect Why not stop the bashing of the M and get rid of it and get something you like better.
I like the seat on an M! When shredding I sit higher of the ground and do not have to eat as much dirt and dust as opposed to a low squatty N-series tractor.
Just My point of view. Not looking for and argument. But this is the Farmall Board and 99% of the guys here really do like our Farmalls. We do not Cuss them.
Later,
John A.

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John I do love my Farmall.....1206. As good as the M runs I wish there was an economical solution to make it steer better and to put better hydraulics on it. If there were I'd use it more. Heck with those 2 improvements I could run my haybine with it. The problem I have with the seat is the fact that I have knee and back issues (service connected) and I'm 6'5" and 250 pounds. That all adds up to an uncomfortable tractor to run. I'm retired Army and am trying to get the family farm going again on a budget. I'm trying to keep from going to the bank. I got the M based on prices in the local area and advice on this board when I 1st decided to restart the farm (that's why i complain about on here). I do mention that the darn thing has been a great starter and runner. I did convert it to 12 volt and it will start right down to about -20/-25 with pre heating or can set for 6 months and will fire right up. Only other thing I've had to do to it is a couple of tune ups and put in a carb kit. It's kinda a love hate relationship.

I know of 3 guys in my area with M's that are running em as farm tractors. One only cuts and bales about 10 acres a year. The other is milking cows and tills I don't know how many acres. He only uses his M on manure spreader duty for his calf pens. The other is me. I know a guy who crops over 1,000 acres who has an H. He only has it cause it's the tractor he started with. Really only sets in the shed collecting dust and taking up space.

N's are only good for the garden? I'm going to plow another 10 acres next week to put in alalfa. The N will do the tillage work because I have the implements for it. Will not be the first time I've done it. Gotta find a plow for the 1206 but need a grinder mixer first. I got the 2nd 8N cause I use the first one so much. With the mentioned back problems having to swap implements less often is fantastic and I really can't afford to be witout one running except in the dead of winter.

But OK I'll stop complaining about it.

Wayne I may try to make it in for coffee next week. Had a really busy spring and early summer. The FIL Passing set me back about 2 weeks with his being in the hospital and funeral plus the time spent making sure the MIL is taken care of.

Rick

A lot of M's were sold new here back in the day. Grandpa bought his new in the fall of 1941 and was delivered in the spring of 1942. I do not detest the N series but I think some people extremely exaggerate the success of them. I would say that in this area the AC WD out did the sales numbers of the N series upon introduction and provided the market with a low cost hydraulic lift-equipped option. Most of the N series turned up in orchards and vineyards around here. Very few of the crop and livestock guys here claim to have an N series as part of their farm heritage.

For hay work, ever considered a 350 or 450?
Put the gun away...just askin !!

(quoted from post at 20:40:06 08/08/12) For hay work, ever considered a 350 or 450?
Put the gun away...just askin !!

Click to expand...

I've looked at a few but for the price they sell for around here I think I can hold out for something a little newer.

Rick

There used to be a relocation plate available for the factory wide fronts on these old tractors. It would move the front end back underneath the tractor and reduce the turning radius tremendously.

All it is is a piece if heavy plate. I bet you could make one up yourself pretty easy with a cutting torch.

(quoted from post at 05:59:52 08/09/12) There used to be a relocation plate available for the factory wide fronts on these old tractors. It would move the front end back underneath the tractor and reduce the turning radius tremendously.

All it is is a piece if heavy plate. I bet you could make one up yourself pretty easy with a cutting torch.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I've seen plenty of Ms/SMs with the wide front way out front, really goofing looking setup. I was VERY happy to find my SM with it moved back.



I wouldn't ever say it turns tight but it's not to bad. I do have most of the parts to add power steering though, that thing is a bear when you are going slow.

I really wish I could use my SM more, I really like driving it. It has a 3 point hitch in it's future, when funds allow. We have a fair amount of 3pt tools now but only one tractor with the 3pt hitch, have another would be very handy.

K

K

You can put PS on that M and how much better do
the hydraulics have to be? Looks like you have the
front full time cam driven pump.
If you make the plates that bolt to the axle
bolts you can hang the complete Fast Hitch from a
450/560 on that fine machine. I wouldn"t be
without my 46 M and it has the belly pump
hydraulics, PS and a Fast Hitch with 3-point arms.

sorry oldtanker, was looking at the pic of the MD and was thinking that was yours. The M is a fine tractor with some improvements.

(quoted from post at 07:55:06 08/09/12) sorry oldtanker, was looking at the pic of the MD and was thinking that was yours. The M is a fine tractor with some improvements.

Click to expand...

The problem with that is the tractor is worth about a grand to 1500. Decent after market 3 point 750 or more. Cheapest PS unit used I can find is another 750. A like hydraulic pump that mounts to the governor in this area is about 350. So 1500+750+750+350= enough to get into a 450 or maybe even a 560D now add in the price of a good used Swartz front end. So I'm not sure if I should spend the money on upgrades or if I should just get a different tractor. The 560D I'm going to look at has ok rubber and an asking price of 3500.

Rick

(quoted from post at 16:48:31 08/09/12)

(quoted from post at 07:55:06 08/09/12) sorry oldtanker, was looking at the pic of the MD and was thinking that was yours. The M is a fine tractor with some improvements.

Click to expand...

The problem with that is the tractor is worth about a grand to 1500. Decent after market 3 point 750 or more. Cheapest PS unit used I can find is another 750. A like hydraulic pump that mounts to the governor in this area is about 350. So 1500+750+750+350= enough to get into a 450 or maybe even a 560D now add in the price of a good used Swartz front end. So I'm not sure if I should spend the money on upgrades or if I should just get a different tractor. The 560D I'm going to look at has ok rubber and an asking price of 3500.

Rick

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I know how you feel...that is a tough call but the way I look at it...if your not going to use it then get rid of it and buy something you will use. Nothing worse than maintaining the tires and batteries on a tractor that just sits. Once I added the factory 3 point it became a whole different tractor. I don't care for the aftermarket 3 points and made the plates so I could mount the Fast Hitch parts.



For me personally I can't beat my M during Hay season because it is the perfect size for pulling the rake. It also gets used for lots of other chores for the same reason. And that hitch is just using the belly pump and I do have power steering.
And with a little luck and lots of time I'll get it painted some day.

(quoted from post at 19:32:05 08/09/12)
For me personally I can't beat my M during Hay season because it is the perfect size for pulling the rake. It also gets used for lots of other chores for the same reason. And that hitch is just using the belly pump and I do have power steering.
And with a little luck and lots of time I'll get it painted some day.

Click to expand...

Not to derail the topic to much but do you have some pictures of the fast hitch on your M? I've heard of some folks doing it but I've never seen it.

What did you get the FH off from?

Thanks,

K

(quoted from post at 19:32:05 08/09/12)

(quoted from post at 16:48:31 08/09/12)

(quoted from post at 07:55:06 08/09/12) sorry oldtanker, was looking at the pic of the MD and was thinking that was yours. The M is a fine tractor with some improvements.

Click to expand...

The problem with that is the tractor is worth about a grand to 1500. Decent after market 3 point 750 or more. Cheapest PS unit used I can find is another 750. A like hydraulic pump that mounts to the governor in this area is about 350. So 1500+750+750+350= enough to get into a 450 or maybe even a 560D now add in the price of a good used Swartz front end. So I'm not sure if I should spend the money on upgrades or if I should just get a different tractor. The 560D I'm going to look at has ok rubber and an asking price of 3500.

Rick

Click to expand...

I know how you feel...that is a tough call but the way I look at it...if your not going to use it then get rid of it and buy something you will use. Nothing worse than maintaining the tires and batteries on a tractor that just sits. Once I added the factory 3 point it became a whole different tractor. I don't care for the aftermarket 3 points and made the plates so I could mount the Fast Hitch parts.

For me personally I can't beat my M during Hay season because it is the perfect size for pulling the rake. It also gets used for lots of other chores for the same reason. And that hitch is just using the belly pump and I do have power steering.
And with a little luck and lots of time I'll get it painted some day.

Click to expand...

Dan if I could justify the cost of a 3 point, PS and live hydraulics I'd do it in a heart beat! It runs really good and has great oil pressure. The only repairs it really needs is the seat and a new manifold (thread for the exhaust pipe are toast). It needs new rear rubber but for what I'm using it for now if they hold air they are good. I converted it to 12 volt and did a complete rewire when both the genny and VR took a dump.

On the pretty side....it ain't! Could use a new nose and paint.

Don't know if I'd want to try to pick up bales.....I have a soft core baler that makes 1800 lbs bales. My 1206 with 2001 IH loader don't like those! Gotta trade that thing in for something that can make 800-900 pounders.

Someone mentions the set back plate for the dront end....mine has one.

Guess I may have to do some more looking for parts. I found out that a local guy sold an H with a Cornhusker 3 point not too long ago for 1500 with chains and a good loader too when he was desperate. Sorry I missed that. I could have pulled the 3 point and turned that tractor for a profit!


Rick

OldTanker, If you want to get rid of the pitiful old M, ill take it off
your hands. I'll even come and haul it away. All for free! I know
sounds to good but its true. Hahahahahaha Sorry I enjoy the old
iron.

(quoted from post at 22:36:32 08/09/12) OldTanker, If you want to get rid of the pitiful old M, ill take it off
your hands. I'll even come and haul it away. All for free! I know
sounds to good but its true. Hahahahahaha Sorry I enjoy the old
iron.

Click to expand...

LOL I bet you would! I really need a trator in that size range or maybe a bit more HP.....just do things with the 1206 because it causes me a lot less pain that I should do with a smaller tractor but requires more HP than my Fords. Most of it's my fault. I should have done more research before buying. Haul it away for free???? At current scrap prices :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: ?????

Rick

My baler makes mine 1100lbs and the old M can just
lift them off the ground with the old belly pump.
Gets a little lite on the front end but it works
good moving them to the edge of the field. If I
weighted the front it would be fine but really
don"t care for the weights for no more distance I
have to move them.

My baler is a CaseIH 3650 soft core. Take 70 HP to run it and makes 1800 pound bales, thats if you want em tight enought to move em. I'm looking at traading it off over this winter.

Rick

If you want to see how I mounted the Fast Hitch
parts do a search with my handle dansuper27 and
all the pictures I have uploaded will be on there.
The Fast Hitch I used wasn't mounted on a
tractor when I got it but I have been told that it
is the 350, 450, 560 size....whatever that is. If
you look at the tractors of that era that have the
Fast Hitch you can measure how wide the back
casting they are bolted to is. It is the same as
the M when you add the plates because all of those
series used the same size rear section but then
had the dimples for the bolts cast on so the Hitch
could be mounted.
The hitch I got didn't have the lower Fast Hitch
arm parts just the lift rods, rock shaft, and side
mounting plates. I built the 3 point arms
patterned after an 806 size lower 3-point arm. The
problem you run into is there is no easy way to do
sway control.
When I bought my 856 it had a Fast Hitch on it
and that is rare enough that I didn't want to
remove it but wanted to be able to use 3 point
equipment. When you the search you will see the
solution I came up with on my 856. I'm going to
get the rest of the lower parts for my M and do
the same thing on it. Then you have the best of
both worlds....Fast Hitch or Quick
Hitch...whatever you want and it works well.
By going to the full Fast Hitch on the M you
gain back the sway control. I'm thinking the only
part that will have to be custom made is where the
Fast Hitch has to be attached underneath to be on
the drawbar pulling point.
I plan to do that on mine this winter and I'll post a thread on it when I do.

Do a search for (My solution for fasthitch to 3-point) to see the 856 hitch thread.

Do a search with my handle (dansuper27) in the photos section to see the M fasthitch mount.

(quoted from post at 21:28:20 08/10/12) Do a search for (My solution for fasthitch to 3-point) to see the 856 hitch thread.

Do a search with my handle (dansuper27) in the photos section to see the M fasthitch mount.

Click to expand...

Got it. That's a really cool solution. It must be a FH off a 400-560 type tractor as the 300-460s would have a smaller rear end.

Do you still have the patterns available for the plates?

K

Yes I still have the pattern I made somewhere in the shop. email me a snail mail address and I'll send you a tracing on brown paper

(quoted from post at 12:45:13 08/11/12)
Yes I still have the pattern I made somewhere in the shop. email me a snail mail address and I'll send you a tracing on brown paper

Click to expand...

I'm going to need an email address.

I really like this idea. The Saginaw looks like a really nice unit but it's missing some small features that the FS would give me.

Thanks,

K

(quoted from post at 02:24:42 08/12/12)

(quoted from post at 12:45:13 08/11/12)
Yes I still have the pattern I made somewhere in the shop. email me a snail mail address and I'll send you a tracing on brown paper

Click to expand...

I'm going to need an email address.

I really like this idea. The Saginaw looks like a really nice unit but it's missing some small features that the FS would give me.

Thanks,

K

Click to expand...

superbug20 at yahoo

(quoted from post at 20:34:50 08/11/12)

superbug20 at yahoo

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Hi dansuper27,

I sent you an email a couple of weeks ago but didn't hear anything back, did you get it?

Thanks,

K