Farmall M. . .any differences?

bigboreG · Sep 10, 2013

Are there any major differences between an early M and a late one? Looking at two tractors one is a 42 and the other is 51. Both just straight old M tractors. Thanks. BTW im a JD man. . .heading in the red direction! So im a little new in the Farmall Division. But im learning!

Janicholson · Sep 10, 2013

They are essentially the same. Differences in some components such as better gears on the camshaft and a bolt pattern on the front cover compatible with live hydraulics on all later tractors including the 450. Slightly stronger Belly pump. Differing seat systems, differing (many) types of starter switches, and some bearing upgrades that are (IIRC) backward compatible. The 42 is a war year tractor, not as many produced, the 51 is just another M. If they had the same hours, and similar tires I think I would still go with the 51 for conversion to live Hydraulics. Jim

bigboreG · Sep 10, 2013

Thanks for the reply Jim. I was also leaning towards the 51. . .was also wondering if they made an all fuel M around the early 40s? If so are they rare?

Janicholson · Sep 10, 2013

In Red terms they made distillate, and slightly different Kerosine tractors from the beginning of the M and H lines in 1939, till the last Farmall 450. For the first 10 years the percent setup for light oil fuels went from probably 95 down to 30 percent (guess) in the 50 to 60s era the percent trickled to less than probably one in 20 till there were very few 450s or 350s with distillate or Kero options. These numbers and dates are raw guesswork, but should give you some concept of the situation. Jim

36F30 · Sep 10, 2013

(quoted from post at 18:06:55 09/10/13) .was also wondering if they made an all fuel M around the early 40s? If so are they rare?

IH never made any "All Fuel" tractors, Farmalls were bought as Gasoline tractors or Gas start Kerosene/Distillate tractors. With engine and other components optimized for the fuel selected. Finding a Kerosene M should not be too hard, finding one not converted to run on Gas and with a good Kerosene manifold is a whole other story.

D Slater · Sep 10, 2013

42 came with a non pressure radiator, a engine block with some core plugs that can rust out and let coolant into the engine or leak out at the rear. Magneto was standard. Ignition drive housing has a different bolt pattern than a 51 and no seal for the driving shaft that a 51 has.
Distributor was standard on a 51 along with a voltage regulator for the charging system.
PTO were originally different. Several other changes.
Unless you get one of the near last M tractors built a 51 model was one of the best because IH made little upgrades through M production.

CenTex Farmall · Sep 10, 2013

Well that answers a question I never got to post! I was wondering the other day how late distillate tractors were available.

Farmall M. . .any differences?

bigboreG

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bigboreG

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36F30

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CenTex Farmall

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