old MM the Ottawa

My Dad's old tractor is due to be sold at an estate sale this coming Sat sept 19 in New York State. I don't know much about it and am just starting to research it.On the body it says : Minneapolis-Moline The Ottawa model UL MM seial # 30438 LA Young Spring and Wire Company. It was already old when my Dad bought it a long time ago. He says it has an extra large "bucket" . He used it for various jobs. Built a stone wall w/ tremendous pieces of sandstone all by himself (and the tractor) Pulled logs through the woods, pushed against trees while cutting others. He used it as recently as 5 years ago but it has been parked ever since. Does anyone have info about this model that might help me figure out what it is worth? Thanks,Abby French

Very difficult to determine what you have..adter some research I have the following:
Listings for Minneapolis Moline models do not list a"UL" model tractor,though there was a"U" series of several various models built.
The"Ottawa Model UL" marking may refer only to the loader attachment as Ottawa was the provider of loaders/backhoes,forklift setups etc sold thru dealers for MM tractors.
"Young Spring and Wire Co" as best I can find was a manufacturer of innerspring seat cushions,for vehicles,no documented tir-in with Minneapolis Moline(or Twin Cities tractors found).
The serial no given may again refer to the loader,as it does not seem to correspond with MM tractor numbers.
In short,all I can "guess" is that you have an old "U" series Moline,specific model unknown,equipped with an Ottawa loader attachment.The specific serial number(possibly on right side of gearcase) could ID it better.As to value,there is no"Blue Book" for such things and other than for a scant few"Special","Rare",or "Unique" models of tractors, it's a buyers market solely depending on buyers desire to own such a tractor.Couple points here.If "parked"tractor can be brought up to basic running/moving ability it will greatly enhance value as will a good washdown and gathering any misc bits&pieces belonging to it from barns/sheds.

Wow ! Thanks for trying to research the tractor with the minimal amount of info I had. I really appreciate your suggestions. I was in NY for a couple weeks , getting my parents' furniture shipped and neglected to look closely at the tractor while i was there. I will try to get someone to start it, move it and clean it as per your suggestion. If i do get someone to look for the serial # on the right side of the gearcase I will re-post w/ any other info I can come up with before the sale.Thanks again, Abby French

Look through these. May help to narrow it down. David.............

http://www.external_link/farm-tractors/tractor-brands/minnmoline/minnmoline-tractors.html

Thanks very much for the help. It has been fascinating researching the tractor. I didn't realize it was probably manufactured before I was born and sold for $2800 in 1948 (That was alot back then)I also did not know it didn't come originally w/ the "bucket" on the front.I am afraid there may not be anybody interested in keeping it "alive" at the sale next Saturday.Thanks for helping, Abby

Tell us where this auction is. We here in NY State may be interested in going to bid on the tractor. A picture is always helpfull. How big are the rear tires such as 28" or higher like 38"? There is a serial number tag on the side of the engine on most MM that would give us a starting point to figure what the tractor is.

Thank you for your interest.The sale is at 179 South Mountain Road, New City, NY. Thats in Rockland county. The sale is this coming Sat Sept 19 from 9 to 5. I might be able to get you a picture, measure the tires and get you that serial # (I am in New Mexico where my parents have moved, hence the estate sale)If I can get more info I will post it here. Thanks, Abby French

Hello Roger, I have a little more info for you about the tractor. John Felz of RZM Antiques in Pearl River NY is running the sale for us. He says he thinks the tires are the larger size (you mentioned 38") He is at the house now and will be for much of the week and has emailed pictures of the tractor to others and will be happy to talk to you or email pics to you. His cell # is 914-450-9888. I don't think there are any other farm implements but there are woodworker's tools and there is a sawmill that has not been used. Thanks for your interest. Abby