Posted by LA on March 28, 1998 at 22:19:14:
In Reply to: Need info on JD model 50 posted by Randy Stanley on March 28, 1998 at 20:59:46:
: I am interested in a 1956 John Deere model 50. I know nothing about tractors, only that I want it.
: I think I have the fever.
: It has power steering and something called POWR TROL (what is that?) and I would say the wheels are made of iron and that the axle is wide enough that another set os tires could be added. the tires are very good but they are weather checked (many cracks on the side wall). It has been sitting out and unstarted for more than a year.
: It does not have a 3 pt hitch but overall it has almost no rust and looks very good.
: I would very much like to hear from the JD experts as to what this tractor is worth. And any other info about this particular. Thanks !
Randy,
Holy Smokes where to begin? First don't worry about not knowing much about tractors, you can learn. If you are really serious about buying this tractor then it would help a great deal to find someone who does and let them look at it with you. If that is not possible, maybe I can help a little. I have a 1955 60 that my grandpa bought brand new and I now own; a 50 and 60 are similiar so here goes:
If it has not been started in a year be very sure that water has not gotten in (through the exhaust or some such) and frozen. This could crack the block. Crawl underneath and inspect closely for visual cracks; that doesn't mean you are home free but it helps. 50 parts are plentiful if anything is damaged.
POWR TROL is JD's name for the hydraulic draft that raises and lowers implements via rockshaft/3 point or remote cylinder. It is activated by the lever on either the right or left side of the seat by the arm rest (sides are interchangeable) but driven by a pump by the governor on the left side as seen from the seat. Read the Owner's Manual before playing with it.
You didn't mention the PTO. Unless this tractor is really stripped then it has one either regular transmission driven (common) or live (less common). Live PTO has two levers: a short bent handle lever near the bottom of the clutch and a separate PTO clutch lever near the bottom of the battery box. Read Owner's Manual before tinkering with it. Really.
If the tread on the tires is good but cracked I would be inclined to keep them. It just depends what you want to use it for: something to play around with or a "perfect" show piece, and either is OK.
The rear wheels are indeed cast iron but a few came with stamped steel as an option but those are easy to tell from the iron.
What is it worth? As the saying goes it is worth what someone will pay for it. Model 50's are by no means rare unless you have an authentic JD wide front axle or single wheel or LP gas or all fuel model. The vast majority of 50's were tricycle front row crop gas burners. I'm going to assume yours is:
Tricycle front with Power Steering and Roll-o-matic, gas engine, regular PTO, no 3-point, no fenders or speed/hour meter, no visible damage, original paint, little rust straight sheet metal, good tires and generally not beat up. Tractors like this 50 are worth about $1,250 to $1,750 here in Arkansas. Adjust for your location (and other options) and I assume it has a serial number plate because you said it was a 1956. If it is really straight and you can get it to run don't be afraid to pay up to $2,000 but past that it better be really nice or have rarer features.
Sounds like you may have the fever. The first numbered Waterloo series are my favorites (50-80) last of the all green two poppers.
Finally, if you get it or not join the national Two Cylinder and local Two Cylinders Clubs if any. Get Green Magazine, get manuals and parts books from a JD dealer, read everything that you can find. Go to the tractor shows, be willing to make a few errors and spend a few bucks... it is worth it. When you get cut, bleed green. Old tractors and farm equipment is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! My kids love it, the people are great and my wife is glad I've found one of the ultimate "guy things" to do.
Sorry to be so long winded but I have a terminal case of the green fever. My Email if you have any other questions is "lmangyal@aristotle.net" I am the secretary of our local club: The Central Arkansas Two Cylinder Club. Good Luck with the 50.
LA
p.s. I'm going out on a limb to guess prices but if the tractor is sound then it is hard to get hurt with any JD product.