48 JD Model D, advice?

[artski]

After 20 years of looking at my wifes grandfathers Model D I finally decided it was time to see if I could get it running. The exhaust was covered so when I put a battery in it, it turned over no problem.
After pulling off the carb and magneto I cleaned them up, put them back on and after sitting in the field since grampa passed away in 63 it started like I ran it yesterday.
I just changed the oil (looked like grease) and the coolant, should I do anything else before I start using it for logging the property?

 

[ToadHill]

Grease everything well. Change the trans fluid, I'm sure moisture has contaminated it if it's been sitting for over 40 years. Replace all filters and clean air filter. Drive it slowly to make sure the brakes work and listen for any grinding sounds. If your lucky the clutch won't be frozen to the flywheel.

 

[artski]

greased and oiled everything before it was started the first time, have already had it driving down the road from the pasture, everything seemed fine but its pretty hard to hear if there are any strange noises, this tractor is pretty loud.
checked out the thread on the hydraulic winches, I am looking at setting up a winch. What would be faster, hydraulic or something run off the pto?
what about the hydraulic system, I will drain that out, but will it need new seals and such?
wish I could find the pics on my computer

 

[artski]

Found a pic, hope it goes on right

 

[wolc123]

That tractor really looks to be in great shape. If you have not done so already, pull the bowl off of the air cleaner, clean it out and fill it to the mark with fresh oil. Also, if it is real loud, the muffler may be blown out. A new one will really quiet it down. I could not believe the difference when I put a new one on my 1950 JD M. Also, if it has sat that long, there may be sludge buildup in the bottom of the oil pan. It may be a good idea to remove the pan, scrape out the sludge, and replace the oil and filter again. If you plan on working it real hard, you may extend the original valve life a little by using a lead substitute. Certainly change the rear end oil if you have not yet. Those are tough, hard to kill old tractors and that one looks like it has a lot of life left in it. You probably have no intention to sell but there are not many tractors that fetch more dollars than old JD's in excellent original condition like that one. Most of them have been run a lot longer and wore down a lot more (like my old M) rather than parked while still in thier prime.

 

[artski]

This tractor has 1500 acres of old growth pine to clean up. Some of the trees are 36" diameter at the base and 80 to 100 ft tall. It should keep me and my JD busy for a little while.
The sludge in the oil pan has already been cleaned out but I'll have to look at the rear end.
I'll definitly get a new muffler, you can see in the pic that I put on an aftermarket unit, its quiet that way but the extra back pressure robs a lot of power.

 

[chh]

That's a good looking old tractor. I think if I had had it sitting that long and it started up that easy I'd have it painted and put it up in the garage. It would have deserved it. Good luck with the old workhorse.

 

[artski]

Building a shed is the first thing that will get done once the spring comes. Then I have a buddy that is going to help me clean it up with dry ice blasting and a coat of paint.
I could feel my wifes gramps looking down on me and smiling the first time I fired it up, sure felt good.

 

[diyDave]

I'm no fan of 2 bangers, but that should suit your purpose very well. Just remember that a D develops most of its torque, as the motor is approaching 0 rpms. In other words, when you think it is about to stall out, it will suddenly, inexplicably move another 4-10 feet forward, and not stall out. That bit of info, and a set of good earplugs is all you need to remember!

 

[jimmysisson]

I DO like the 2-pot Deeres, even love listening to them. Plus the bottomless torque band.
That tractor wouldn't look that good if it sat outdoors in New England for 45 years. Once you get your work done that'll make a great pulling tractor. I think you get a good perspective sitting way out back like that. Nice!
Jim