Farmall H

[Pops15]

A friend mentioned he would like to sell his 1948 Farmall H. He parked it (outside) 10 years ago because of electrical problems. He said other than the electrical problems it was in excellent condition when he stopped using it. It had been restored about five years prior.
Here's what else I know about it...NFE with good front tires. One rear tire has zero use but its been on the tractor for 10 years. The other rear tire has good tread.
It comes with a 5' brush mower.....drawbar type with hydraulic lift on the rear wheels. He said it leaks oil so the cylinder will need attention.
It also comes with a disc, also drawbar type with hyd lift. No idea of the size or condition of the disc.
Now the questions....
Any idea of the value of the tractor? Cutter? Disk?
Other than the ignition switch, wiring,battery, carb cleaning (and possible rebuild), tune up, fluid and filter change, what should I expect to get into?
What would it be worth in good running condition but needing paint?
What's the parts availability for this tractor?
Would there be a market for it once its up and running again?
Is there a market for it as-is?
Any market for the cutter and disk?
Thanks in advance!
Pops

 

[flusher]

That 48 H has trade in value ranging from about $600-1100. The retail value (what a dealer gets on resale) ranges from $1500-1800. I've seen them on eBay sell from $700-2100.

If it's not running, it's a crap shoot. You may be lucky and get by with come carb and electrical system repairs. Or you may have to do an engine rebuild.

Last year I bought a really nice 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF tractor (roughly equivalent to the H in size) for $1300, not running. I have $1600 so far in a complete engine rebuild. I'll spend around $4500 total to get myself a nice parade tractor.

Parts are available but tend to be pricy.

 

[Pops15]

Thanks for the info.
Pops

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Ask him what he wants for it....then come back and get your responses..it would be much easier to guestimate from a known quantity rather than give you a $100---$3000 guess. Also does the H have a covered exhaust (since its been outside). Plenty of parts available for any rebuild (carb, engine, gen,. etc). Also, is it a magneto or coil/distributor ignition...Good tractors. about 25HP but pull better than today's 40hp units. They run forever. BobG in VA

 

[beenthere]

Pops
If your friend cares so little about it, that he leaves it outside for 10 years, then maybe he'd just give it to you so it has a good home. I'd go that route first.

 

[300UGUY]

I bought my 48H, running, for 500. Not running now, $500 would be the top for me. Tractor parts are not cheap. With the implents, if they are usable, maybe 1K. Easy to put a lot of money in these old girls.

 

[Pops15]

I finally had a chance to see the tractor. It was pretty much as described. The cutter is a 5' pull behind New Idea. The owner says the hydraulic cylinder needs to be rebuilt or replaced, and theres a hydraulic leak under the tractor. Sheet metal looks solid. Exhaust was covered. Didn't see what brand the disc is but it looked to be in decent shape. Owner wants $700 for the tractor, cutter, and disc. That seems pretty reasonable if the engine is ok, but I'm not interested. It's located near Watseka, IL. If anyone is interested send me a PM and I'll get you his phone number.