Looking for Dead Engine Tractor(s)

[Phil Timmons]

Hello,

I am shopping for "dead engine" tractor(s) as possible electric motor drive conversions. I have done a small 20 HP and am looking to try some larger "frankensteining."

Any recommendations on Who, What, Where, and How Much for dead engine tractors that are gone to the point where the ICE (internal combustion engine) is not repairable or rebuild-able?

Looking for something in the 30 hp to 100 hp range, or maybe a couple of them. When I start getting some equipment collected together, I will start a thread on it in the Project section.

Thanks.

 

[N80]

I don't remeber seeing many ads or dealerships advertising dead tractors. That does make me wonder though. Where are the tractor junk yards? I've never seen or heard of one but they must exist. Many, if not most tractor parts should be re-usable.

Anyone know where the tractor graveyards are?

 

[tallyho8]

I know of a couple of tractor graveyards in small towns in Louisiana, but by the time that the engine is worn out and not rebuildable, the rest of the tractor is in such bad shape that it is only good for parts or scrap because it would take thousands of dollars to restore the other parts even if you had a free motor for it.
I have never seen a tractor in good condition with an engine that was not repairable.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Sometimes if the tractor is left to sit out in the weather doesn't mean the body parts or any of the other components are scrap. Especially if the engine siezes due to poor maintenance or failure of a internal part. I have wondered if there are wrecking yards as well. It sounds like it could be a source of income to someone familiar with tractors and a bit of land.

 

[flusher]

Hello,

I am shopping for "dead engine" tractor(s) as possible electric motor drive conversions. I have done a small 20 HP and am looking to try some larger "frankensteining."

Any recommendations on Who, What, Where, and How Much for dead engine tractors that are gone to the point where the ICE (internal combustion engine) is not repairable or rebuild-able?

Looking for something in the 30 hp to 100 hp range, or maybe a couple of them. When I start getting some equipment collected together, I will start a thread on it in the Project section.

Thanks.

You can find tractors with stuck engines fairly easily. The problem I have is transporting them. Don't know if that's an issue with you. If you have to hire a hauler and the distance is appreciable, the cost can be a lot more than you pay for the tractor.

Try eBay and craigslist.

But your best bet is the local ads and word of mouth.
If there's a vintage tractor club in your area, contact them. Those folks generally know where the rusty iron is located.

Also check with used farm implement dealers. New tractor dealers also can steer you in the right direction.

 

[Phil Timmons]

Good info. Thank you all.

I agree that when they are fully dead, the bones get picked clean. I guess I am looking for when it is just dead enough to be parked in side yard and mowed around for the next 50 years.

I think the craigslist and ebay are good ideas.

When I was shopping for other Renewable Energy type projects I have put "wanted" ads on them and have all the parts find themselves and come to me.

Here is a sample of this type tractor conversion.

Steve Heckeroth's Yanmar Tractor Conversion

Just for a backgrounder -- I am an Electrical Engineer with an Ag background -- cash crop Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans -- and now I do industrial and utility electric power designs and work. Looking at combining those two things towards a model "Electric Farm."

Sample info and discussion on that concept >>>

The Renewable Electron Economy Part VIII.1: The Electric Farm « Green Thoughts

The Renewable Electron Economy Part VIII.2: The Electric Farm - 2 « Green Thoughts

 

[John47]

There's a large "tractor salvage" in north Arkansas, they have about every part for any tractor made! I forget how many acreas they are on, but it's a huge place!

 

[PAB_OH]

Western Kentucky Tractor Parts might have what you're looking for. I'll let you guess where they are....

 

[sandman2234]

This link might help you make an educated guess on PAB_OH's statement...
David from jax

Antique Tractor Parts Sources | Antique Tractor parts resources for Antique Tractors in the United States and other countries

 

[Reg]

I don't remeber seeing many ads or dealerships advertising dead tractors. That does make me wonder though. Where are the tractor junk yards? I've never seen or heard of one but they must exist. Many, if not most tractor parts should be re-usable.

Anyone know where the tractor graveyards are?

Yep.
Ain't tellin'

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Phil, what area of the country are you from?

 

[Phil Timmons]

Phil, what area of the country are you from?

I will be back in Texas, tomorrow. The Army dropped me off there a few years back and it has become a habit. But in California today working on a biggie-sized renewable energy project. ( Ausra.com ) And grew up cash crop farming in the Midwest, and bounced around playing Army for a few too many years. Guess that covers it.

If you are asking for intended playgrounds for such toys, we have some family farmland that sits vacant in East Texas that we have been considering, and there are folks in a couple places out here in California that are interested. I have a fabrication shop in Dallas where I build weird toys and play with them. It is about 3 acres, so that is plenty of room play with for start up and testing.

Got a note on another forum from someone in Houston who is interested in trying a 100 HP one. It is on that "Electric Farm" link I posted a couple of notes back on this thread.

 

[rutwad]

Phil, you are jumping to a total electric tractor and skipping the "hybrid". JD is working on somewhat of a hybrid. Have you read about their new E series? Instead of an alternator, they are making electricity from the flywheel to run all the electrical accessories, and it leaves the potential for electricly controlled implements.

You may be a step ahead of JD! GOOD LUCK!

 

[greggh]

Phil, you are jumping to a total electric tractor and skipping the "hybrid". JD is working on somewhat of a hybrid. Have you read about their new E series? Instead of an alternator, they are making electricity from the flywheel to run all the electrical accessories, and it leaves the potential for electricly controlled implements.

You may be a step ahead of JD! GOOD LUCK!

I wonder if they are revisiting the old Westinghouse-LeTourneau Turn Pulls. They had a generator behind the flywheel to power the steering. Each wheel had an electric motor to drive it. It was unique to drive. You steered by a toggle switch on the dash.

 

[porky69]

You could try stopping at a smaller farm equipment dealer/reapir shop in a smaller center and check out their back yard, as smaller deaelrships quite often have a collection of "jewels" rusting away back there.

For tractor wrecking yards, there is one in Floydada,Tx, right at the north end of town on US 70.
It has been 10+years since I was there but they had equipment in various states of repair, from absolutely burnt/smashed to brand new equipment, even some that was 20years old and never been sold. I think it might be these guys:

Floydada Implement
806.983.3584

but I don't know for sure.

or you could try Alexander Tractor Parts Winnsboro Texas for something a little closer to Dallas.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I have a ZD28 that needs major engine work, and a B21 TL with mid-range of the tranny out. They are project tractors for us over the winter when we get slow... unless they sell as-is before that.