Need help getting started

[Dutchman]

Call it cabin fever but I'm looking for something else to give momma reason to question my sanity. I was at my local Cub Cadet dealer today and they were loading up an older (1940s or 50s) Farmall Cub to return to its owner after service. There was also an early model CC lawn tractor on the floor that had been restored by the dealer. I'm thinking that maybe I could get into something like that.

I'm thinking about a small vintage tractor, perhaps the size of the Farmall Cub I saw. I would like to restore it and maybe even use it occasionally with an attachment like a small sickle bar.

Problem is, I know next to nothing about vintage tractors. I found the "Yesterday's Tractors" web site and it seems like an excellent place to start. Does a knowledgeable reader have any other research recommendations? Also, I don't even have a clue what tractor models I should be looking for that may fit the bill. Besides the Farmall Cub, does anyone have any other recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Boy this subject could go on for days of debate, depending on the challenge you want to tackle.

I don't know why, but I started playing with old Oliver tractors and it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. If you are looking at old tractors there are 2 choices you should probably decide between FIRST.

Do you want an orphan that will be hard to find parts for, which may increase your satisfaction or your frustration (and blood pressure and the cost of the project).

OR

Do you want to restore a tractor that actually has the possibility of finding a parts supply so that you won't have to have too many things fabricated?



As for choices, there are lots and lots of them. Allis Chalmers made some nice small units. As did Farmall, which evolved into the Cub line. Certainly John Deere had many small tractors as well.

A step of from that size would be the Utility Tractors, those will include the Ford 2N, 8N, 9N, NAA, etc. Oliver Super 55, or 550, and a host of other brands.

For what you are talking about, you probably want to stay away from the Utility Class. I think you'd find that the Farmalls, in one of their various formats would be a nice choice. Fairly popular, so parts are not impossible to find. Paints are easily obtained in the proper colors too.

Try looking up a Google search on tractor collector clubs, type in brand names to narrow your search, and you might find something that catches your eye. And if you want my personal recommendation of a challenge, look up CLETRAC. They are old crawler tractors and make very nice toys.

 

[Dutchman]

Thanks Bob,

I can see a monster being created in my mind already. This long, long winter has me aching for something just like this. I hope other readers weigh in with their favorites. I saw Soundguy's 51 cub in another thread. Nice!

This could get ugly. Run out of room in my new pole barn, have to convince momma I need to build another shop. Since restoration activities will be mostly confined to winter due to other chores during good weather, I'll need to heat the shop. Yup, the wheels are turning.

 

[RonR]

Hi Dutchman,

Having worked on and restoring to operating mode TWO tractors (a JD Model M and a McCormack 22-36), I can tell you NOT to start on a large tractor. Everything is heavier and bigger, takes more room, and takes lifting hoists to deal with. The JD M was small enough, it was easier to work on. The Mac weighed 7,000 pounds--the radiator was 250 pounds. Hard to haul as well when done.

In addition, if you can work on a model that someone near to you has also restored, they can be your coach--this helps tremendously.

The common tractors will have parts easier to obtain, but I really didn't have trouble buying a new carb kit for this 1929 tractor--it was a new kit that a collector had in stock. Also bought a reproduction overhaul manual for the tractor, so a lot of parts and information is out there.

The satisfaction is immense! Go for it.

Ron

 

[slowrev]

You are getting the disease /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Welcome aboard.
I would recommend one of the small Farmalls A/B, Cub or something like the 8N fords all are fairly easy to get parts for.
In the lawn/garden tractor varieties the CC's are good, there are also some nice old Allis models, and don't forget Gravelys. I resorted an old Gravely rider, lots of fun and got a good little machine out of it. I have a couple of old Allis's in the shed too that I plan on getting to someday /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Soundguy]

Good advice here so far.

I agree with it... Find somehting that has good parts availability. With that.. ford N series is probably the best..
I'm not being biased here. After restoring an 8n, NAA and in the process on a 2n, and also with my cub and JD-B.. the fords were by far the easiest to get parts and info about.
Though they are a bit bigger than a cub.. etc.
though IH is real close, and so is JD... though JD stuff is pricey.. no wonder it is green ( like money ).
As you narrow your tractor choices.. head to the magazine stand and buy a collectors magazine for each color you are considering.. Or one that covers many.
Antique Iron is a good one.. farm collector is good... green magazine is for JD's.. etc.
This sub is good.. the YTmag N forum is good.. ( i'm a regular over there.. )though some o fhte other forums leave a lot to be desired.

Once you 'cut your teeth'. On a unit that is easilly serviced and has good parts availability.. you will be ready for somehting more exotic if you wish.. like an orphan.. or real old one.. or an import.. like a british model.. etc.
Though some dive right into those as a first 'job' and have a wonderful experience at it.

Once you bust your knuckles a few times.. this antique stuff will be in your blood ( literally).. I predict you running out of barn space soon...
I've included a familly shot if you will..

soundguy

 

[SteveM]

One thing I will throw out real quickly as an alternative, is to start with a garden tractor project. I bought a 74 allis 712 this summer with a bunch of attachments - running, solid, complete - $850. I have enjoyed taking the thing completely apart, learning a lot, grinding, painting, rewiring, etc...and it is a very usable machine. The nice thing is that garden tractors are much cheaper to get started with.

A decent Cub or Ford N that runs and works (but needs restoring) will tip close to $2,000 - and then you are just getting started (!).

 

[Dutchman]

Thanks, that's an idea too. I think I'm going to visit the library and hit a few magazine stands just to get better acquainted with the field of vintage/antique tractors. Then I'm going to try to get a feel for what's available locally. Hopefully there is some interest nearby so I can get involved more hands on. I think there is an annual show near Latrobe each year. Wonder if Arnold Palmer's tractor is there?

 

[RobertN]

There's lots of good advice already. Here is a little more, of course all IMHO. And, maybe a little repeat /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Start by looking around. You already found www.ytmag.com Try www.atis.net too.
Check your area for local clubs. Like TBN, the local club folks love to talk about old iron /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif The club folks, or a repiar shop/dealer, may be able to point you towards an antique show or pull too.

I like the idea of something small. As others have mentioned, some tractors get really HEAVY, and somewhat big. Remember, to work on most of these things, it can involve splitting the tractor in two. That is a lot to do in a garage with limited room and tools, lifts, ect.

I got a Farmall-A, although I was originally looking for a Cub. For some reason, Cubs are not very common in California(have since found some...). The "A" is still a smaller tractor, easy to work with, and is basically a BIG Cub.

On my list of workable tractors for a smaller garage and being new to old tractors, I would look at:
Farmall-Cub
Farmall-A
JD-L
Allis Chalmers-G
Allis Chalmers-B
Massey-Pony

Case made some nice smaller tractors; I do not know the model off the top of my head.

As you have seen, the Farmall-Cub is pretty neat. The Farmall-A is cool, with the offset "Cultivision". They are easy to get parts for.

The JD-L is a neat little tractor! It is small, but is suppossed to have more power than a Cub.

The AC-G is realy cool! It is small, and just so unique as to make it pretty awesome. The AC-B is about the same size as the Farmall-A; the Farmall-A was built a couple years later to compete with the AC-B.

The Massey Pony is a nice tractor, sized about like the AC-B and Farmall-A.

Of course, there are always the "N" series Fords. They are common, and easy find parts for. They are smaller too, so they are easy to work with.

There are many others too. Oliver, Cletrac, Case, ect...

 

[g42guy]

Hey Dutchman,
You have a lot of choices as all the other posts have pointed out. I currently have a '55 Cub and have had an 8n in the past. There is a huge amount of info for the 8N out on the web. Just do a search.

As far as the Cub, check this out:
http://www.farmallcub.com/
Great people and the amount of info on the site as well as from the people in the forum is fantastic.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Guy