Re-building tractor - what model is "easy" for beginner?

[joeu235]

Pick up a Ford 3000 or 3600.

 

[CalG]

Ford Ns are easiest. But Why?

It's a tough crowd.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Pick up a Ford 3000 or 3600.

We have picked up one of each over the past year. I wanted one to be gas but soon learned the diesels 40-50 years later typically more sound than gas due to carb issues.

I am 67 and recovering from arthritis so I stick with the power steering old tractors because I think a show tractor should be able to do more than just look pretty in a shed.

For those wanting an old restored tractor they can now be bought for a fraction of the cost of doing your on restore job. Dad's and Grandad's pride and joy restored farm tractors are hitting the market daily and that market has cratored.

If one is **** bent on doing a full restore on an old tractor I suggest going with one that carries some meaning somehow know it will be a money pit but overing a lot of fun filling the pit. We started is a better than average 1966 Ford 3000. For a tow vehicle to get it to tractor shows we went with a worse than average 2010 F150 rated to tow 11,200 pounds. Today we added a worse than average 2008 22' tilt trailer so look out tractor shows here we come.

For me there is fun in saving an old piece of history from metal recyclers.

One man's trash is another man's........

 

[ultrarunner]

There are some real nice older tractors on the market that exemplify the best of restoration skills.

We recently picked up a couple... the man that owned them did all the work... retired aircraft mechanic in his mid 80's an consolidating...

My brother picked up a Deer M with sickle and I bought the Jubilee... to add to the Farmall Cub...

The first two were local 1 owner tractors that he had picked up to restore...

 

[CalG]

I think the Fordson E27n is the ideal candidate for a full restoration.

If course, I happen to have a tatty example in the barn, Nothing a fresh coat of paint won't fix!

;-)

 

[rScotty]

Sounds like they're simple and relatively easy to work on then.

You bet. And with a Perkins engine. Parts ought to be super available. There's even an active active market of MF 35 upgrades. PS kits are less than $700 complete.
If I was looking for an old tractor to rebuild I'd go for a MF 35 or a JD B. Both have parts and aftermarket support.

 

[100 td]

Just remember, this is going to be a project, and as with all projects, it may cost you some money, and you may not necessarily make money.

 

[klancf51]

Hi,

I what to try re-building an old tractor as a hobby (i already own a Ford 4600 for work on the fatm and do minimal maintenance). I am looking for a 35 hp approx. old tractor, available in Canada, that I could "play" with during winter in my garage, but I want an "easy" one to start with since i am not a mechanician myself.

What model would you suggest for a beginner? I will then try to find a well beated, low cost, unit to start with.

Sylvain

There are a lot of Massey Fergusons in Canada. I'd look for a gas engine MF135. Non-running the cost might be $1500. Running maybe $1800. If the engine needs to be rebuilt, figure $1500 for that job parts and labor.

Good luck.

I'm with Flusher on this one:

• MF 135 was manufactured from 1964 to 1975 - MF made a lot of these tractors.
• MF 135 was designed to be repaired/rebuilt.
• Aftermarket parts are still being produced (Sparex, A&I. AGCO, etc.).
• Factory manuals are available (direct from AGCO).
• Lots of help & information available online.

I would only add that you might want to avoid the Multi-Power transmission (cost/complexity). There was a former MF mechanic named "Big Dean" Austin who posted a checklist of things to watch for when buying a used MF 100 series tractor.
Best of all, when you are finished you will have a desirable and capable 35 hp tractor!

Good luck.