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some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 3:20 am
by Hairy Moose Knuckles
Well, my deal on the allis fell through. I just had a bad feeling about it. Back to looking again. I am so anxious, but I'm trying to keep from getting in a hurry. it took me a long time to get the money together, so I am over thinking every detail.

I found a Farmall M. It looks pretty decent for the price, he is asking 1295.00

The good,
It starts right up and doesn't smoke.
It has a shop built 3 point hitch


The bad,
It has two different sized tires on it and both of them are worn slap out.
Hydraulics leak down after a bit

Since I know jack nothing about tractors, can someone give me some things to check out. I know to listen to the gears especially second and also see if it shimmies going down the road. I also know to check to see if water is in the oil. Past that, I really don't know what to look for.

Any help would be so appreciated.

Re: some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:25 pm
by Bigdog
M's are great old tractors. Aside from the things you mentioned, look closely for any cracks or leaks around the engine. If you can, operate the tractor under load to assure it will stay in gear and that there are no unusual noises. The tires are going to be expensive unless you can find a deal on a good pair of used ones. Look at the rims closely. The hydraulics should not be a major issue if there are no problems other than the leak-down.
Now is the time for a little bargaining. See if you can get the price down a bit since you are going to have to put a little money in the tractor for repairs.

Re: some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:12 pm
by Eugene
Anthony. From Coolidge, Texas.

Let's try a different approach to the tractor topic. Bascially what are you doing to do with the tractor? What activities do you want to perform with the tractor? How many acres? Types of crops?

Reason. The WD 45 Allis and the M Farmall may be over kill. Way more tractor than you need. Some if not most newer tractors come with live hydraulics, and 3-point - and for about the same money as the WD or the M. Equipment for tractors with live hydraulic and 3-point are readily available.

Suggest making a list of the jobs/tasks you want to perform with the tractor. Another list of the features you need on the tractor. And a third list of the equipment/attachments need to accomplish the tasks in list #1.

By the way. The M is appears to be priced about right . Specially since the rear tires will easily set you back another $500-. $1900- to $2000- should get you a field ready M.

Re: some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:32 pm
by Andy Motteberg
If it starts right up and runs & drives good, that's great. How is the tinwork? The M is a good tractor. With it running good and a 3PT, I think his price sounds fine. A good hydraulic belly pump can be found for cheap.

Re: some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 7:33 pm
by Hairy Moose Knuckles
Thanks for all the replys. Serial number puts it at a 1950. Tin work is fair. The insert at the front is missing. I am trying to find a set of tires before I buy. The inner tube on the left rear tire is poking through the tire. I do like how you can see forever when you're setting up high on it. I think the tire size I saw was something like 36-12.8. The rims are 13 if I remember correctly. I wrote everything down, so I could call around.

Re: some quick questions about an M

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:29 pm
by KETCHAM
The shimmy in the front end is a adjustment or tighting up.Sometimes you need a new gew.Mine does it real bad going down the road.[ its a H]No big deal tires are $$$ and nice to have abig toy if you can ya never know when it comes in handy!!! Kevin :twisted: :twisted: