Need advice on purchase of Farmall A

[FKreider]

Hello. Not sure if this is the right section for this kind of thing but here we go. First of all I am new here so hello to everyone, my name is Frank.

I am looking to buy a Farmall as a project tractor. I live in Massachusetts and my excuse to get a tractor is plowing my driveway. Im sure most people on here understand the economy and buying a tractor is far from the top of the list. So I am looking for one that needs work, which is no issue for me I am used to working on old equipment, and trucks. (I own an old jeep, and a 67 IH Scout)

Anyways I found and called on one fairly local to me. The guy was able to tell me that he honestly doesnt know much about it. It is a farmall A, not sure of year. Does not currently run but he has not looked into why at all. Hood is missing, but grill is intact and in good conition. Brakes are seized? He does not know if it is the brake lever it self or something to do with the actuall brakes. Also clutch condition is unknown. The good part is it has fairly nice tires and a nice plow set up on it. He told me he originally bought it to put the plow on his A and sell the tractor but never got around to it.

When I go look at it, what should I look for? Any real specific deal maker or breakers?

[Former Member]

I was once told that if the right(outside) brake pedal was loose and sloppy, the whole A was worn out.

[Bigdog]

There will be a lot of unknowns since the tractor is not running so the price would have to be very good. A's were prone to a freeze crack in the block. Not a serious issue since it was not structural but it is something to watch for and will be somewhat of an indicator of the care the tractor has had.
You will not be able to evaluate the drive train either so I guess it depends on the price and what kind of risk you are willing to take.

[FKreider]

Well the price is $600 but I havent been able to find anything running for a decent price around here. I will bring tools with me and just kind of check it all over.

[Eugene]

Your best bet is to find a tractor in running/working condition. $600- may sound cheap. It's the unknown expense getting the tractor into working condition that is a major factor.

From the description - it's probably a parts tractor.

[FKreider]

He was telling me about another one that he had that he was thinking about selling for $1400 that ran and drove. Im thinking your right and I should skip this one and look at his other one or wait even longer. I'll just need to find a plow seperatly

[Dale Finch]

Can you turn the engine with the hand crank?

[Boss Hog]

Dont buy an A if you plan to use it get a Super A and Dale is right if the right brake pedal is loose from side to side it is most likely wore out all over

Boss