Inspection Guide for Buying Antique John Deere Tractors (A, B, G, etc)

A quick overview of the process I go through when looking at a tractor to purchase. I probably missed a few minor things but overall this video is to help anyone with what to look for when they go to buy an antique John Deere, especially a non-running tractor.

[@TractorHoarders]

Hi Dan - Good video and advice. Thanks for sharing. I bet you’ll have this running in no time! Definitely a shame how the cost of rear tires and wheels can exceed the value of the tractor, but that’s how it is.

[@LittleNokesvilleFarm]

Lots of $$$ to restore this one. Nice that people are willing to invest in keeping these things around.

[@LouisGodena]

A real good video Dan. One suggestion: I bought a couple of 2 cyls where there was a problem of bees' nest in the air cleaner which definitely affected how it ran. A couple of hours cleaning them out made all the difference.

[@daveinidaho7970]

Another interesting video. Will be watching to see how this turns out. As I mentioned in your shorts video I just picked up a 1942 and a 1950 A. Both engines are free and both hoods are intact and got them for about the value in parts. Will be getting a bore scope soon!

[@ronaldwhite9954]

I like to look the wiring over. I bought a 420 a while back and they had added a toggle switch to the dash and used what appeared to be an old lamp cord coming off the batter and and going to the coil. Only other advice I can offset is looking over axles/block for welds/cracks. And to remember if you buy it, you'll either have to fix or live with it the way that it is. I enjoy the videos.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

Great advice and thank you for contributing. I'll keep that in mind for myself.

[@mksonmor]

If it's complete its good to go. You can get every part you need. I live within 20 miles of a salvage yard. Ive been working on them since i was 13 years old back in the 80s. Before everyone started to fix them.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

I agree and disagree. If it's not complete, how is that different than if you have to replace so much of the tractor it's not even original? My B was that way. At some point it may be better to be a donor for others than to rob a bunch for one. Plus it also becomes a question of cost. Meaning, is the cost to replace most of the tractor worth it? If the tractor is sentimental, go for it.

[@RichardPaton-kl2ee]

just dam cool technology I bought one running paid less than used lawn mower for that price I just had to own it 😅

[@PaulCTownsend]

Great info thank you.

[@tracyredd310]

and check clutch driver for crankshaft and driver for splines worn

[@tallen3335]

Nice video Dan. What year and model is this tractor.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

It's either a 1943 or 1944. I can't read one of the numbers and the frame rails tells me it's one of those years.

[@braedenduffner801]

An update on the model A I bought, I though the engine was stuck so I poared stuff into the head to have it set, and as I was taking the clutch apart, it started spinning. So that problem is solved

[@pestpro6606]

Thank you

[@blakechambers56]

What do the two pedals on the back to attached to that spring. I just got my b trying to learn.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

Those are for the Power Lift system. Used for cultivators, the rockshaft and such. Just allows all up or all down. Precursor to the Powr-trol system that allowed fine adjustment.

[@blakechambers56]

@@DanielFarmChannel so the tractor has to be running to work it. It’s all the way up right now. It’s got 2 plows up front underneath and 3 on the rear behind the tires. I pressed the pedal nothing happened tho. But it was already all the way up.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

@blakechambers56 cool. If you'd like, send me a picture at [e-mail]. what year is your B?

[@blakechambers56]

@@DanielFarmChannelI figured out how to work it all after getting my Manual My B is a 42. Also have a 60 I’ve been working on and a A that is stuck I’m trying to free.

[@bryanbornholdt8068]

I hope you didn't give much for this one, it will definitely cost more than it will be worth.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

That is the case for a lot of tractors, sadly. Anything that needs saving isn't worth what you have to put into it. I paid just over scrap for this tractor. I'm torn what to do with it and still haven't decided. It would be a great parts tractor, but I like to save them.

[@johndeere1951a]

Few to no parts are usable from that wreck.​

[@johndeere1951a]

Oil sludge clogging the oil pump screen. Worn out con rod bearings Water and sludge in the crankcase and trans/diff cases. Dry rusty clutch roller bearing with scored crankshaft and worn clutch/crank splines. Steering gears and rollamatic not lubricated. Buy a 70+ year old tractor only if it was stored indoors out of the weather. Carburetor and gas tank condition. This tractor needs $3000 in tires and wheels to start with 👎👎

[@mksonmor]

You can get good used tires no problem. Besides tries are $1400. I know due to the fact I just priced them out. I have been rebuilding them since I was 13 years old back in the 80s, before everyone started fixing them.