What to Look For When Buying a Used Tractor

[@davidcrosby8552]

An old mechanic from ww2 era taught me that you can hear internal engine sounds by sticking the handle of a large screwdriver in your ear and then resting the other end on the valve cover, cylinders, case, ect. It really works to pinpoint where an abnormal sound is coming from and maybe hear something you didn't before.

[@paulwerkowitch7770]

Yes very good for any used vehicle you are buying. If you can't reach the area easily a broomstick serves the same function.

[@gregclark2518]

Also a great way to identify issues with bearings.

[@bosstang58]

that is a very ineffective way of doing things because the sound travels through all of the connected steel in the engine...an old wives tale

[@keithnavarro2930]

Always a good idea to take a trusted, experienced friend or mentor along.

[@hightower2537]

im close enough to ithica i might pay pete to come along! haha

[@keithnavarro2930]

@@hightower2537 well worth the price of his breakfast.

[@CliffsideStables]

Two heads are better than one...even if one is a goat head, Dad said. Tim in northern TN

[@tomballard4794]

When you buy an old tractor your buying a hobby,just like old cars. Watching your videos has shown me that sometimes it better to buy a newer tractor .

[@GaryHagerman-n8l]

Love your very informative videos. I used to live on a farm in central PA , Near Milton. We farmed about 300 acres on a dairy farm and dad started out with the same tractors you have. Super C, an H, and an M. Upgraded to a 706 gas , then a 826 diesel. Eventually retired the H and got a450 gas to handle the large round bales. 7 generation farm. I love all the maintenance and repairs you do. We never had enough time or place to do them. I admire the way you farm your animals. The last was keeping cows in " what we called a barnyard". I agree , it does keep the cows warmer and happier. Keep up the great work. Giving hope to the disappearing small farmer. Give warmest reguards to your whole family , especially your amazing wife.

[@packatk7431]

More of this... this is so informative and interesting. Did you hear about the wooden tractor? It had wooden wheels, wooden engine, wooden transmission and wooden work... can't wait for more in this series.

[@dougssemi-retiredlife9690]

From everything you just talked about I can see where you're passion is and it's a good thing that you quit being an architect and started going for your passion because that's what life's all about if you're not happy what good was life

[@mattcraztex9940]

I feel Like a just learned 80 Years of tractor maintenance and knowledge. I Love these old Farmalls more then anything else. Back when muscle tractors were the pride of the field and were built to work for decades to come.

[@KingJamesBibleBeliever-de9fy]

If I had a farm I'd want to be as knowledgeable about the farm as Pete! love you buddy keep teaching me! If I lived close enough your meat and eggs would be in my freezer/frig.

[@frankcadillac9151]

Very good advice Pete. Most old tractors are gravity feed for the gas. Its good form to have a shutoff under the fuel tank shut it off after use, you don't want gas dripping if the float doesn't seal. Unless you use the tractor often shut the fuel and run the carb. dry

[@mcallahan9060]

Like they say, if your not leaking hydraulic fluid then your out of hydraulic fluid.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Ha ha! Never heard that one before, thanks! I like to say these old tractors have a built-in rustproofing system.

[@JWimpy]

I know that's right. Did hydraulic maintenance for a manufacturing plant for years. Constantly chased leaks.

[@denniskalivoda]

Pete, I am glad that I have run on to you. Sure enjoy every video you have produced. Farmall tractors are a soft spot in my life. I purchased a 1941-M ( used) back in 1956 while in high school. My dad had one back in my younger years ( 1947). I worked horses pressing corn at the age of about 8-9 while dad planted corn. Will keep this short as I am 81 from Kansas and sometimes raddle on to much. Sure enjoy your life on the farm

[@wesleycallison2079]

Something to watch out for on farmalls is under the rear axle. If there's a crack or patch under the bull gear it probably has a ball bearing or gear tooth floating around which can get pinched between the bull gear and the bottom of the housing and break it out. Very hard to repair. Steer clear.

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Tires are a huge killer on a tractors value. Especially in the last few years. I've noticed an increase in agricultural tires as much as $300 now. Replacements for my Ford Diesel Major are going to cost me over $1,300! Even a tractor worth $10,000 is worth significantly less if tires are worn or cracking. Oil leaks dont concern me unless it's coming from the Bell Housing where the clutch is.

[@anglia24]

A guy I work with fully restored an Allis chalmers WC. For an case of beer he let me have his old rear tires

[@tacomas9602]

@@eltsennestle998 maybe if we built our own stuff we'd be better off :)

[@mr.random8957]

We have a 806 that was rebuilt but we didn’t put it together in about 8 years so it sits in the back of the barn The tires completely shot and tat will be very expensive

[@Brodyb101]

Should do a video on someone wanting to get into tractor restoration.

[@jblfd4600]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience with all who venture to your channel. Regardless of whether it's a seasoned proprietor or a newbie such as myself, you present things in a way that is unbiased of the listener's background experiences. That is the true definition of a good teacher.

[@ollytompkin7702]

Hope you are all well and love seeing the videos

[@richardanderson2742]

As a rough rule of thumb, I believe you get the best prices at an auction, but you get the best deals from owners. The vintage tractor market is largely small farmers and collectors that have an attachment to the machines. While they may gloss over a tractor's faults, most are more honest than average and want to see their tractor remain in use....and they often throw in a whole lot of spares that you'll never see at an auction.

[@jeffanderlik7695]

I was glad to see the correct decals on that '40 H. I just had Dad's '41 H gone through, literally from front to rear. I didn't have time to do it myself (I work full time off the farm) and the shop fixed lots of things I probably wouldn't have checked. I still have about 5 hours left for break-in, and she'll be ready for another 80 years. I pushed snow with her all winter.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Thanks Pete. I appreciate how much effort goes into shooting and editing these videos in addition to running your farm

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Outstanding advice. Especially the "pulling a plow all its life". It reminds me to the proverb to "never buy a semi-tractor that hauled steel."

[@ChrisGore-mj9vo]

Hey Pete, really enjoy your videos, one thing to mention is part availability. Both aftermarket and new old stock. I have seen to many times someone buys old farm equipment and it becomes to expensive to restore or fix because parts are expensive. Keep the videos coming.

[@thomaspickar9709]

I I bought a 1953 Minneapolis Moline UB( similar to a Farmall super m) for 240 bucks had a junk old trip bucket on it, the manifold rusted-out and a bad radiator. $300 in manifold and radiator, a new coil that was laying around the shop, spark plug wires, spark plugs, carb clean, and my grandpa's magical touch for timing I've got a tractor that runs smoother than smooth. Some of them tractors are gems covered in dirt and Moss but sometimes they're not. When buying a non-running tractor stuck or unstuck is very important.

[@JamesCouch777]

A tractor mechanic told me that if you want a good tractor, get an old tractor and fix it up and it will be more dependable than a new one. He's been a tractor mechanic for about sixty years so he should know what he's talking about.

[@JamesCouch777]

@@eltsennestle998 exactly.

[@GierokFarms]

Couldn't agree more with both of you! Especially buying before emissions.

[@JamesCouch777]

@@GierokFarms I have five tractors and I would never buy one with a computer. The new John Deere's have over 60 sensors.

[@GierokFarms]

I believe it I have had to work on older rogators and even those are a nightmare of wires and sensors!

[@KenTibbetts]

thats literally what i just did because my grandfather used to say the same thing. dont make em like they used to dont ya know

[@jakeschroeder1553]

You covered it! Only other thing I would add is to avoid DIY "fixes." Wire holding something on instead of the proper fastener, non-original couplings/reducers, clearly rigged up ways to make something work, etc.

[@pcdreams1]

Hey Pete, I learned more in this half hour about mechanics than I have tinkering my entire life! I'd really be interested in seeing something about working on hydraulics. As I've mentioned before, I've got an old 70s model Kubota with stubborn hydraulics. The valve where the levers are has a drip I've not been able to get stopped and I get a squeal through the up/down/left/right of the front blade or 3/pt. I'm planning to flush it in the spring. I'm sure there's water in there, my gear shift boot is cracked (again)

[@neilisaacson]

With the tractor running, shine your flashlight at the fan and watch for a bent fin. It will be easy to spot. Thanks from Washington state for the great tips.

[@horsebee1]

The color of the exhaust smoke can tell you a lot about an engine as well such as an engine that has blue smoke on rev up is a sure sign of worn rings and black smoke is unburnt fuel which is a sign of running ritch. Start looking for a blocked air filter or a worn carb and on a diesel it may indicate bad injectors or a worn pump.

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Great video Pete good advise. I wouldn't recommend someone buy a older tractor if they have no experience or should I say dont have a good mechanical ability. If they have to send into a shop for everything it will cost them to much. Enjoyed watching thanks. Have a good day.

[@jamesmorrison1884]

@@keltonwright7 Your right easy to learn on.

[@johnsimone9384]

Love your videos on tractor repairs and restoration. I mentioned to my wife that I would love to restore an older tractor and she told me I would have to move in with you. I’ll just have to live out my dream watching your videos

[@charlessmith3995]

I have seen mechanics that can rebuild a engine tractor never before have i seen any one that can explain in detail each and every part like you have it's been fun ps i found more grease fitting on my M thanks to you

[@twosheas]

Best Tractor “What to look for” video I’ve seen. You and Marty T are the best tractor tubers out there. Keep ‘em comin’.

[@bub7961]

I could sit and listen to the knowledge that comes out of ur mouth all day

[@joebarbjb6668]

Don’t have a tractor but grew up on farms, love them, thanks for the tutorial.

[@RickLatta61]

Love old Farmalls! We have a mid 60s 140 that our grand parents bought new. They had a produce farm. These tractors last forever when taken care of.

[@ChrisSmith-io5vw]

Hey mister Pete again I love old tractors I especially love old Farmall tractors and I like your passion when you're talkin about the tractors the unit good luck to you and Hillary God bless

[@petersonsawmillservice268]

Ilove your shop videos. You explain, dont skip steps, and move at a pace i can follow. Thank you very much.

[@JWimpy]

I bought an old Massey Fergusson a couple years ago. My plan was that my son and I were going to restore it to like new condition. We had restored a couple old cars before But we had no previous experience with tractors at all. Needless to say, we bit off far more than we could chew. Wound up selling it before we broke the bank.

[@rollincoal7768]

Are generic brand parts better than brand name? Should you consider where you can get parts before a big purchase? Love this video series.

[@usmcforever7630]

A pleasure to hear you giving a very common sense tutoral on buying used old tractors. Well done. Still waitin on the engine. Looking forward to it.

[@blackpistolcompany3482]

Pete you are truly a wealth of knowledge.

[@martintopp1399]

HI there Pete. I have just been to Old tractor buying school. I don't think I am qualified yet. I will come back for a refresher or three and take notes. Such a helpful video!!! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your farm life to do rhis video. Thanks.

[@chriszenker2468]

As always Pete your videos are well thought-out and informative you have a nice set of IH tractors and as you say this info is good for all brands there basics keep up the fine work .

[@evaarnim]

I really enjoyed hearing and seeing you explain the workings of your tractor

[@rolandpinette9946]

Excellent video, Pete. Very informative. You killed the H by stomping on the brake and stalling it. The video does not show you turning off the switch after the stall.

[@clevjam]

Thanks Pete, I think you have helped many people with this video..Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@jessicabuckman9675]

you are great Thanks Pete, anyone looking for a tractor, should watch one of you're videos.

[@MrSparks701]

Great advice. Thanks Pete!

[@carlalv7717]

Great video on how to buy used machines. I am not a farmer, but the knowledge you provided us here can be useful in buying a used car, or anything that has moving parts. Thank you for sharing Peter!

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, Pete! That was really thorough. Enjoyed watching and learning! 🇺🇸🚜👍

[@jimschnars2866]

Great video give those rear tires a shake shows if bearings are bad i was told the farmalls offset engine causes it to be heavy on the left so when u jack it up on the right side it can easily flip over

[@andyanderson9165]

Great series! Really enjoy tractor talk and the walk around with contractor family. Doc seems to enjoy spending time with he tractors a you too. Have a great day!!

[@whit4275]

My dad had always wanted a Farmall Super MTA Diesel. He found one out of state & went to the auction to see it. He ended up buying it & had it trucked home. Once it got delivered, I saw it for first time. I looked at it for 60 seconds & told him he payed way more than he should of for it. He was mad but said "but listen to it run". After the 4th time of trying to get it started, she was running on diesel, but not well. I reached under the hood & found all the spark plugs were loose. I took one out by hand! Once dad fixed all the problems (many) it was a great running tractor. Unfortunately he spent almost another 1800$ in parts....plus cost of tractor & delivery....

[@piercismpropagandanetwork9846]

A Super MTA Diesel is probably one of the rarest letter series Farmalls so I could understand why he wanted so badly despite it being in poor condition.

[@davidnorried3928]

Awesome series! It’s helping us to choose a used tractor for our homestead.

[@davidkeville9282]

Still love hearing your h run sounds good remind me of my dad with his H

[@clydeschwartz2167]

Excellent video i do the same thing when I am looking to buy a tractor or heavy equipment machines I also look at the battery and cables along with the other wiring and I listen to the starter they can get to be expensive on rarer models of tractors I also let the engine run a few minutes shut it off and then restart it right away with the injector pump like your 656 diesel has if it has internal issues it will not start right back up again

[@rickshafer4241]

Wow! What a very helpful tutorial on what to look for when buying an older tractor. Thanks, Pete, for such a good video! By the way, love the looks of your New Idea manure spreader - that thing looks pristine. Only drawback would be - I would hate to get it all dirty by putting manure in it! Thanks, Rick Shafer

[@wilymcgee]

Pete, depending on tractor, governor may also adjust carburetor throttle plate (opens up the air pulling more fuel in along w/ it). keep up the great work!

[@randybenne9968]

This is a true education. Thank you.

[@dwjr5129]

Great info Pete. For a non-running machine, will the engine turn over freely and will it roll without any bad noises coming from the trans/rear end? Doesn’t guarantee a good deal but can darn sure help you walk away from a bad one.

[@michaelkoon8371]

Pete the farm all your just talking about is the same kind that my grandpaw had can’t wait to see you working on it and running yes I can’t wIt to watch that video on that one so happy to see you have one like my grandpaw had

[@KenTibbetts]

thanks for that vid. loved it. i just bought a 72 ford tractor and actually did all that before watching the engine just on my amateur knowledge of engines. but thanks for reassuring i did it right.

[@694PDPX6R4]

pete you are the man,,,,,thanks for many hours of pleasure following your video,s

[@flugit]

Gonna go look at a case vao this afternoon. This video is a great help

[@NotOnYourLife]

Excellent Pete! Very concise and loaded with correct and useful information.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

The M.D. 1020 is a really good Tractor, well thought of in its day

[@icannevergetthistowork]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@JL-xn3zy]

Congratulations on 90k subscribers!!!! Keep kicking butt Pete!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks JL!

[@donnaparrish7638]

Wow! We can call you Mr. Tractor! I wondered if there was someone else who knew as much about tractors as my son in law. I believe there is! Very interesting Pete! Thanks!

[@quinnsikora8283]

Love seeing these videos! I never worked on an engine before rebuilding a couple of my dad's old tractors(John Deere 60 & Case 770) the last couple of years, had great success bringing them back to life and loved the work. Just bought my first couple of tractors last fall (Farmall H & 300). Really looking forward to rebuilding and restoring them front to back and and get them back to work on my farm, these videos make me even more excited. Thanks for what you do, Pete!!

[@jeffreyjohnson9108]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise!!

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Jeffrey how are you doing

[@jimthode]

A couple other things I check. Check the engine compression. Either by cranking with the electric starter with the ignition or fuel off and listen for a uniform er-er-er-er. Or by feel with a hand crank if it has one. I also check for excessive engine blow by when running. Excessive blow by is a good indicator of a badly worn engine. Check air filter and air piping to engine. It does not take much dust to destroy an engine and may be a good indicator of general maintenance. Oil bath air filters with no oil are worthless. The last comment, jet black engine oil on some diesels is normal and not a good indicator of poor maintenance. I've have some healthy diesels that the oil turns black very soon after changing oil and filter.

[@johnrosier1686]

Thanks for the video Pete. I wasn’t aware that you had that many tractors. No problem with that though. I appreciate all the info. Please continue with more tractor videos.

[@MrJeep75]

Check the frontend real close when buying one with a loader

[@harbortim1]

Great video. Inspired me to go out to the shop and work on my J D 40 restoration.

[@allanulen3809]

really enjoying these videos. we can all learn. and it's fun to see what to look for.

[@Rusty_stuff]

Very thorough and informative. I recently found your channel and I love your videos. Thank you for putting your time into these sessions and for sharing your knowledge. I have a question about your F20 because I’m about to purchase one with factory dual rear wheels, a very rare tractor. I see that your heat exchanger has been changed out to a newer style exhaust manifold. So do you run straight gasoline in both sides of the fuel tank? The reason I ask is because originally it was separated for gasoline to start, then you could switch to kerosene after it warmed up and the heat exchanger preheated the kerosene. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@CJ_Caster]

Good advice. I bought back my dad's Farmall BN recently and I know the backstory on it. I also recently purchased a Minneapolis Moline 335 and I don't know a lot about it. A lot of what you covered in your video is the same stuff I look at. We're currently in the process of buying my in laws family farm and we mostly run John Deere tractors. They do have a 1394 Case IH tractor and 2 Case IH combines. I'm not particularly attached to one specific brand. I thoroughly enjoy every and all tractors. I'm trying to start an antique tractor club in our neighborhood so we can drive them across the Mackinac bridge in northern Michigan. Our little community is called Royston, so I'm going to call the club "The Royston Relic Riders". Anything tractor/farm equipment completely captivates me. Thanks for the great content here. I really like watching your videos and I'm always looking forward to the next one.

[@treepop1550]

Great video pete!!! Hard to explain how some of are drawn to mechanical vehicles such as tractors and find them to be so interesting and useful!??

[@delprice3007]

Awesome, thanks for taking the time to explain things!

[@robtheslob9649]

Pete.... what I love about your channel is that it satisfies my curiosity about what my life would be like if I had a small farm...... then I get to realize how thankful I am that I don't have a small farm.....and please believe me when I say that I mean that in the nicest way possible - with sincere amazement and mad respect for you. :-)

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Rob, agreed farming isn't for everyone. But I sure do love it! :) Thank you.

[@CliffsideStables]

GREAT CONTENT/ADVICE! Thanks Pete. Tim in northern TN

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Pretty sure that I will never buy a tractor. But who knows? Still a very fantastic video Pete. So thank you. From a city slicker. But I was, born and reared, on a farm. I wasn’t raised. Animals are. And the pigs are HUGE!! Man, well done! The winter looks to have been so brutal. Coming from Georgia. Take care Pete.

[@manleybrittain1296]

Well said Pete I am enjoying your content!

[@JAvery-vb9lm]

So much knowledge in this channel. Love it. I've watched almost every video. For the entertainment as much as knowledge. Thanks Pete. And Hillary

[@jamesjustin5095]

There used to be a tractor day here in Thompson, Ohio. Bunch of guys and gals ride their tractors to the local bar, Bucks Inn. Fun times!

[@magethenrogue3035]

Thank you for the information. I am looking for a tractor to grade my mothers road and driveway now that she is retired. this will help for sure!

[@Sean-fb7cy]

Thank you ever useful information 👍 Regards from waterford Ireland 🇮🇪

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Great tutorial Mr. Pete.

[@FusedFootage]

Thank you soooo much! Doing my homework now!

[@wayneharland432]

As usual.. great advice. Love your videos Pete. Keep up the great work.

[@gillianbuonanno3211]

My father loves his 504, super A and cub. His beast is his 1972 Allischalmers 170 ...the orange beast we call Brutus.

[@zachwiz4709]

I don’t see that farmall f-20 often! All of those tractors are beautes! What do you think you’ll restore next? 🤔

[@zachwiz4709]

@@keltonwright7 Hi Kelton! Don’t worry! I have watched every episode of that series, I was just wondering what he would work on next. I do agree with you that the series is well worth watching and very informative, I can’t wait for it to be shiny like new! Also I like what you did! You scroll through comments and help people if Pete can’t or isn’t fast enough! Good job! I try to do that too, but I mostly just read them and then go to my next video! Have a great day/night!🙂

[@n.elliottnoorlun8304]

Great video, Pete!!! Your shared wisdom is much appreciated!!! ;o)

[@Farm_fab]

Pete, sidewall checking is a serious problem, and there's no honest repair to this. I've seen where some have put black caulk over the cracks, but this has no real benefit. The rubber protects the cords, and putting caulk over the cracks is like closing the door after the cows get out.

[@TheLowlery]

Thank you for your efforts you have become my a#1 site. Keep the jokes coming

[@290wayne]

When I lived in West Va. I worked for DNR dept natural red. Ran an 1955 int. Low boy with a belly mower an sickle bar.... We also had one called a worthington. Really old. We had a bunch of what I'd call junk. But tractors from the 40's. An 50's

[@larryolson3256]

Good information in buying anything. You covered it well.

[@bradleyschneider3871]

Wow I guess I don't have to take a mechanic class all I have to do is watch just a few acres....nice work my friend!very informative...i might be looking to buy an old used tractor this will come un handy!! Thank You!

[@adamfontana537]

Enjoyed it very much. Keep up the great work Pete

[@leonmaritz2598]

Thank you for all the helpful tips...