| My old farm tractor is the best toy I ever bought. | | | | The farmer who owned the old farm tractor told us |
| I'm a simple man, I used to enjoy working on my | | | | to go ahead and... "Take 'er for a spin", he smiled |
| car, changing the plugs, tuning the carburetor, just | | | | then walked away to do some chores. While all |
| plain 'ole tinkering; that changed (along with the rest | | | | sellers might not be so friendly, it's very important to |
| of the world) when computers entered the picture. | | | | test the tractor engine when it's warmed up; are |
| And while they have revolutionized the way we live | | | | then any leaks, how does the engine sound? Then, |
| and work, they made tinkering a thing of the past. I | | | | shut her down, and see if the old farm tractor starts |
| refused to let that happen when I bought my first | | | | again. |
| old farm tractor. I'm not a farmer by trade, but I | | | | While you're warming the old farm tractor up, and |
| love the land and enjoy dragging my bush hog, it | | | | assuming you have the go ahead to actually take her |
| keeps me in touch with the land. And tinkering? Well | | | | out of the barn, check the brakes, if there okay, |
| that keeps my old farm tractor running smooth and | | | | great, another mark for the plus column, if they're |
| gives me some time away from the keyboard. | | | | mushy and might need work, ask how difficult a |
| I learned a lot when I started looking for my first old | | | | brake job is, some older tractors have brakes that |
| farm tractor. Old is just a term if the older tractor | | | | are very difficult to work on; this is where that farm |
| runs good and does the job intended, but be certain | | | | tractor mechanic friend will come in. |
| to check thoroughly when shopping. In my case, I | | | | Check to see if the exhaust is, a little blue or black |
| brought a neighbor of mine along who just happened | | | | smoke might just indicate a needed tune-up, blue |
| to be a John Deere rep, feeling certain he'd give my | | | | smoke may say ring job. If so, plan accordingly, or |
| potential old farm tractor purchase, a good "once | | | | find another old gem to buy. |
| over". | | | | Listen closely to how the old farm tractor engine |
| Of course what's a good older tractor for me, might | | | | sounds any unusual deep throated clunking sounds? |
| not be your bailiwick at all, different strokes for | | | | Let's hope not, but if do, time to thank the owner |
| different folks. So ask yourself (like you didn't already | | | | for his time, and head for the next prospective |
| know) are you buying the old farm tractor for work | | | | choice. |
| or play (restoration)? Are you looking to save money | | | | Years ago, back when they had "full service" gas |
| with an older tractor, or are you waxing nostalgic and | | | | stations, I remember the attendant saying... "Check |
| looking to create a pristine show tractor? | | | | the oil sir"? And that is definitely something you |
| Another thing to consider is the kind of service you'll | | | | should do with your older (antique) tractor. Oil in a |
| expect; will you be working the field, tinkering like I | | | | tractor is the lifeblood, does it look clear (indicating a |
| do, or only bringing the old farm tractor out for | | | | recent change); or is there foam or water present. If |
| county fairs. In any of these cases, when you're | | | | you see drops of water that might be the head |
| looking an older tractor, you'll want to make certain | | | | gasket and serious problems might exist. Water in |
| she's mechanically sound. If you're actually a collector | | | | the oil is NEVER a good sign; again, time for a "thank |
| (or tinkerer) chances are you'll know a local mechanic | | | | you and goodbye". |
| to bring along, they are worth their weight, believe | | | | Anytime you purchase a piece of machinery with the |
| me and could help you find a gem, or avoid a lemon. | | | | "new" worn off, take the time to be certain your |
| First thing my John Deere rep did was climb on the | | | | purchase has aged gracefully. None of us want to |
| old workhorse to see if she started up easy, telling | | | | see an old antique tractor rusting in a field, but |
| me if she did, that's a good indicator that the | | | | neither do we want to buy a "pig in a poke". Ask, |
| battery, compression, ignition and fuel lines are in | | | | look, examine, test; and if you're satisfied, whip out |
| working order. Now if it doesn't start, don't head for | | | | the checkbook, put a smile on a farmer's face, then |
| the hills, just make sure the price is right, since it will | | | | take the old farm tractor home and get some work |
| need a bit of work. | | | | done. |