I just thought I would post a little note about myself. Some of you may know that the wood business I started a few years ago ended up taking me down financially. I have sold just about all of my equipment and have pretty much lost interest in woodworking since that all happened.
I belong to a few other woodworking forums and a few months ago I got involved in an online argument on one of those forums because I did not like the comments some members were making to another. To make a long story short, there are some pretty nasty people on that forum. I found out that those very people were kicked out of another forum a couple years before. That whole situation left me not wanting to post anything anywhere for a good while, and I still don't post nearly as much as I used to. I feel like I have more in common with the people at this forum than anywhere else, so even though I don't do woodworking any more, I hope you don't mind if I hang around and say something once in a while.
P.S. If anyone is into antique tractors, I have a question about an Allis Chalmers WD.
Hey David!!
Sure. You know you are welcome here.
Glad you're back, David.
Pull up a stump and sit a spell.
You're right, this is a very friendly and informative forum! 8)
I dont know anything about Allis Chalmers ... But hey dont ask to ask , just ask the question , someone hear will try hard to answer . ;)
Well stick around there's always something going on here. I have some old Case tractors that I haven't had time to totally restore. I really like the show at Elnora and try to get down there when I can. A neighbor had WD's some years back, good tractors. Might not be able to answer your question, but I could probably find someone who can. ;)
I consider Corley5 our resident tractor expert although we probably have many. :)
Thanks for the quick replies.
Chuck,
Have you ever been to Beaver Creek Farm & Building Supply, northwest of Dekalb? For several months I delivered there every Monday. I might have talked to you face to face if you were there on a Monday morning. My company has had me doing job site deliveries lately and I haven't been there for 2 or 3 months.
My tractor question is not necessarily because it is an AC. I was able to buy this tractor recently for a really cheap price. Several small things wrong with it that I am fixing as I get time (really busy at work right now). I decided to look at the serial number to see what year it is. The 1st WD was built in 1948 starting with serial number 7. I have number 26. Would that make it worth more than others?
David,
Given the number of tractors produced and 1948 not being really early in tractor production as a whole, I don't think there would be much increased value. Now if you had No. 7 that would be a new ballgame. A dyed-in-wool AC collector might pony up a bit more. The economy has hurt the market some.
David,
always glad to see other tractor guys. Tractors are one of my greatest loves. I had two different AC's, a B and a CA. I don't really care for Allis Chalmers as far as that goes, since everybody I ever knew who had them were constantly having problems with them. Including my grandfather who had a CA, and my neighbor who had a WD-45. However, it never ceases to amaze me the intense cult following to be found for Allis Chalmers. They command a higher price than many other brands out there. I would say that for a serious AC collector, finding a low-serial tractor like yours would be an extra incentive to buy it, but not necessarily bring much of a premium on price. Still, I could be wrong about that, but I think it is mainly the John Deere collectors who go hog wild over finding all the crazy little variations. You know, the "open fan-shaft A's, four-bolt B's, spoker D's, and low-radiator G's."
One of the reasons this is my favorite forum is because you very very rarely see people arguing and trying to prove that their way (or equipment or whatever) the best and ONLY way.....and if it does get out of hand, the mods step in and encourage a group hug :D
You reminded me that my grandfather had an old John deere, not sure what model but it was a really old one with the skinny front end and offset seat and steering wheel to the left side. My dad talked him into selling it because it just sat there. Boy I sure wish that tractor was still around!
I would like to add this is pretty much the only forum I will go to after reading a few others. Jeff and the rest of the gang here do an awesome job, the atmosphere is always positive and helpful. As for the tractors I wish you guys would quit callin'm antiques I still farm with em :D :D
sandhills
Sure is ok to farm with antiques ;D ;D
We'd enjoy see some pics of farming with them too. :)
And agree with your assessment of this forum, vs several others.
Quote from: Piston on August 22, 2010, 07:33:55 AM
........
You reminded me that my grandfather had an old John deere, not sure what model but it was a really old one with the skinny front end and offset seat and steering wheel to the left side. My dad talked him into selling it because it just sat there. Boy I sure wish that tractor was still around!
Sure must have been a JD LA or L model.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10180/1595/JDM216.jpg)
I used to have John Deere L when I was a kid. I sold it when I went to college. Serial # 625203.
beenthere, I have to admit it hasn't been the greatest year for our tractors. I farm with my dad and between the two of us we have a (jd) '49 A, which is dads first tractor he ever owned, 2 4010s, a 4020, I bought a 4840 a few years ago, and a 1486 IH I've had for a while now. We do all our own wrenching other than transmissions. We had some bad luck this summer and had to bring the old A back into service for a while doing small jobs and chore stuff. Kinda fun actually cause that was what I learned to drive on. Oh, dad also has a 70 deisel its been outta service for a long time need to get it back together. When you look around at all the parade euiptment these days can't help but feel kinda proud at what you get done with the has beens :)
Farm or log with QUEWALOLL. Quality Used Equipment With A Lot Of Life Left.
Quote from: sandhills on August 22, 2010, 10:28:00 AM
I wish you guys would quit callin'm antiques I still farm with em :D :D
i resemble that remark. once its in your blood to run them oldies the want ta never really goes away. pc
We had an Allis WD tricycle that Dad bought in 1952. I made many a round on that tractor. Get to the end of the row, hit the brake, spin it around, and back down the very next row. That wet hand clutch was a jewel for easing forward, and of course stopping the wheels with the bushhog turning.
It was certainly a step up from the old 8N's.
Magicman, my grandpa had 2 of those 8n's. When they settled the estate both went down the road, sure wished I had one now! Been lookin here and there and seems like when you find one ya want you don't have the money. I remember ridin with him and playin on those tractors for hours, sure wished we'd kept one :'( Probably couldn't do a whole lot with it but more sentimental than anything I guess.
i still have a wd. we use it and a woods finish mower to groom the lawn. my folks first tractor was a wd and they still have it. it is a tricycle front and has power steering . dad rolled it and broke the steering wheel and since it turned so easy he made about a 10'' steering wheel for it. i caught it on fire on the way to the field one day. it had a lot of grease and oil build up on the engine. i took it to my chicken farm and was using it inside the buildings working the floor up. we took the muffler off and put a short pipe on to get under the short ceilings of the chikn houses. when i put the muffler on to head to the field i didnt notice that it had a hole in the bottom of it. about 2 miles down the road the dry dust stuck to the engines healthy coating of grease and grime caught on fire. it quit me as soon as the flames became visible. i was smack dab between 2 houses 400 ft down the road either way. i finally located a bucket w/ holes in it and a 1 gallon water jug to haul water in after the 3rd trip i was about give out and my mom came along to help. burned the paint off the hood, melted the solder from the rad top and gas tank filler and burned up wires and ps hoses. we pulled it to the field and then hauled it home that night and had it back to the field within a week. it still has flame marks(no paint) on the hood. pc
Dads old A has burnt twice, first by the original owner and then by him. The hose rotted and cracked on top of the gas tank (between the gas cap and tank) both times. Good thing about them oldies just replace the wires and hoses and you're good to go. Might not hurt to let it cool down before refueling either :D :D :D
David, I don't know much about antique tractors, but a former high school teacher of mine does. I haven't seen it, but he is said to have a huge collection of AC tractors, and loves to talk tractors. I believe he is as knowledgeable as anyone in the country. If you need to talk to him, send me a pm, and I will give you his contact information.
Quote from: Magicman on August 22, 2010, 05:10:24 PMIt was certainly a step up from the old 8N's.
Well not to start a fight, but it didn't take much to be a step up from an 8N! Sorry, couldn't resist. Actually they were both built with different farming scenarios in mind and both have strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of antiques... I called a shop mechanic about a problem on one of our "newer"tractors. The mechanic said, "We will need to talk to another mechanic- That tractor was built before I was born!" :o :o :o Heck, I have socks older than that tractor!
Quote from: Faron on August 22, 2010, 10:57:57 PM
Speaking of antiques... I called a shop mechanic about a problem on one of our "newer"tractors. The mechanic said, "We will need to talk to another mechanic- That tractor was built before I was born!" :o :o :o Heck, I have socks older than that tractor!
lol, at least you aren't trying to log or farm with Rumely Oil Pulls and Case steamers! (or are you, woops sorry!)
With the headaches I have had with my 4wd industrial loader tractor I'm about ready to get my old '37 Case L on steel out to skid with. Simple and reliable which is more than some of the late tractors. >:( Cheaper to work on too.
Quote from: JV on August 22, 2010, 11:16:03 PM
With the headaches I have had with my 4wd industrial loader tractor I'm about ready to get my old '37 Case L on steel out to skid with. Simple and reliable which is more than some of the late tractors. >:( Cheaper to work on too.
Yes indeed! I can't blame you for feeling that way.
Faron, what kinda tractor and whats the ailment?
Quote from: beenthere on August 22, 2010, 11:04:34 AM
Sure must have been a JD LA or L model.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10180/1595/JDM216.jpg)
I don't think so ??? I did a quick google image search and the offset steering wheel looks right, but I seem to remember the 'engine and hood area' coming further back, and not such a large space there. It looks like most of the L's were available only with the standard front end. This one certainly had the smaller tricycle front end on it. Unless maybe someone converted it?
It's hard to remember though so I could be wrong, but I definately remember the skinny front end, and oh ya-there was a hand crank in the front of the engine. I'll ask my grandfather if he has any old pictures of it.
Quote from: sandhills on August 24, 2010, 01:01:41 AM
Faron, what kinda tractor and whats the ailment?
Massey Ferguson 2745. I don't exactly remember just what the problem was. I think it may have been sucking air into the fuel system after installing a rebuilt pump. I think we ended up replacing a water trap that had deteriorated.
Quote from: Piston on August 24, 2010, 03:07:38 AMSure must have been a JD LA or L model.
I don't think so ??? I did a quick google image search and the offset steering wheel looks right, but I seem to remember the 'engine and hood area' coming further back, and not such a large space there. It looks like most of the L's were available only with the standard front end. This one certainly had the smaller tricycle front end on it. Unless maybe someone converted it?
It's hard to remember though so I could be wrong, but I definately remember the skinny front end, and oh ya-there was a hand crank in the front of the engine. I'll ask my grandfather if he has any old pictures of it.
[/quote]
The only ones JD made that were a narrow front end and could be hand cranked from the front were the MT and its replacements, the 40, 420, and 430 in T configuration. The seat and engine were offset just enough so you'd notice, but not as drastically as a Farmall A, for instance. The steering shaft was very short and went directly into the dash on all four of those models.
The L and LA hand cranked from the front but were never offered from the factory in narrow front end.
All other John Deere tractors up until 1960 hand cranked from the side (if you could do it at all). All John Deere's other narrow front tractors from 1933 onward were symmetrical too, at least as far as the seat, steering, hood and wheels were concerned.
The wide tread GP built ca. 1929-33 had some components offset and had a narrow front end, but it cranked from the side, and it was fairly rare as well.
I still have dad's 42 or 44 farmall H. The other day I went to move it out of the shed to back my M in to store it till I can get back around to tinkering on it. That H had not been started for a year and it's a hand crank. I primed it, pulled on the ignition, gave it one more pull and she fired right up. After all these years that mag is still sparking hot!
I love old tractors.
Jon
Okra..and Piston
Right, if narrow front end it was likely the models that followed. I had the 420 and the offset was there, but not as much as was the LA that I had before that. Each model had a rowcrop front end.
These models had a two cylinder upright engine thus the crank in the front. The larger models were two cylinder horizontal pistons with the large flywheel to turn them over on the side.
Glad your back David. Hope all is well.
jim
Quote from: beenthere on August 24, 2010, 12:00:59 PM
Okra..and Piston
Right, if narrow front end it was likely the models that followed. I had the 420 and the offset was there, but not as much as was the LA that I had before that. Each model had a rowcrop front end.
These models had a two cylinder upright engine thus the crank in the front. The larger models were two cylinder horizontal pistons with the large flywheel to turn them over on the side.
Well at least you guys narrowed it down for me. My grandfather never really knew how to run the tractor, it just came with the property in the '60's when he bought it. There was an old sickle bar mower that my dad and uncle would tow each other around on to try to mow the fields. The old sickle bar is still there and other than the wood on it, it is in surprisingly good shape.