My NEW 1952? Farmall M with Lion Front Loader

[IdahoKim]

Runs ok, but I'll rebuild the carb, replace plugs, and other tuneup stuff as I see the need.
I have 10 acres of dirt, with plenty of sagebrush and lava outcroppings. I plan on using Big Red to push rocks, build a smooth driveway to the RV at the very back, and push snow during the winter. I spent a lot of time in my preteen and early teens on a Farmall H so I'm quite familiar with this tractor series. At almost 75 years old, 6 years older than me, I sure am glad to find lots of specifications and an extensive list of parts available still.

 

[Mrfred54]

Nice find. The M is an awesome piece of IH history

 

[matthies]

Your pushblade looks like a Farmhand, so a bucket won't be hard to find if you need one.

 

[IdahoKim]

Your pushblade looks like a Farmhand, so a bucket won't be hard to find if you need one.

It actually came with sort of a bucket. It hangs on the push blade and bolts hold it in place. I'll be up at the acreage tomorrow and take more pix. It has forks but I might cut them off, or add plating under them. Not sure yet what I'll need.
The best part is I got it all for only $500. I know most running tractors are going for WAAAAY more than that, especially with the hydraulics. If it had a hydraulic 3 point hitch in the back, it would be perfect but I'm not complaining. I'll make do with the "blade" on the front.
I also want to repaint it for parade duty and replace the ancient tires. Fronts are affordable but I decided to go with irrigation line tires on the rear. I have to drive a few hours to get them but for only $125 each in really good condition they are a bargain. I can't afford the real 38" tractor tires.

 

[matthies]

Leave the forks on as they are very handy at times, Dad did the same thing to our loader and added a plate under it. I replaced the plate a few years ago and also welded a cutting edge to it to get more life out of it, but it is due again. Just keep your eyes open as rear tires on rims come up on marketplace and craigslist alot.

 

[46m]

Why the weights on the frout end? MY experince with a loader you need weight on back wheels.

 

[Hayfarmer]

Do you have power steering or plan to join the gym? I have SMTA with Dual loader and wide front but I do have power steering. Nice looking tractor. You will need some kind of weights on back if you get very much snow. I have a set of weights plus loaded tires on mine and generally hang 8 foot heavy Rhino blade on the 3 point.

 

[IdahoKim]

Why the weights on the frout end? MY experince with a loader you need weight on back wheels.

It came that way. I doubt I will leave them on. I need tires anyway so I will do a complete clean and reshoe on the wheels.

 

[IdahoKim]

Do you have power steering or plan to join the gym? I have SMTA with Dual loader and wide front but I do have power steering. Nice looking tractor. You will need some kind of weights on back if you get very much snow. I have a set of weights plus loaded tires on mine and generally hang 8 foot heavy Rhino blade on the 3 point.

No power steering and it's a real beeech. I was hoping that doing a complete greasing with either moly or graphite grease, plus new skinny tires, would help a lot. If not, I will look for a power steering solution.

 

[MeanGene1]

I have an N Ford type loader, maybe a Modern? that has a similar bucket, there's another part that just bolts on to complete the bucket, unbolts to become a dozer

 

[matthies]

You should be able to find a used system for power steering and the Eaton pumps are on older cars and can get them new a lot cheaper than ytmag.

 

[IdahoKim]

I have an N Ford type loader, maybe a Modern? that has a similar bucket, there's another part that just bolts on to complete the bucket, unbolts to become a dozer

Yup, that's the design of this one. There's a big tag on the right long arm that says LION