TractorGuy60180
Member
I'm working on a 1952 Farmall M for a relative, just trying to get it running (not restore). This tractor has been sitting around for a long time so I'm trying to check it over bit by bit. The main problem is that it won't turn over and start. I found the battery was old and likely no good, but before bothering with replacing it and the wiring I tried to pull start it. With the clutch disengaged and put in first gear, as soon as I let out the clutch the wheels lock up. I then took the gear shifter off and confirmed it was not stuck in two gears. I then took the top cover off the transmission and confirmed all the shafts are able to move. With the rear tires off the ground and the clutch disengaged, I can go through the gears and all works correctly. I did find the left brake was bad, adding resistance to that wheel, so I removed it for now. With the clutch engaged and the transmission in any gear, I am not able to get it to move the engine. I don't have an area or jacks to split the tractor so hoping someone has some ideas of what I can test or inspect to narrow down where the issue is.