JOHN DEERE M

[Keith-OR]

I bought a John Deer M today on an on line auction. Looks like it has been stored inside, paint looks great. Tires are in great shape. Don't know the the serial no. or the year...
What are some of the things I should be checking out, besides all the fluids.

Thanks: Keith

 

[Keith-OR]

I ordered the set of manuals for this tractor. I have a complete set for my JD 1010C, gas and diesel engine.
I'll pick the tractor up Wed, Jun 14 th.

 

[M-MAN]

Only 2 things I can think of. On the inside of the final drives there is a 3 bolt cap. Behind it is a good size bolt going into the stub axle. It's probably loose and will cause it to whine. Check the manual.

The other is the steering box. Pull the cap and check the pin for wear. Also tighten the Allen head bolt holding the shaft to box.

Life will be simpler if you use 00 corn head grease in the steering box. I mix a little 140wt in to make it pour able. Snapper makes a oo grease in a bottle as well. Also use 30wt non detergent oil in the hydraulics. Works better and leaks less.

 

[CharlesG]

I also have a new to me M and at 64 and 250lbs I find it a pain getting on and off. I would recommend a set of steps.

 

[jCarroll]

When you get to changing the oil, make sure the 4 diameter plate below the oil filter cartridge is still there.

Check free play in clutch pedal. Ought to have an inch or so.

Buy a 5' stepladder.

 

[M-MAN]

Most times I take the easy way. Ride the lift up and step over the seat. Lol

 

[CharlesG]

If I have the grader blade on I do the same thing.

 

[Keith-OR]

Thanks, everyone for the things to look for. But haven't figured out what the step ladder is for!!

 

[Brendon-KS]

The M is notorious for being hard to get on and off of. Being the long-time owner of one I can certainly see where this reputation comes from. With the right technique and good physical agility it isnt a problem - I can walk up to mine and be in the seat in a couple seconds. But, if a person lacks physical mobility it would be difficult.

 

[Keith-OR]

What are you saying??? We need to buy you a step ladder...lol lol lol
I'm agile and small enough that I don't need a ladder.
I weight the same now as when I got out of the service in 1968, 165lbs.

 

[Watthour]

I find the drawbar sufficient as a step most of the time. There's no great way to get on the front of the foot plate then square-dance around the steering. Power-trol and pump to get turned the right way. My seat is too pretty to step on, so that's out

 

[Russ from MN]

I built a step for the front of ours, made it easy for me to get on. When we bought it the front axle trunnion was all screwed up, but it was easy for me to rebuild. The original design was pretty flimsy.

 

[Keith-OR]

(quoted from post at 19:03:34 06/12/23) I find the drawbar sufficient as a step most of the time. There's no great way to get on the front of the foot plate then square-dance around the steering. Power-trol and pump to get turned the right way. My seat is too pretty to step on, so that's out

Kinda hard to use draw bar, this tractor has a set of mid mount and rear mount cultivators for row crops. I'm not going to remove them. I'll just make a step for the front. Right now I do not have any problem getting on or off.