LA question

[DEERE356]

I just bought an LA with no serial # tag and I wanted to try to narrow down what year it is? It is a hand crank,the gear shift is on top of transmission,the oil fill tube is straight up and down in front of magneto,the dipstick is behind magneto and comes up at a very slight angle,the air cleaner does not have a stack on the side of the tractor. Hopefully somebody can narrow down the year with that information.
Also I need a muffler and possibly a manifold if somebody knows where I can get one?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[Mike M]

sounds more like an L model.

 

[LA-Man]

Sounds like you have an L, not an LA. What you describe is a Hercules-engine L, with a Spicer transmission. This puts it in the 1939-1940 area. It should have 22-inch rear tires, with one-piece pressed-steel wheels. If it has 24-inch rear tires, and two-piece wheels (cast centers), it may be something cobbled together out of parts.

 

[DEERE356]

How can I tell if it is a Hercules engine? I can put two fingers between the spark plugs if that helps.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Deere 356
Does the Eng. have a removable bell housing ? If so it has a Hercules engine which would make it an L
THANK YOU