lost key

[tomturkey]

Went to move a tractor that I have not used in a while and the key was not in the ignition. Its the only tractor I own with a keyed ignition. Anyone have any bright ideas as I am a loss as to where the key is. I do know a 1960's style GM key will slide in, looking for any idea so I do not have to remove old and replace. thanks gobble

 

[ss55]

What make and model is the tractor?

 

[rrlund]

Do you just want to move it? Use a jumper wire. Otherwise, a new switch would be about the cheapest and easiest option.

 

[Greenfrog]

Oliver 770 had a really short key. Fastened the key to steering column with stout nylon string.

 

[Steve in VA]

My JD key would fall out of the ignition for no apparent reason. Unless someone took it, and I assumed you looked around on the ground for it, could it be hung up somewhere before it hit the ground?

 

[paul]

The industry secret is that for decades manufacturers of USA tractors used the exact same key on all their tractors. So if its a common brand you likely can find a key of the same brand and it will work.

Paul

 

[Greenfrog]

Go to Amazon. Search. Vintage farm tractor ignition key.

 

[Greenfrog]

That is true. I read somewhere that there was only about two ignition switches that manufacturers used. Keys were repeated, that is, many were keyed the same.

 

[rustred]

What model tractor ? Hot wire it , jump the starter and move it.

 

[flying belgian]

After thousands of hours the vibration on the 700 Case finally loosened the key and it fell out. Lucily when we put it in the shed to shut off the key was laying on the floor board. Pa tied it to the headlight with a shoe string. Just the weight of that string hanging on the key pulled it down enough that it never fell out again. Pa's been dead for 32 years and my nephew has the 700. I need to ask him if the shoestring is still tied to the key.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I had a switch go bad on a terramite.
I used an old switch and key from a riding mower.
It is still working.

 

[TomIn]

As other have said, most manufacturers used the same keys for many models and years. There are some websites that seem to show (and sell) keys that fit various makes, models and years
Tractor Keys

 

[tomturkey]

Case 351, does it matter?? Just askin cause i don't know if somethings are model specific. gobble

 

[Hoenes]

WD 45, and a D 17 will start with a screwdriver, if necessary. Just sayin.

 

[504]

Not to me but this is just information. The key for most IH tractors take the same key. 5088 cab keys fit my 656 fine,400 and 450 Farmalls and to really make things interesting the 656 key in my pocket says JD on it. A whole bunch of JD gas Mowers, use the same key as the IH tractors.

 

[used red MN]

Make & ModelDoes it matter? Gas or diesel quite a bit of difference!!

 

[Mike Groom]

The key on my JD 1520 is the same as a JD lawn mower and both have the leaping deer on them. Had to buy a extra key for my Harley, 1995 Superglide, went to Harley and told them the year, they grabbed a big ring with about 100 keys on it and picked out my year and it fit perfect. Just saying, it's pretty common to have same key fit lots of models.

 

[Blackhole49]

Take the ignition to a good Locksmith and have him make a couple of keys. Will probably find the original when you hide the spare.