Meangreen
Member
I have a 1950 Farmall M that I purchased 5 years ago. I mainly use the tractor for drives and some occasional plowing. I noticed about a year ago that the tractor seemed to have a harder time going up hills in 5th and slowing down going down hill. On flat land I can run 18 mph (according to phone gps) in 5th with no problems. I've tinkered with the carb, checked my timing and the clutch seems good.
What I'm wondering is since I purchased the tractor I've converted it from a narrow to wide front and also added 2 sets of rear wheel weights. I figure the "additions" have added around 1,000 pounds to the weight of the tractor.
Have I made it a bit too heavy for it's own good?
I could shed the wheel weights pretty easily and that would save me 500+ lbs.
Also I realize there are some hills where down shifting will be required no matter what, but on the last ride I was on a friend had a stripped down M (no weights & narrow front) and he had to down shift on 1 hill while I had to downshift on 5.
What I'm wondering is since I purchased the tractor I've converted it from a narrow to wide front and also added 2 sets of rear wheel weights. I figure the "additions" have added around 1,000 pounds to the weight of the tractor.
Have I made it a bit too heavy for it's own good?
I could shed the wheel weights pretty easily and that would save me 500+ lbs.
Also I realize there are some hills where down shifting will be required no matter what, but on the last ride I was on a friend had a stripped down M (no weights & narrow front) and he had to down shift on 1 hill while I had to downshift on 5.