Tractor Radios

[Jay Liedman]

I recently acquired a U302 Moline that has a nice looking radio mounted on the fender. It LOOKS like it is in good condition, but does not work. I know from past experience the vibration from the tractor is hard on things like radios, but do not know just what actually breaks in them. I would like to get the radio repaired. Has anyone had any luck getting tractor radios fixed?

 

[Gambles]

You are right about vibration being the killer.
It could be anything. Does it light up, make noise or is it completely dead? I would take it apart and do a close visual. It being completely dead is probably the power section, possibly an internal fuse. Lighting up or making noise is something else.
Visually inspect for broken wires, components that are black or broke and see if any trace lines are cracked. MAYBE the fix could be as simple as hitting some cold solder joints with a soldering iron.

 

[flying belgian]

I recently acquired a U302 Moline that has a nice looking radio mounted on the fender. It LOOKS like it is in good condition, but does not work. I know from past experience the vibration from the tractor is hard on things like radios, but do not know just what actually breaks in them. I would like to get the radio repaired. Has anyone had any luck getting tractor radios fixed?

Where you at? I got a working one sitting in the corner you can just have.

 

[Jay Liedman]

Where you at? I got a working one sitting in the corner you can just have.

I am in central Minnesota.

 

[flying belgian]

I am in central Minnesota.

I'm outside the city limits of North Mankato. Do you ever get down my way?

 

[Jay Liedman]

I'm outside the city limits of North Mankato. Do you ever get down my way?

I probably get there about annually. You can email me an address at [email protected]

 

[molinegb]

Most tractor radios were made by Bendix if AM. Biggest problem was solder connections and speaker. Speakers are not available and haven't been for many years. Serviced hunderds.

 

[560Dennis]

Is it an all transistor or vacuum tube ?

I had a work mate that was old school , we found one of the resistors that was fractured on my 70 year old car radio .
It was so obvious any body knowing what to look for could have seen it .
75 cent resistor and it was playing CKLW minutes later.

I would use a volt ohm meter and go component by component and find the fault like he showed me.

It’s broke take the cover off and look for fire .

If you don’t want to fuss with it these antique car clubs and forum s and your tube hhave help.

 

[molinegb]

Is it an all transistor or vacuum tube ?

I had a work mate that was old school , we found one of the resistors that was fractured on my 70 year old car radio .
It was so obvious any body knowing what to look for could have seen it .
75 cent resistor and it was playing CKLW minutes later.

I would use a volt ohm meter and go component by component and find the fault like he showed me.

It’s broke take the cover off and look for fire .

If you don’t want to fuss with it these antique car clubs and forum s and your tube hhave help.

None had tubes. Made in late 60's and early 70's. Most had reverse polarity so could be adapted bt flip of switch.

 

[flying belgian]

I recently acquired a U302 Moline that has a nice looking radio mounted on the fender. It LOOKS like it is in good condition, but does not work. I know from past experience the vibration from the tractor is hard on things like radios, but do not know just what actually breaks in them. I would like to get the radio repaired. Has anyone had any luck getting tractor radios fixed?

Hers pictures of mine. If it looks like it will work I will email you my address.