The 10 Year Project

[Colin King]

This past weekend, I drove this one out of the shop for the first time in 10 years. And this is the first time in about 30 years that it has seen the light of day as a complete tractor - not just a pile of parts. It's a 1950 side mount.



This has been a project I took on in late '12, but between being newly married with a 130 year old house to repair, a new dad a year later, running the family farm, and lacking a heated shop, I didn't have much time to work on the project. However, things changed winter before last. My then 6 year old showed some interest in the project, which was the inspiration to get moving again on it. We've used whatever spare time we've had to put it back together, and we've had a blast working together. Having a very mechanically inclined kiddo is really helpful when you have to get at small parts and your hands are too big.

Oil pressure is about 22psi hot and 15psi hot idle. Starts really easily, hot or cold and seems to have plenty of power. It does smoke a bit, and has a persistent popping that I can't seem to get rid of. I'm hoping both issues will go away after it gets a work out. Maybe sticking rings and a sticky valve.


As a little aside, I now farm the farm that this tractor was used on, using my 1949 8N and my 1958 961D.

In the end, this tractor will be going to a friend's farm a few miles out of town. We bartered hay for the tractor summer before last, during the bad drought here. But I've got another tractor, a 1940 9N, that I salvaged from the scrap man. That is going to be my son's tractor.

Colin, MN
 

[HarryVanderpool]

Looks really nice!
The popping problem can have a few causes, but the most common that I have seen is a worn throttle shaft.
As the shaft wears, which they all eventually do, air is able to get sucked in.
Mostly noticeable during deceleration, but also sometimes at Idle.
Just put your hand around to the back of the carb, grasp the throttle shaft and see if you can notice any run-out.
You can buy a new shaft and / or some kits include one.
 

[Royse]

Looks great Colin! And even more exciting to complete the project with your son!
 

[Ultradog MN]

Nice tractor and nice story Colin.
Thanks.
 

[Walston]

Outstanding work. Congratulations on your persistence.
 

[Abbby]

Congrats
 

[Lynn Patrick]

Great story! Thanks for sharing!
 

[Bruce (VA)]

Great job, Colin!

Best to you and the family.
75 Tips

 

[Jim L WA]

Ditto what all the others said. Nice job.
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Jim!
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Bruce! I hope you're getting a little break from the garden. We were able to harvest collards and kale into early November, but it's been cold here. Merry Christmas to you and Maureen.

Colin
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Lynn
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Abbby.
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Walston
 

[Colin King]

Thanks, Jerry! A Merry Christmas to you and yours.