'47 M Auxiliary Hydraulic Oil Tank - Follow Up

Hello all!

Been a couple weeks, but I've had some vacation time with the misses (A couple photos enclosed of our time on Minnesota's North Shore). Yesterday took advantage of having an extra day off and got to work mounting the auxiliary hydraulic oil tank for the Farmhand loader. Thanks to many for recommending and instructing on how to do this - very simple... But you just don't see a lot of it on he forums. I guess that is why I make so many posts and videos. If something I do can help others (off of what I have learned from others)... Then it makes it all worthwhile. Enclosed are a few pictures, and a link to the video as well.

Next step is to rewire it. I have been doing some research on this subject. I have a magneto ignition, so the only thing I need the battery for is to turn the starter and run lights on occasion. I'm currently running a 12v battery, negative ground. From what I have read, if I install a 12v voltage regulator on the original 6v, and polarize it for negative ground - I should be ok. Is there any validity to this? I know that 12v generators have cooling fans on them, and from what I have read I should have a cooling issue since I will be running minimal electronics off of the generator. It is either that or mount an alternator on the tractor - but I'm not exactly sure how to do this with magneto ignition (wiring is not my strong point unless it is replacing what is already there). Are there any wiring diagrams that exist that include mounting an alternator while using the magneto ignition? (I know Bob M has a library of diagrams).

Thanks all, and I hope everyone is doing well. Only a couple of weeks until show time for me! (And this weekend I will hit a personal milestone - I'll be 30!!!!) In the words of a true nordic Minnesotan - 'Uff-da!'









1947 Farmall M Episode 19

The Big Boy sure is impressive. Every time we get to Two Harbors, we say hello to it. Jim

It sure is.. What a MASSIVE machine. I am always intrigued by steam. Hopefully someday I can get my hands on a small steam traction engine.. Talking a whole different ballgame of restoration & operating costs, though.

Those Farmhand loaders were very popular in Nebraska, Kansas, and maybe South Dakota plus a few other of the Plains states, but not so popular anywhere else. I think that might be why info is so hard to find. I'm in southwest Iowa. We knew about the Farmhand line of machinery--grinder-mixers, etc, but I never knew about the loaders until I began reading about them on these forums.

There seem to be a lot more of the 'Hi-Lift' Farmhands around than the "Standard" models (The hi-lift is the precursor to the F10). I try to save every picture of ones that I come across. So far my 'Farmhand Hunting' file holds 9 photos (this is including my '47, my grandpa's '40, and the ones I have found online). There is actually two of them for sale right now fairly close to me (which is extremely rare in itself). I think most were cut up and scrapped when the newer model loaders came out. From what I can tell, these older pipe-frame loader are prone to bending when overloading. Most I have found have some sort of 'aftermarket' bracing welded onto the pipes. Here are a series of photos I have accumulated (both for sale and found online).

I was lucky enough to find an original sales brochure for the Standard on eBay about a year ago. Farmhand's were manufactured in Hopkins, MN (only about 40 minutes from me). The brochure I have was sent from G & S Implement Co. in Balaton, MN to the UK and still has the original 2-cent stamp and retail price hand written onto it ($295.00). It is in phenomenal shape as well (Photos also included).

Hate to break it to you but that's not a Big Boy 4-8-8-4 It's a Yellowstone 2-8-8-4 A little smaller and made to run on a low grade of coal. Still an impressive machine like space flight is to us now.

and danger

My sone also corrected me Close no cigar. Jim

I agree, they are a dangerous machine if neglectfully operated. I think that comes with most any type of equipment - whether it is farm, construction, automotive, etc. You have to be properly trained and mindful of what you are doing any time you are operating any piece of equipment.