New to Farmall M

Lingcod

Member
I am at best a tractor enthusiast but i do not have much experience with them as i grew up in town and was always jealous of the farm kids. At any rate, I now live on an acreage and was looking to purchase an M just for something to drive around the section once in a while, not for anything work related. I decided on an M just because i have always loved the way they looked and sounded. So my elementary question is, when looking at the ones listed for sale, what if any real differences are there between an early one (1942) and a late one (1952)? Are there any years that i should try to avoid because they had issues or just did't have a reliable ingition? Are any years easier to restore than others? Many thanks for any input!!
 
Where do you live as the market and quality of tractors does vary. I agree on the M as in the spring of 49 a new M was delivered Dad told me to put it into the shed and read the manusl as i being 14 was going to learn how to run it moving up from the B. What a tractor.
 
Thanks Gene,

I live in northwest Iowa and there are still M's to be had but not as many as there once were. Seems like most are used to pull a rake or run an auger or some similar task. I assume most that are being sold these days are guys like me that would like one to putt around on or restore so I anticipate there will be fewer available each year. I don't plan on restoring immediately but figured I had better get while the getting is good. Currently looking at one that appears very straight and is described as an easy starter and good runner for $1200 obo. Seller thought it was a 1940 model. I am waiting for him to get me the serial # to see for sure.
 
An M is an M.One of the best tractors ever built. A few minor differences,but none that matter. Mag,or distributor,each is good.There are no "bad" years or anything like that.IH made almost 300,000 of them,there are bazillions of parts out there.Buy the one that's the best deal and best condition.Or the one you like best. BTW,I have 4 Ms,guess you could say I like em.
 
Run it drive it in 5th on the rosd and see if it wobbles in the steering. or pops out of fifth gear. Jim
 
I have to disagree a little on the part about and M is an M. Almost all early, before 45, were distillate which is low compression head and hot manifold. That to me would be very important. Can be hard to determine though if not familiar with them. Did I say, I hate distillate heads . Also, the non pressurized cooling system on early models. BUT, overall condition would be the winner.
 
i have 3 m's. a '42, '48 and a 52. the '52 has disc brakes and the later style engine front cover that will accept the live hydraulic pump. it also has an engine driven service meter. the '42 has the non pressurized cooling system, and was originally a distillate, but has been converted long ago with a gas head. look for one with an aftermarket power steering, and if you are lucky, an aftermarket 9 speed kit in the transmission. my 52 has both and it is a lot easier to use.
 

you cant go wrong with an M, I have 4, 2 parts, one that needs to be put back together, and 1 that im putting a head gasket on right now.
 
Like the later model M tractors for using. Early tractors have several things that were improved later. Transmission counter shaft and PTO with a notched shaft early instead of splines. Brake drum keyed on shafts and not as plentiful as most M parts if needed. Transmission was improved also. Early engines have coolant plugs inside engine that can rust out. Early ones are more likely to have plain water used in them part of there life and have more coolant area corrosion inside. Later models more plentiful with gas engines, more pressure hydraulic pumps, pressure type radiators and better steering shaft U joint. Real late M have some more improvements like used on SM tractors but less of those around, Plus I prefer the band brakes used before the last of M tractors. Bull pinion and differential carrier bearings are improved with the disc brake tractors though. Bunch of 50 and 51 model M made.
After 65 or 75 years a lot of M don't have original parts due to upgrades or repairs so year model may not always make a difference. Electrical systems are changed on a lot.
Get one with normal looking fluids, no leaks if possible, normal noises, good running, steering and operating, good tires and rims. Straight metal and good paint a plus, extras like fenders and wheel weights a plus. Wheel weights more important for a user. Depending the price compromising on model and condition happens.
 
I've got a 49 and a 50. When I was real strapped one was my loader tractor. It had live hydraulics and power steering. That same M is still grinding feed about every 10 days. I want to upgrade to a new grinder with scales and hydraulic augers but I don't think the old M would cut it then. I really like using her, so she'll just stay hitched to that same old grinder 24/7.

Run it good to make sure it doesn't smoke too much, make sure the charging system works, and see that the tires are worthy. I paid $800 for that good M many years ago but it had well worn tires. Those old tractors aren't as plentiful here as other places that ran smaller farms.
 

if and when you go look at one, be sure to check the oil for water, and the radiator for oil

i'm working on an m right now that runs real good, but has water in the oil and oil in the water.

bass
 

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