Which tractor to save?

Hi all,

I've got a bit of a predicament. About a year ago I started trying to fix up my grandfather's 1010RS, and found out that the engine was completely shot. I purchased a non-operational (missing oil pump but otherwise in surprisingly good internal shape) 1010RU for 600 dollars, took the engine off it and put it on the RS. Got the engine running and was very happy. It was then that I found out that the RS has a broken tooth on one of the transmission gears (I can see the broken gear inside the transmission housing and I think it's on the PTO shaft), and it makes a tinging noise. Now I have to decide whether or not to tear apart both transmissions to fix the RS, or to put the engine back on the RU and use that tractor. I want to use the RS, because it's my grandfathers and i've done a lot of work on it, cleaned it, and sprayed it with a primer so I can paint it in the summer. The RU has a ton of oil gunk all over the rear section around the hydraulics and transmission, so i'd have to clean that off, sand, and prime it. While I'd like to fix the transmission on the RS, I know absolutely nothing about transmissions. I started this project knowing nothing about engines, tractors, or anything mechanical and have taught myself by taking stuff apart, using the service manual, and talking to my neighbor and the local deere store. Frankly i'm a bit afraid if I start taking the transmission apart I won't be able to get it back together. Both tractors are early-model tractors (RS is 1962, RU is 1960/61). The RS has about 15000 hours, and the RU has 10000 hours on it. With all this in mind, do you all think I should save the RU, and restore it, or should I restore the RS, and have to tear apart both transmissions?

Please don't just comment back how bad the 1010's are. I get that some people don't like them, but I just wanna know which one I'd have a better chance restoring. Thanks for your input.

It depends on your goals for the tractor. If your looking to use it as a parade tractor/ heirloom/museum piece, then paint up your grandfather's RS as-is. If your looking for a working tractor, then go with the better tractor or look for a different one in better condition.

Hi,
It sounds like your attached to your grandfather's tractor. If you have the mechanical ability and it was me I would get the good gear you need out of the donor tractor and fix your grandfather's. Then you'll have the actual tractor that means so much to you. Keep the rest of any good parts from the donor. Who knows what you may need in the future. Just my two cents. Good Luck!
John

If you're swapping complete transmissions it's not that hard,you should be able to do it with no problem. Check the clutch plate when you have it apart and possibly the release bearing needs changing.You'll
never learn any younger how to do it!I would tend to keep Grandpa's tractor if I could.

After working a bit on the 1010 I bought this past fall I have found it fairly simple to work on. If you have some good wood blocks, a flat surface, and heavy duty floor jack or engine crane I think you could safely split the tractor. That is always my first concern is can I actually safely split the machine with what I have available. My 1010RS so far reminds me a lot of the MT I had in terms of simplicity of working on it. Single stage clutch, non live PTO, final drives; much more "simple" in some terms than my 1020. I guess it comes down to your time, your tools available, funds and sentimental value.

I would rebuild the transmission on your grandfathers.It would mean more after you get it fixed. You can get help. Take a lot of
pictures this will help. Think you would be
glad after you do since it's family.

Maybe look for another doner tractor or just the part you need. Keep both tractors.

Do not know where your at but I have from the bell housing back of 1010 I'd sell. I also have bits and pieces of it

With that many hours on both tractors it would be good to rebuild the transmission anyway. I would do my grandfathers tractor because it was his. Both transmission need the shaft end plays adjusted and all new seals.

Ok, so will it hurt anything to continue operating the RS until this summer when I get a better chance to fix it? No hard work, just driving it when it needs to be moved and to keep the engine in decent shape.

Don't use the gear that makes the noise and it shouldn't get worse. John Deere has very good parts and service manuals for that tractor and are a must for the job you are going to do. The best thing about making one good transmission out of two is you can always choose the better of any two parts for the finished job.

Fix your grandpa's tractor. The transmission is not as difficult as you may think it is. It is pretty straight forwards. Keep in mind, whether you fix your grandpas tractor or the doner tractor there are always unforeseen issues as these tractors are 50+ years old.

I have a pdf copy of the John Deere Service Manual, send ,me a privet message if you need it and we will work something out.

Hay maker I'd like to get that pdf if possible, but when I tried to PM you it said it was disabled?

Click on the "email" in the lower left corner

Stick a hard drive magnet on the bottom of the case to hold any small shavings. It should be fine till you tear it down.