John Deere H

Dave F. · Apr 19, 2017

I am considering buying a John Deere H tractor, what should I be looking for ( any problem area's Such as cracks in any of the Castings or any other problems?) Thanks Dave F.

Mike M · Apr 20, 2017

Look VERY closely for cracked heads and blocks. Many of them from my area (Ohio) were cracked and welded. RH side of block seemed to be a normally cracked spot for some reason ? Worn out governor gears and cam gears which can be compared between tractors by checking fan blade free play movement with engine shut off ! then low noise while running.And of coarse like any old tractor rusted out rims. Every so often you would see one with a crack on the bottom of the transmission case too from water getting in around the shifter and freezing. Shifters can also be a problem area as the ball and socket get rusted away. Try lifting up on the flywheel to see if the LH main bearing is shot. Lock the clutch in and then pull back and forth on the lever watching for belt pulley in and out movement indicating the LH cam ball bearing is shot.
I have had many H's over the years. They are nice little tractors and easy to work on. Many have suffered from ruff lives and neglect over the years.

Mike(NEOhio) · Apr 20, 2017

I'll second Mike M's comment and add try moving the pulley up and down. I didn't know much about them when I got mine. Noticed the pulley motion and pulled it off but the right side bearings were OK. Turned out to be the left side camshaft bearing was shot and the timing gears, governor and fan gears, camshaft and lifters were all worn bad. It's a fun tractor but like anything of that age, you never know what you'll find till you get into it.

Mark Poss · Apr 20, 2017

I would also check the front wheels for cracks Igot burned a few years ago

John Deere H

Dave F.

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Mike M

Well-known Member

Mike(NEOhio)

Well-known Member

Mark Poss

Well-known Member

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