John Deere M 1948 Front end loader

Sudsymanatee

New User
Im looking at a 1948 John deere M it comes with a lot of different implements, a friend of mine is selling it, and it needs work. (Not currently running) im looking to get it to use around the house to start the garden, turn over the sandy pastures and plant seed for cows, and general yard/farm work. my Dad wants a tractor with a front end loader and i was wondering if with this tractor being a lower HP than newer ones if it can handle it. we would have to put mounts and counter weights on it obviously, but i figured it would be ok, because i know these older models have a lot more tork than some people think. also any tips on restoration, or where else to look when we find problems while fixing/ restoring the beauty.
 
I really like my M for a lot of odd jobs but for a loader tractor I'd look at a different model ! The steering gear boxes can give trouble on them without a front loader.
 
I'd look for something newer for a loader tractor. Once you have ran newer ones it's really hard to go back to the older ones.
 
If I remember right the m had small front tires very easy to push
into the ground we had a mccormick m with narrow front and in soft
dirt that would sink in
 
Apples and oranges between the two M's. But the Farmall M is plenty powerful enough and heavy enough for a loader.
 
A JD M has a very flimsy front axle, not a good loader tractor. We had one, nice little tractor with a cultivator on the back! I rebuilt the front axle as soon as we bought it, made it better than new.
 
One word--NO. Axle is not that strong and the steering gear box is very feeble. Won't take the force needed to steer. This holds true thru the early 40 std and Util, all with the one piece grille screen. The 2 piece grill model has the two pin follower like the MT and 40T had, but turns opposite. Even on a 440I with power steering, the whole setup is lame, compared to a Case 530 CK of the mid 60's vintage. If you want a loader tractor, get one set up for that. The M is nice for small plowing and cultivating etc.
 
I have a John Deere M with a loader. I do not feel the front of the tractor is really strong enough to handle the loader. Having said that, the loader is unbelievably strong and will lift more than the little tractor should be able to handle safely. One thing that I do not like about the loader is when it is down, the rams are extended.
 

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