I am thinking about getting an "H". What are the common (if any) problems with these tractors? What should I be aware of and what points wear most, what should I pay most attention to? Thanks. John

The thing I always check is the manifold, for crack or break outs,rear rims should be good too.I agree with the other guys about features to look for and as for an H They are hard to beat no matter how hard you beat them! Mike Soldan In Exeter Ontario.

Junkman,
There is no inherient weakness with the H model. Things to look for in desending order of importance [in my opinion]:
First thing to check is engine oil - for quanity and quality - antifreeze? water? foamy? also check the transmission fluid for foreign stuff
(1) Does it start easily and run smoothly at all throttle settings.
(2) Does the transmission shift smoothly and does the tractor move quietly in each gear - (especially does it kick out of gear in 5th)
(3) Does the steering wobble excessively at road speeds (4) do the belt pulley and PTO engage and run quietly
(5) Are there any significant leaks anywhere
(6) how are the tires
(7) how is the tin
If the machine passes all these with flying colors it's a keeper. Hope this helps. Dick Davis

By the way if you buy the Farmall, and especially if you unload the JD, you will be able to change your name!

never unload the "Green and Yellow" This H may work out as a trade that I am getting the better end of.

Weak points on an H? There may be some, but the difference between an H's weak points and strong points are like comparing the durability of something that will never wear out to something that will wear out every 50 years or so. They are tough machines. From a restoration standpoint, the weakest parts and the hardest to find in my opinion are the sheet metal parts. Even then, with so many tractors made, these are still fairly easy to get.

There are some tractors that have real weak points (like the front steering casting on a Cub), but to my knowledge, as the other post indicates, the only potential problems are caused by neglect, abuse, and normal wear and tear.

A close inspection for missing parts, damaged parts, rusted out sheetmetal, worn tires, strange noises, and a good compression check is what is needed to prevent a bad purchase.

Junkman, The Farmall H is as good a traactor as any tractor ever built. I have a 1950 that is an older restoration and I use it to pull a 2 bottom plow, mow with a 7 foot cycle bar mower, use a scoop for dirt on it, and plow snow with an 8 foot snow plow. It starts in any kind of weather and it still has the original 6 volt system. They are a comfortable tractor to drive.Plenty of power for its size. Buy it and have fun. Parts are real easy to get. Good Luck.

If you cant tell by looking an starting the tractor maybe restoring is not for you after all the tractor is 60 yrs old no way of knowing what has happened if you like it then by all means BUY it and get in the fun of fixing some one else mistakes

Gene, thanks for your insight. What I was concerned with was common points that are prone to excessive wear if there are any. There happens to be a 1934 John Deere model A in my posession that only needed paint. I am not familiar with the Farmall tractors and thought that someone might be able to help. Guess I will keep waiting.

Yep, You have to give the Farmall H credit for being flawless(if the previous owners took care of it). Good little tractors.

hi i purchased a 1943 h 3 yrs ago i always wanted one but never really looked for one. then one day a neighbor stopped by because i told his son id like to get the hay off this field he owned.and he informed me he was moving to texas to retire and didnt want to take the h with him.so i ended up going to look at it and drove it home.i use it to mow hay run a 268 newholland square baler and spread manure & bush hog with no problems. but i can hear a noise in the transmission or the rear end especially when running a pto implement and when it kind of free wheels a little i can hear a grinding noise coming from the rear of the tractor .i would guess its a bearing worn out but if i had to do it over id still buy it again.