Bringing an F20 Back to Life

ihninja1 · Jun 11, 2019

Last July, I was given a 1936 Farmall F20 for my 18th birthday. Unfortunately, the tractor in its current state does not run, but still turns over by hand.
I know the engine was 'hopped up' a few owners back, and ran as a pulling tractor, but I don't know to what extent. Overall, the tractor is in amazing shape. It simply needs to get running, and both rear tires are in need of replacement. Other than that, the paint is amazing, just needing a good bath.

My question is, is it worth getting this tractor back running? I'm asking cost-wise. I'm not afraid to spend time to get it right. The gentleman who gave me the tractor said when it ran, he was never able to get it started by hand cranking, because of the built engine, it always had to be pull started.

Thanks in advance for the help, I do look forward to hearing advice from those of you who have done this a time or two before.

Lucid · Jun 11, 2019

Might not take much $ to get it running. It'd be worth it to me hearing it run. Go for it.

timcasbolt · Jun 11, 2019

(quoted from post at 00:05:34 06/12/19) Last July, I was given a 1936 Farmall F20 for my 18th birthday. Unfortunately, the tractor in its current state does not run, but still turns over by hand.
I know the engine was 'hopped up' a few owners back, and ran as a pulling tractor, but I don't know to what extent. Overall, the tractor is in amazing shape. It simply needs to get running, and both rear tires are in need of replacement. Other than that, the paint is amazing, just needing a good bath.

My question is, is it worth getting this tractor back running? I'm asking cost-wise. I'm not afraid to spend time to get it right. The gentleman who gave me the tractor said when it ran, he was never able to get it started by hand cranking, because of the built engine, it always had to be pull started.

Thanks in advance for the help, I do look forward to hearing advice from those of you who have done this a time or two before.

Only you can decide what it's worth to have it. New tires would be a big expense. If you keep your eyes open for used tires, it would save a lot of money.

ss55 · Jun 11, 2019

A running tractor is worth roughly twice the value of a non-running tractor, but unless the F20 is outstanding, it is probably worth less than $1,000 in field ready condition, especially if it does not have electric start or hydraulics. A pair of new rear tires, tubes and mounting could cost over $1,000.

It might be fun to get it running even with the bad tires. I would do a compression test, maybe a leak down test and test all the gears to make sure there are no major (expensive) problems before investing much money into it. Have fun!!!!!

If it is hand start, please learn the safe way to crank start it. Many other folks on this site can help you with that, and you can also search the archives of this site. Stay safe and have fun!!!!!

DeltaRed · Jun 11, 2019

By all means get it running! It will will be well worth the time and expence.However,If you want to fix,get running and sell, You will loose money, Big time. But if you want to get it running,fix/restore it,use it and keep it and enjoy for years(or a lifetime) it will be priceless.Plus the 'education' will be invaluable. again priceless!There is no better place to start,than what you have in front of you. An F20!

F-Dean · Jun 12, 2019

Amen!

denglish · Jun 12, 2019

You should get it running and keep it. It's a cool thing to show people a hundred year old tractor. Also, note that when your 1936 tractor turns 100 years old in 2036, you yourself will be 36 years old. That's too much of a coincidence to ignore, haha!

Bringing an F20 Back to Life

ihninja1

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Lucid

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timcasbolt

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ss55

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DeltaRed

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F-Dean

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denglish

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