Buying a Farmall A

crappiefisherman · Feb 23, 2021

Hello, I'm looking at purchasing a Farmall A and I found one for sale a half hour from my house. The guy is asking $900 - it needs a new carb (he doesn't have the original), the radiator leaks, and he started a 12 volt conversion but hasn't yet installed the alternator. I'm thinking about offering $700 and will pay no more than $750 based off what parts are needed. Sheet metal is in good condition, probably the original paint. What are some things you'd check over before purchasing, and would you pay $750 for an A that needs carb, alternator and potentially a radiator?

Red Dave · Feb 23, 2021

"would you pay $750 for an A that needs carb, alternator and potentially a radiator?"

Probably not. You have no way to start it and determine if the engine, clutch and transmission are good. If you can't repair the radiator and have to replace it, a new one is $366 to $448 on this site. You can't even fill the cooling system to see if there are leaks or cracks in the block. A carburetor on this site is $203 to $353. You didn't say what condition the tires are in, but that can be a $500+ bill if they need replaced. You are starting out looking at several hundred dollars in parts needed before you can even try to see whether the engine is any good. Did you check to see if it is free, not stuck?

To me, and this is just my opinion and worth only what it cost you; $700 is a very generous offer. I'd be at more like $400-$500, and then only if the engine isn't stuck, it's still taking a chance.

Others may see it differently.

crappiefisherman · Feb 23, 2021

thank you, with your input and after thinking it over with some others, i've decided not to pursue it. the guy won't budge from 900 anyway, and after $600+ in parts chasing down problems, I can get a running tractor for that price. would rather save up for a super A anyway

47fivewindow · Feb 23, 2021

That's too much for a junk A. A tractor with no hydraulics is for parades. Super A is a far more useful tractor. Don't forget 100s and 140s.

khouse6 · Feb 23, 2021

depending upon your location, you can buy a super A , running, with an implement or 2 for $1000 or so

Buying a Farmall A

crappiefisherman

New User

Red Dave

Well-known Member

crappiefisherman

New User

47fivewindow

Well-known Member

khouse6

Member

Similar threads