My new B

Hello all,
Just wanted to post a few pictures of the 1950 B S/N 259384 that I just picked up along with a 44 2 bottom steel wheel plow and a tractor mounted row cultivator that I still need to go get. I got a rebuild mag, put in fresh gas and managed to get her to fire off. Still alot of work to do to her yet, but I am very happy with my purchase. This is
my first old tractor.

Looks very straight. What's the next step? Gauges look like they need to be replaced.

Thanks. I was really suprised how straight it was, needs a little metal work, but noting I can't do plus that will be the very last thing before paint in a year or 2 when I get that far.

1. I need to re-gasket the carb it leaks more fuel then what the tractor uses just sitting there. I may just go ahead and do a full overhaul of it considering I need to take it
apart anyway.

2. Need to tear the cooling system apart, top pipe has a good size hole in it so just going to replace it, bottom pipe looks good, but there is alot of rust and other junk that
I can't get out through the drain hole. It also looks like the radiator cap had been left off at some point there are leaves and other debris I can see in the top tank.

3. Flush and change all the fluids, and change a few gaskets. There looks like something is growing in the crank case so need to address that issue.

4 Change the gauges, the oil pressure gauge does work, but I don't trust it.

5. Leavers on the tree is rusted solid, need to figure out how to get them free, and replace the steering wheel bushing if it is not too far gone, there is alot of slop.

6. Pull breaks apart, inspect and replace what needs it, right side leaver is stuck.

7. Pull clutch apart, inspect, replace what needs it and put back together.

8. Replace tires.

9. Get the rear hubs to break free so I can move the tires in so it will actually fit on my trailer.

10. New muffler before it goes to the field or hits the parades this spring.


Not in that order, but that is my list as of now on what needs to be done...

The plow, everyting moves that should move, going to pull, check, and grease, all the bearings and take the whire wheel to the boards. I hope to have it all ready to hit a field this spirng.

Replace tires ? They look like new ?

front 2 are rotten with one not holding air for very long,(they found them for about $40 ea) and the back right has 3 large splits on the inside side wall... back left is ok for this year. If i was just driving around I think the back one would be ok, but if I start pulling the plow and flex the tires I afraid the one with the splits will blow.

Looks like something there to work with & not covered up with repaints.
My 2nd Old tractor was a John Deere Cyclone B.. Had it for Many years..

Nice straight looking B. I would put getting the carb to stop leaking on the top of the list. Make all your mechanical repairs before cosmetics. Hope you have a good tractor bone yard near by as finding good used parts should be easy. Have fun.

Looks like a nice strait little tractor. Should be a lot of fun to either use or make a trailer queen out of. Thanks for posting. Tom

Tires are always the last thing I put on tractors. I spend my money on all the mechanicals first. You can move them around on flats or even bare rims and or castings to load and get into the shop. I've seen cases where people put new tires on or good used ones BEFORE even getting it running. Then they find out it is beyond repair and sell it for a parts tractor. I got some of my good tires that way. So I'd suggest to get it going good and check out what you have and then worry about tires later. Unless you score a good deal on some used ones in the mean time.

I agree with you Mike. I am still trying to get the hubs to bust loose so I can move them in so it will actually fit in my trailer, plus I dont like them out that far.

But I have made progress in getting the water pipes off. Need to replace the top one and the bottom one looks in good shape. Just need to flush the crap out of everything and put a new gasket and hose on the bottom.

That "B" has some VERY appropriately sized rear tires...what are they..13.6x38 ???

That is what I have on mine and I would not be happy with anything smaller..(I do have JD "A" 11" rims on the rear)...Absolutely do NOT put any puney 11.2x38 on it...you will Embarrass it.!!

12.4x38" as the absolute Minimum..

What a NICE find..!!! Looks like it was mostly Stored "Ready to use"..The plow is unbelievable..!!

When you are ready to de-Rust the wearing surfaces on it, I can give you GOOD advise that will save you a lot of work and will have it ready to go to the field..

Really nice that the Jointers are still on it and most likely in exactly correct position..I would NOT remove them and they are critical to adjust to work properly..

They will clean up just as well as the other wearing parts (Moldboards, jointers, landslides, etc..

ENJOY it, one that well preserved in original condition is becoming VERY Rare..!!

Plow Shares look nearly un-used...lot of steel left..

If you cannot get the plow inside, be sure to at least Grease the threads on the adjuster at the top of the Drawbar support..they can seize, also, the "Draw-bolt" nuts under the moldboards, etc..

Cover the entire "B" if you will be letting it sit outside..you don't want water in that engine...!!

Bushog,
Thanks. I currently have the B in the shop with the water pipes removed so I can flush the block and the radiator. The radiator cap had been left off at some point and something had moved in and made a nice home in the top tank of the radiator. The block has a bunch of rust that I need to flush out, but does not look like the critters made it that far back. I HOPE I can get the radiator cleaned out without having to take it apart, it looks like the core is in good shape and I don't want to mess with it.

The Plow: I have it in my front yard tied to the big tree. I soaked the crap out of the adjustment threads with 50/50 ATF/Acetone. The leavers, wheels, and cutters turn/move as they should so I got lucky there. Once the tractor is out of the shop I will move the plow in to take all the bearings out to check, clean, and grease. I was going to take my grinder with the wire wheel to the boards to bust the rust and shoot with primer. How would you clean the boards? I know the dirt won't "slide" with them they way they are but will finish polishing them up once we start using it. Next winter I hope to take it all apart blast it and paint it. I picked up the drawbar clevis for it off ebay so I am good there. I will post more pictures and keep you updated as I go along.

Bushog,
Current back tires are 12.4x38 on 11" rim. I would like to put 13.6x38s on it.

This will be the very last thing I will do once I know it runs solid and I can find a good source/price for them. I need to call the used tire place to see if they have anyting or can find me some.

I plan to put this tractor to work. I have the plow and will get the cultivator home soon, plus have a lead on an old sickle mower for it. I also know where there is an old 24T baler that is for sale so we will see.

Best of luck, you will find them, keep your eyes open..!!

My "B" can cover damp ground and leave only slight marks where it made ruts with the 12.4"...

Always has the old Co-Op manure loader on it and it pushes way harder than it ever could with the 12.4 too..

Need to run slower for a short while when leaving to travel on the road..until the rear tires work the "flat spots out"..these are not loaded..the old 12.4 were loaded to the top..

Seems I have more traction now..just not as much stability when the loaded is up high, because of the lighter rear with now Calcium..but NOT any problem...I don't clean out barn with it anymore..@@

Just move dirt and snow with it..!!

Look at the parts my Cousin has available for the JD "B"..!!

JDBPuller.com

"Extreme parts for Pulling"...maybe he will share a video or two of his pulling...!!!