Well, my H's are 1942 models, so they are 66 years old this year. I highly doubt the rearend has been apart on either one. Dad rebuilt his in the early 70's and it has had one valve grind since then (probably wasn't 100% necessary) and runs great with great oil pressure. My H has been rebuilt twice (dunno about the transmission, though). I'm sure it will still be running in another 50 years provided proper care and storage.
For what I use them (mowing and raking, odd jobs like running the auger or grinder) I don't know if a newer tractor could be justified. They run a 7' mower just fine at the same speed I would run it with a newer tractor. They run any PTO implement at 540 RPM within their horsepower capability. And they are plenty efficient as far as fuel use goes...
How much is a new 30 horsepower tractor? I have about $4000 in these Hs combined...
As for larger tractors, the 1086 is "older" and has some pretty bad electrical problems (digital readout hasn't worked in years, tach quit and doesn't record hours anymore). BUT, it is still simple enough that I can run an extra wire or two and it will start, run, charge the batteries, etc. And I added an electric hour meter to keep track of maintenance. What it really needs is a new wiring harness - don't know if they are available, don't want to know the price, and don't want to tackle installing it!
Have talked to some people with these electronic wonders - had a fuse go out and forward or reverse motion is impossible, just plain dead in the water. Hundreds of dollars later, fuse is discovered and replaced. What a pain!
My favorite tractor as far as reliable, easy to work on, and easily rebuildable would have to be a John Deere 4440 - all the modern convenience, but not so much electrical junk. I know they can be tough on fuel, though...
I'll keep my old Farmalls because that's what I can afford and they do all the work I need to do!
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Today's Featured Article - Sunday Drives - by Cowboy. Summer was finally upon us here in Northern Maine. We have two types of industry up here, one being "Forestry" (Wood Products) and the other "Farming" (Potatoes). There is no shortage of farm tractors and equipment around here! I have been restoring old Farm Tractors for the past 6 years, and have found it easier and less expensive to hit all the auctions and purchase whole tractors for parts needed. My wife who works at a local school, and only has weekends and summers off, while on t
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