Time to restore my first tractor

Farming/wrenching are my stress relievers and I am not realizing that next winter I am going to need a project. I have always wanted to restore an old tractor but never had the time-so now is the time.

I am looking for advice on what your recomendations are for where to start. I have average mechanical abilities-but have zero Diesel experience so really want to do a gas tractor.

Will probably have local body shop do painting but I will do all the rest. Not looking for a showpiece but will just be used for parades, hayrides, and maybe sickle mower around the farm.

My closest dealer is John Deere (Sloans), and I love the green iron but I grew up on a farm with a couple MM U's and Farmall H so those kind of interest me. Not really into the Fords.

So taking into consideration-in order:
A) Parts availability
B) Parts and initial machine costs
C) Ease of restoration

What models would you recommend? I am thinking JD 620,720 or B, MM U, Farmall H. Any of those you would avoid for the reasons above? Any others you would recommend?

Oliver part are actually easier and faster to get than when Oliver was still in business today.Actuallly,Oliver is alive and well in the form of AGCO inc.(maybe you've heard of 'em)!!

Andy.

Rod

Pick one you like and can use.....first tractor should be one that has had tender loving care over the years..... .how do you tell wish I knew.....

I look for for a tractor (take my 1951 Farmall M)for example.....I dont like junk....I would rather pay more ,than tare down an fix one thing after a nother.....and wind up with as much oe more money in it than a better one to start with...

My '51 M was not repainted since the factory....yet it still had most of its orignal paint....a small dent , even a scratch....All of the grill parts and sheet metal fit good.....finders on the tractor not laying in the shead.All lights and must work....they can cost 50 to 90 $ ea.PTO and good Shield.....Good battery box and lid...Belt pully would be nice.....all drawbar parts , no welds or bent = tractor abuce.....drawbar holes OK.....no serous oil leaks..... no cracks or welds.....Tires and tubes rears must look near new .....New about $1,000...mine look nearly new....all around... rear rims had been replaced 5 yr. back.....I gave $2500 for it delivered to my shop, 2004....

By the yime I go over it Ill paint it, change and flush all the fluids, Ill have $3,000 in it..... I'll have a great tractor..... .I also have a Farmall H -- John Deere LA -- Alis G -- Red cub cadet and a 1620 Power King I bought new..... .

Good luck Don .....e-mail open.....

Just look around and you'll find something you like. I was pretty bent on getting an h. I still am, but i got this nice little Allis B first. H comes this summer. (dont look at me like that)

Get something that looks good to you and if your lucky your wife too. It's a little extra insurance if future money issues arise.

• Hobby farm

The 620 and 720 are going to cost a whole lot more and are more complex machines to restore.

The Minnie Mo's are going to be more difficult to find parts for.

You also might want to consider the JD A and Farmall M. Aprox same price as the JD B or Farmall H. The M can be a pain in the neck to take to shows if you do not have a deck over trailer.

Actually I'd look a lot harder at a 300 or 350 instead of an H due to the modern features (like live PTO and live hydrolics, 2 point hitch) for only a fractional increase in cost. Won't mean much in a parade but it makes the tractor a lot handier around the farm.