Restoring A Tractor

A weekly 4 part series by Dan Peterman
Part 1
The first thing we do is try to totally evaluate the project before starting the process. We do professional tractor restoration, and we prefer to discuss with the customer some of the problems that we will and may be facing. There are of course, the visible things-but there are also the not-so-apparent problems that are often encountered when digging into a project. For example, if the tractor has been setting outside and not used for several years, it may appear to be in good condition-until you attempt to turn the flywheel. Stuck valves and pistons can be a very serious problem. Sometimes it seems as if the engine components have just grown together. Beyond that we have seen rust in the transmission and rear end gears, and in the bearings, to the point of where the drivetrain was locked up solid. Many people have encountered some of the hidden problems on tractors that have not been operated for an extended period-or with a tractor that was abandoned in the fence row or grove because it had mechanical problems. We have to be careful with what the customer has, because if this is a fairly common model with extensive problems, we want to be sure the customer understands the cost-versus-value aspect of the restoration. On the other hand, a trator of considerable intrinsic or sentimental value may easily justify what could be extensive restoration costs.

Nobody should be discouraged from having a tractor restored if that is what they want to do. Our approach is simply to be up-front and candid about the process. Most any tractor can be undertaken as a project that will have a successful outcome. Experienced restorers know this. First-time restorers need to realize what they might be facing. If that happens to be a nice, straight, original tractor that runs well and seems to be in generally good condition-jump in and start restoring!