SO YOU WANT TO BUY A VINTAGE TRACTOR

BY; CIRCLE-K-FARMS

THIS GUIDE IS WRITTEN FOR THE NOVICE VINTAGE TRACTOR BUYER.

The number one question you want to ask yourself first is, how mechanically inclined are you. All vintage tractors need to be maintained and sometimes, like everything else, the unthinkable happens and they break down. I have been working on and with Ford tractors for over 45 years and I do love the early Fords. The first time I got on a 8N tractor I was 7 years old and my father had to bolt a couple of pieces of 2x4 on the pedals so I could reach them. The rest is history since that first day I have been hooked on the Early Ford tractors. One of the first things about vintage tractors a newcomer will soon find out, is that they were made for work. Tractors from the early days were some of the best, if not the best, equipment ever produced here in the United States. Something to keep in mind before you buy is how the vintage tractor operates. You will have to use some muscle to make it work. Most of  these early tractors did not come with power steering,power brakes,automatic transmission or with remote hydraulics to work or adjust the various implements that were available. Aside from the PTO and lift, most other operations were preformed manually. For the most part they were a Mans tractor not for the Ladies. (although I do know a few gals that work them just as good as any Man) Hence they are not as easy to operate as their modern counterparts. BOTTOM LINE IF YOU CAN WORK ON THEM AND DON'T MIND USING SOME EXTRA MUSCLE WHEN OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR THE VINTAGE FARM TRACTOR IS ONE OF THE BEST INVESTMENTS AND IN MY OPINION BETTER THAN ANY BUILT TODAY. When it comes to price of a vintage tractor don't think of buying the cheapest one on E-Bay unless you can tear one down in your sleep and have an uncle in the tractor parts business. Many tractors I see on E-bay need work on them to WORK properly and TO OPERATE SAFELY. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK THE SELLER A FEW IMPORTANT QUESTIONS "BEFORE" YOU PLACE A BID. REMEMBER ITS "YOUR" MONEY TALKING. HERE ARE SOME NOT ALL, GOOD  QUESTIONS TO ASK. 1) does the motor smoke or have any noise that is not normal. 2)Are the tires weathered(cracked). 3) How responsive are the Hydraulics and do the leak down. 4) How good are the brakes(both sides). When you are asking these questions it's always a good idea to ask if you could come by and see it in person, even if you don't intend to. If a seller  refuses to let you see it in person, BEWARE, they are probably hiding something or worse it does not even exist.And last but not least. ALWAYS ASK THESE AND ALL YOUR QUESTIONS BY PHONE. IF THE SELLER IS NOT WILLING TO SUPPLY YOU WITH A CONTACT NUMBER "DON'T EVEN THINK OF BIDDING ON IT"  Thank you for your time and we hope that your tractor purchase is an Enjoyable one. HT Salisbury  Circle-K-Farms.