First Farmall

Hey all, I'd always wanted a Farmall H and finally found one within my budget, so I have a few questions if I can beg a moment of your time. First off, it is a 1945 model, but has "XI" stamped after the serial number. Anyone know what this means? I had looked at another one last month, but I don't remember any stamps other than the number itself.





It has a 3-point conversion on it that definitely looks like a production (Not necessarily IH) unit, but the original swinging drawbar assembly is gone. Anyone use something similar? My other tractor is a Ferguson and growing up on a farm, the only thing we used my uncle's old H for was raking hay, so I have plenty of time with a factory 3-point and some implements I can use with this one. Just wondering if there was anything I had to watch out for or be mindful of.

All-in-all, I think it will be a fun project. First off will be changing out all fluids and giving it a looong overdue tuneup. Then the search begins for a good used 12.4x38 for the rear. Guy had 2 different sizes on it and the 12.4 on there is by far the one in the best shape.

Thanks in advance for any help and putting up with my neophyte questions in the future,

Kevin

Nice find! If i remember correctly the X1 means it has the gasoline engine, different compression from the distillate one among other things. Any idea what the bracket on the left side bolted to the frame is for? I would venture a guess it is part of a cultivator mount. Is it an orchard model with the muffler down inside by the rear fender instead of up on top ? Just kidding on the last one there. Keep us posted on the progress.

Can't help with your questions, But glad you posted pics of the 3 point sys. Just brought a h myself and it is missing parts for the 3 point your pics help out. thanks.

RN, glad to help. I have a better closeup I'll post tonight for ya. Also, If you need a specific view, let me know and I'll get it to ya.

Yes the bracket mounts the piston for the cultivators.

The 3 point is aftermarket. Although I can't see it in the picture, the 3 point should be bolted to the inside clamps on the axle housings. Factory 3 points (not available for the H) bolt to the frame about where the axle housings are attached. Some people have made ones like that. Although it can be used that way, most front cultivator cylinders are mounted between the movable part of the cultivator and the clamps on the rear axle. There is a square piece bolted to the axle clamp that has a hole in top.

One thing that is always recommended is to change out that big coil spring under the seat. Not too expensive, eBay"s got them, but every so oftern those old rusty things snap in two and drop a man off the back. Some men have been killed.

OK, so the brackets are for cultivators. Needless to say, they are the only part of that system still with the tractor, but it does have one on each side. FBH44, I had seen that advice about the spring and it's on the list along with plugs, wires, a new cap and rotor and an exhaust pipe/muffler setup. Maybe I can get lucky and find the rest of the culti setup later on down the road.

That 3 point hitch looks like my Saginaw on the M. They are a good hitch for sure. They are good to talk to and have replacement parts if you break anything.

The only thing I would be mindful of is to make sure the mounting bolts are good and tight to the axle before you try and pick anything up with any weight.

Follow the link for some detailed pictures of the installation of a Saginaw 3 point hitch... http://www.rocketroberts.com/farmall/mgal-8.htm

Looks like a nice project.

Thanks Matt! I'll look at the link. Here is another pic of the 3-point.

Call Ken at Carter & Gruenwald to get a good muffler for that machine. It looks like yours didn't survive the trip.

THANKS!!