Homestead mailing list

[Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net>]

On May 12, 2008, at 9:40 PM, Don Bowen wrote:

> > Does anyone know much about a 1950 International Harvester H-4
> > tractor?
> The H-4 is the same as the Farmall H.  Parts are available from  
> several
> sources.  How much are they wanting?

Don,

They are not yet wanting.  The thing is on the property now, and is  
reported to have been bought 30 years ago when the folks moved  
there.  We have not yet broached the possibility that they/he sell it  
to us.

> Let's see, over the last several month I have rebuilt the lift  
> pump....  Of all those the newer tractors have the greater parts  
> availability problems.

I understand the phenomenon. I used to have a 1969 Volvo.  The only  
parts "problem" I ever had to face with that, was to know whether it  
had Ate or Girling brakes.  The disks could be turned when worn. I  
could replace wheel bearings.  I learned to re-bush the carburetor  
metering openings.  I could buy one head bolt when one stretched upon  
engine overhaul at 115,000 miles.

Our current Volvos have innumerable computers to make them run, no  
mechanical connection between the throttle lever and the engine, and  
some as yet unidentified relay runs the brake lights.

It seems that we will wind up with some kind of tractor for the  
modest place we are buying.  It also seems that the older the better  
(short of "collectible" antique).  For sure we will ask for more advice.

Roy

Roy Morgan
k1lky AT earthlink.net
Lovettsville, VA 20180