New Member to my Herd

[Achto 27,570]

Some of you may have already seen this tractor in another post but I wanted to make a formal introduction and ask some questions. As of last Sunday this little 401 ( serial number 43787 ) has joined my family of Horses. The good - engine runs like a top and the tractor seems to be pretty compete. I know the lift handle is not in the picture but it was included in the purchase. The bad - it jumps out of 3rd and the axle seals are leaking and the right hub is a bit loose. So the tranny will need some attention.

 

 

 

Included with the tractor was a good solid deck that turns freely.

 

Also included was this disc, This leads me to my first question. Can any one identify this disc?? I don't think that it is  but it is still cool. Specially like the wooden bearings.

 

Now for some tractor questions. First off @oliver2-44 mentioned that some of the early '61 models used left over '60 serial number tags. They cut the lower section of the '60 tags off and bolted the remainder to the '61 tractors. This does make sense given the fact that you can make out part of the "C" on the bottom left corner where the word "CHOKE" would be on a '60 model. Other '61 models that I have seen have a decal on the frame for the serial number. Any other confirmation on this serial number tag usage?? 

  

 

The knowledge stated above makes me wonder if  also used up the '60 foot rests on the early '61 models. This tractor has a '61 brake peddle but it also has the diamond plate foot rests instead of the cast foot rests that I'm used to seeing on the '61 models. Any thoughts, comments or knowledge on this??

 

 

 

 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

Nice! 
  Perfect patina as well 

[Achto 27,570]

Better pull @WHX?? in on this. He's been Jonsin' for me to start a post on this lil tractor.

[WHX?? 48,815]

I think that tractor is the cats meow... patina and more important character that won't quit!.

Aside of the mechanicals which is child's play for Dan. I wouldn't touch a thing. 

Maybe bring out some of the orginal with some 1500 grit but then linseed. I dunno six dozen different ways you could go. 

Obviously someone along the years tried to give it some paint but spared the original decals. I think that adds to character. 

Good catch on the top of the C/ choke Dan ... nails down @oliver2-44 as far as I'm concerned. 

The footrests ?? I dunno but Dan thinks they should be the coffin style ala 701and others but  the patina say possibly orginal? Left overs perhaps? Something found in a warehouse the Ponds said use it? 

Fun to speculate anyway. 

Yeah I know you might want to do a full blown  resto but ain't you the one who told me all my tractors look the same?? Shiney red? 

Frame off mechanical and that's it for me. 

Edited November 10, 2022 by WHX??

[WHX?? 48,815]

Odd thing is the obvious toe out, fourth pic, which a guy can't do much about unless he remans the steering link. 702 & 502 i have exact  same but as @Pullstart mentioned steers much better with a little toe in.  He's right says my adjustable tie rod 1067. 

 

[oliver2-44 9,743]

2 hours ago, Achto said:

 

Now for some tractor questions. First off @oliver2-44 mentioned that some of the early '61 models used left over '60 serial number tags. They cut the lower section of the '60 tags off and bolted the remainder to the '61 tractors. This does make sense given the fact that you can make out part of the "C" on the bottom left corner where the word "CHOKE" would be on a '60 model. Other '61 models that I have seen have a decal on the frame for the serial number. Any other confirmation on this serial number tag usage?? 

  

 

@benjiboo Could you look on the 61 Suburban you just got and see if it has a serial number tag like this?  It possible is mounted on the hood stand

[Pullstart 62,850]

Sweet ride Dan!  

[ebinmaine 67,472]

7 hours ago, Achto said:

wooden bearings

Figured those were a PO creation but it seems after an internet search they're a real thing.  

VERY interesting.  

 

 

I think given the information about the ID tag and seeing the top of the "C" to confirm that, it's legitimately possible the foot holders are original to that tractor. 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

[Achto 27,570]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Figured those were a PO creation but it seems after an internet search they're a real thing.  

VERY interesting

 

Wood bearings were not that uncommon. A lot of rotating shafts on threshing machines ran on wood bearings. A good hard wood and good lubrication maintenance made them last a long time.  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,041]

 

[953 nut 55,218]

Love the look of the Suburban. I wouldn't change anything except the front tires, need to find a pair of weathered old tires the same year.

The disc set is probably not Wheel Horse but look like they would be a cool attachment for your lineup.

Lots of conveyors used in packing houses used oil soaked oak bearings on the belt support rollers. When the season was over we would pop them out of the steel tubes with a slide hammer, put them in a bucket of oil and the next day or so wrap them in burlap all ready for next season.

[WHX?? 48,815]

Didn't 1800's buggies and freight wagons have wooden bearings? Cannons too I bet. 

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

 

The disc set is probably not Wheel Horse but look like they would be a cool attachment for your lineup.

Dare I suggest the rat stays home Dan and this girl with the disc takes her place next year shows? 

Agree too on the tires Richard but finding them patinaed tires might be hens teeth. The rears are Generals and really good shape which we believe to be orginal. 

[JoeM 7,873]

9 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Frame off mechanical and that's it for me.

I'm not so sure I would even do that. Stay out of third, add a little gear oil now and then. That thing is a real looker.

[WHX?? 48,815]

He can't Joe the seals leak bad & usually means the bushings are shot. One hub is shot but he maybe able to do @Racinbobs axle flip. 

[Achto 27,570]

28 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Dare I suggest the rat stays home Dan and this girl with the disc takes her place next year shows?

 

I plan on a different load for each show this year. Never gonna know what goes on the trailer until the last minute. 

[benjiboo 174]

10 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

@benjiboo Could you look on the 61 Suburban you just got and see if it has a serial number tag like this?  It possible is mounted on the hood stand

Yes I will look when I get home this evening. 

[WHX?? 48,815]

2 hours ago, Achto said:

 

I plan on a different load for each show this year. Never gonna know what goes on the trailer until the last minute. 

A 953 perhaps?!?! 

Must be nice to have that many tractors to be able to do that....  

[Achto 27,570]

8 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

A 953 perhaps?!?! 

 

If it gets done it will have a permanent spot on the trailer this year.

[stevasaurus 22,735]

I think I see 43787 on that tag Dan.   

[Achto 27,570]

2 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

I think I see 43787 on that tag Dan

 

Yep, same number that I came up with. 

[WHGuy413 2,683]

Beautiful tractor! Love the patina.

[ri702bill 8,318]

On 11/10/2022 at 6:13 AM, Achto said:

 

Wood bearings were not that uncommon. A lot of rotating shafts on threshing machines ran on wood bearings. A good hard wood and good lubrication maintenance made them last a long time.  

Designed an automated line for an Automotive OEM in NH years ago, using thier existing maxed out line as a guide, addressing the shortcomings of that machinery. They specified a material for the converor support guides that required hot 150 pound molds to glide on them. The material was Arguto - a clear hard maple material that was impregnated with parafin wax in a process similar to pressure treating 2 x 4's and such. I saw some pieces that were in service for more than 5 years with no noticable wear. Works on the same principal as skates on ice - the friction melts the surface as the weight moves and then resolidifies immediately after it passes.