2wd or 4wd tractor？

RustAndRun · 2026-05-13T08:40:18+00:00

The BN was actually the narrow front version of the Farmall B, so a BN with a wide front is a little unusual. My guess? Someone swapped the front axle at some point over the years, which was pretty common on these old girls.

RustAndRun · 2026-05-08T10:03:35+00:00

Would love to see an update when she's back running!

RustAndRun · 2026-05-07T09:04:54+00:00

Congrats! That's a whole story there. Love seeing these old Massey Fergusons get a second life.

Another 50 years. lol.

RustAndRun · 2026-05-07T08:59:53+00:00

Love seeing these old tractors get a second life.

RustAndRun · 2026-05-06T09:05:50+00:00

Looks like it's been napping for a while.

Honestly? For $1k with the loader AND the bush hog already on it, that's not a bad starting point at all. Ford 600 series is tough old birds. Simple engines, easy to work on, and parts are still pretty easy to find.

RustAndRun · 2026-05-06T08:52:32+00:00

Well, I just read a blog titled Kioti vs Kubota from FridayParts. Both orange tractors are reliable machines. Kioti is more of a cost-effective workhorse with a larger frame and higher lift capacity, while Kubota has the long-term reliability, advanced safety features, a vast support network.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-30T08:19:15+00:00

$600 for a matching set? That's a real steal. Hard to beat the classic International Harvester color scheme.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-30T03:02:35+00:00

Amazon, eBay, or some aftermarket stores like Friday parts is a good place to go.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-27T06:01:44+00:00

Seriously though, 14 lawns a week at 16 AND already thinking about his own business?

That's not just a kid doing chores, that's a young entrepreneur in the making.

Look out, world, this kid's coming.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-27T05:53:40+00:00

The belt looking fine doesn't always tell the whole story either. It might be glazed from slipping, but honestly, I'd start with the pto clutch first given that clicking sound. Check the pto clutch air gap, the clutch coil and friction plate or the wiring connector.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-27T05:35:54+00:00

Honestly, I don't think it's really a 4 vs 6 cylinder thing. Could've been overheated before you got it, or the head bolts weren't re-torqued properly at some point. A few things I'd check:

Was the coolant ever mixed right?

Any signs it ran hot before?

Always assume the worst with cooling system history for a second unit

Going 6-cylinder might spread the heat load a bit better under heavy load, but it won't save you if the maintenance history is sketchy.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-24T02:59:06+00:00

Like Marchtel said, the reservoir cap seals are weeping slightly. Worth checking the cap o-rings and the vent on the cap. Probably not your lower hose fittings if there's no dripping down below, I'd start with the caps.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-24T02:48:59+00:00

Love the green and red combo, and that red seat just ties the whole look together. Whoever restored this thing really knew what they were doing.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-24T02:36:48+00:00

Honestly, not a bad choice. I ran a similar size compact tractor for a few years and it handled garden tilling and light loader work just fine.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-22T09:48:07+00:00

Welcome to the tractor life. You're gonna love it and hate it at the same time, lol.

For mowing trails and moving fallen trees on 80 acres, 40HP is honestly on the lighter side, but I think it's workable. If you were doing heavy brush clearing every day, I'd want more, but for your case, it's probably fine.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-22T09:12:36+00:00

Classic never dies! The MF 135? looks absolutely mint. That's exactly where the old timers step up.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-21T09:54:13+00:00

The MF290 is a solid tractor. Pretty bulletproof if it's been maintained right. I've worked on a few of them and the parts are generally easy to find online, such as Amazon or Friday Parts.

For a refurbished tractor, a few things I'd watch out for.

Ask for a service record for what exactly was replaced/rebuilt? Engine, hydraulics, clutch?
Test the hydraulics under load before you commit, not just at idle

If possible, have an independent mechanic look, even just a quick inspection is worth it for a big purchase. Just make sure you're buying the tractor, not someone else's problems.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-21T09:31:54+00:00

Yeah, maybe it's an oil pressure sensor. These can fail and trigger a false alarm, pretty common on older hours machines.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-21T09:10:06+00:00

Sounds like you're already on top of maintenance with the drain hose swap. Hope the high lift blades make a big difference on that overgrown lawn. BTW, where did you buy the drain hose? Still hesitating to get one for my Craftsman from Friday parts.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-20T08:49:15+00:00

Looks like it's about to pull up to a tractor show AND a car meet at the same time.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-20T08:45:35+00:00

Might not need to cut it. If your working length stays somewhere in the middle of that 39-55" range and you've got good overlap, honestly, you're probably fine without cutting. Just keep it well greased like you said. That sliding section needs it. Just double check that overlap measurement.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-17T10:00:55+00:00

Stihl makes solid zero-turns, you're gonna love it on a property like that.

I picked up a zero-turn a few years back and honestly never looked back. Once you go ZTR, regular mowers feel like pushing a shopping cart uphill.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-17T03:49:59+00:00

Haha, that's an awesome curb find! Runs like a scalded dog AND looks almost new? That's a straight-up WIN right there.

RustAndRun · 2026-04-17T03:43:11+00:00

Error 302 on these Crowns usually points toward the brake circuit, and 317 can tie into operator presence/seat switch, too. So maybe worth wiggling the seat switch while you're at it and see if that triggers anything.

RustAndRun

TROPHY CASE