I first started driving on a 1949 B, just like your daughter's, but with the Roll-O-Matic front end, when I was about 2 years old, (and the tractor was about a decade). We kept it around just to power grain augers or other light jobs, well into the 1970s. The starter disappeared in a fire at a starter repair shop, so it became very inconvenient to use it. There was a "crank", for the models with electric start. It was a steering wheel, with a hub that fit into the end of the crankshaft like the crank on any other engine. But, with that steering wheel protruding out from the flywheel shield, there wasn't much room between the "crank" and the rear tire for a person to stand. A very tight fit. When it backfired, it would bloody near throw you over the back, or really mess up your wrists, even with the compression release petcocks open. Seems more amusing now, than it did back then when it happened. :-)
I am 59 now. When I was 14 or 15 my neighbor had a 2 cylinder John Deere tractor that he was just letting sit. I talked to him about it, and said he would sell it to me for $500. He casually pulled it through, and it fired right off. He was not expecting that, and was lucky that it was in neutral, and the clutch disengaged. I don't know what model it was, but the rear tires were as tall as I was, it had fendors, and a wide front end. In hindsight I should have begged my dad for a loan. A tractor like that, in the same condition now would be several thousand dollars.
By the way, I have been fascinated with these tractors since I was a small child. When I was about 13 my cousin and I were visiting my grandparents in Mt Vernon, Washington one summer. We went on a walk to Little Mountain and on our way up the mountain road I could hear that classic 2 cylinder sound under a heavy load. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, so I never laid eyes on it. I love to see these old tractors still in use.
I first started driving on a 1949 B, just like your daughter's, but with the Roll-O-Matic front end, when I was about 2 years old, (and the tractor was about a decade). We kept it around just to power grain augers or other light jobs, well into the 1970s. The starter disappeared in a fire at a starter repair shop, so it became very inconvenient to use it. There was a "crank", for the models with electric start. It was a steering wheel, with a hub that fit into the end of the crankshaft like the crank on any other engine. But, with that steering wheel protruding out from the flywheel shield, there wasn't much room between the "crank" and the rear tire for a person to stand. A very tight fit. When it backfired, it would bloody near throw you over the back, or really mess up your wrists, even with the compression release petcocks open. Seems more amusing now, than it did back then when it happened. :-)
I've seen those steering wheels being used to start the old John Deere's... pretty cool but don't hang on too tight :) Thanks for commenting!
I am 59 now. When I was 14 or 15 my neighbor had a 2 cylinder John Deere tractor that he was just letting sit. I talked to him about it, and said he would sell it to me for $500. He casually pulled it through, and it fired right off. He was not expecting that, and was lucky that it was in neutral, and the clutch disengaged. I don't know what model it was, but the rear tires were as tall as I was, it had fendors, and a wide front end. In hindsight I should have begged my dad for a loan. A tractor like that, in the same condition now would be several thousand dollars.
By the way, I have been fascinated with these tractors since I was a small child. When I was about 13 my cousin and I were visiting my grandparents in Mt Vernon, Washington one summer. We went on a walk to Little Mountain and on our way up the mountain road I could hear that classic 2 cylinder sound under a heavy load. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, so I never laid eyes on it. I love to see these old tractors still in use.
There are old deeres in just about every barn. 😃