I don't know, I was just in the barn looking at the MD, and I think it might be a more interesting project. I could spread the expenses out over time since there's no rush to complete it.
Thanks Rowan. I have the Super A which is the "big brother" of the Cub. It would be a fun little tractor to restore, and not nearly as expensive as the MD.
Either the MD or the 656. The only way I would do the 656 is if you are 100% sure it will be done by hay season. The MD would be awesome to have it looking like what it did when it first showed up there. I watch more RU-vid than TV and this is my favorite channel, by far!
656. Focus on the tractor, and if time gets short, leave the bucket loader for next year. Sure, it would be great to get the whole assembly looking sharp, but the tractor would be the first priority. You use it a ton, so why not have a nice looking tractor under your feet and bum every day? The Cub and the MD are also great projects, but the 656 is the best choice, in my most humble opinion. Forge on good man!
I say the 656. You will be so happy every day that you use it. You can get it done by hay season. You already know all the steps you need to do it right. Whatever you do, I will be watching!
My free advise is to ring the Cub in frame and touch up the white paint on the 656 loader - you are a working farm and not a museum. Yes - the MD is a family piece but really if you just do what it takes to make it run reliably is a better course of action in my view, I do like seeing all the old IH iron running and not just in parades / shows - keep up the good work!
Must be nice. If I spend an hour at the range my wife is on my case. You spend a whole winter working on something you enjoy. You are living a good life man.
I Do my painting in the early spring before the humidity gets going and strip everything off of the tractor to prep it after i've gotten a spare tractor lined up. Then i use my steam pressure washer with purple stuff cleaner to degrease, then loose paint and rust get walnut shell media blasted. After that it gets hand and power sanded and dents and dings get repaired with lead instead of bondo. Then it's cleaned again good, primed, sanded, primed again, then sanded then three coats of paint using auto paint, (NOT THE CRAPPY FARM IMPLEMENT/TRACTOR PAINT). Then if needed the paint will get buffed on the noticeable Sheetmetal parts to get rid of any orange peel to smooth it out nice then reassemble every part. My tractors get used year around, no trailer queens here. Even our farm truck is a 2003 GMC with 513,000 miles on it.
Squatch is an amazing mechanic. The work he and Senior did on Seniors Farmall was perfection, even though it was a working tractor. Good to know you follow Squatch!!
I would paint the loader and large surface areas of the tractor and just power wash the engine and fix any leaky seals. Also, I would get Henry (right name?) involved. If you want him to be more active in your farm, he needs to be a day to day part of it.
I think your post is spot on. As stated in the video, the point of working on one of the tractors is to have it for work. The 656, unlike the other options is going to be used a lot. Painting it will prolong its life and likely make maintaining it easier.
I would go through and paint the 656. You seem to have strong motivation and dedication to your work. With that said I think you can get er done in time for hay season.
Seems like painting the 656 might give you the most satisfaction with the least cost. I'm thinking the rusty loader is driving you just a little crazy.
agreed, paint the 656....it would look like a new tractor and it would be like getting a new tractor next spring when all the work starts again....plus as said, it's one of the most useful tractors on the farm...
Think how happy you will be when the whole thing - loader and all, is painted and fully restored. You’ll know it’s ready for the next 50 years. The pride of stewardship and a job done well.
Hi Pete, that is a tough choice. I'd love to see you get the old MD going again, allot of memories and attachment there I'd bet. That said, with parts for those diesels getting more scarce and more expensive, maybe just a mechanical restoration of it this year and do the paint next year? The 656 would bring satisfaction everyday you got on it as it seems to be your main tractor. I sure do like that old MD though, quite the family heirloom!!! I'm sure whichever path you chose will be great to watch.
My vote is bring the MD back. There is a lot of history with your Dad and when you were growing up using that tractor, I recommend not delaying that project; life is too short! Having the MD back in service would also give you another powerful and useful tractor in the lineup and guarantee the 656 availability in the spring. Save painting the 656 for next year.
Whichever you decide to go through I think it’s a plus for the channel. Granted not everybody here will have interest in restoring a tractor but some of us here will. It should bring in a wider audience for the Chanel as well. The only good part about doing the 656 is you’ll be “pressured” to get it done and drive progress. But that can also cause burnout and ruin the quality of work.
It seems like painting it will be a lot of work, but you do have all winter. Also by the way you talk about it, it just seems like you want us to agree with your crazy idea! I know I'd love to see up close videos on how the whole tractor works, and getting it painted up seems really satisfying
YES ! Paint the 656 ! but it's OK to take some shortcuts Pete ! sand blast the thing forget about the drill and wire brush ! a sand blaster will save you countless hours and you can do it outside !
I like new paint on everything I buy, also gives me a chance to go through the machine. I have painted a lot but as I get older and worry about my health, the painting I have done scares me. Please be careful some of the new paints are deadly.
Hi Pete. You wanted our opinion; here it comes. You are talking about repainting your 656, but you are describing a complete restoration from bottom up. And you are describing it with so much passion and in so much detail that I think you pretty much know for yourself already what to do during the winter. If not, ask your dear Hilary to look at this video and tell you which of the projects you spend more time and passion on describing. There’s your answer. You don’t strike me as the type of person who likes to take the fast and easy road... Best of luck with you endeavour 👍👍👍😎😊
I see you know about Squach. He is a very good source for tractor restoration and related subjects. I was thinking of him shortly before you mentioned his name. I'm Glad to hear you watch his channel.
I would paint the tractor and the loader - do it up nicely. Keep up the great videos. The butchering series was great! Thank you for the frequent television!
Paint the 656. It will complete a very useful tractor and give you a chance to repair the little things. They always get more respect when they look nice. I understand the sentimental. I have my grandfathers Super A and my wife’s grandfathers 8N, both are used regular because they are useful.
I have been watching your videos for almost a year now. I know you can tackle almost any projects you put your mind to! The time and money you would spend repainting that tractor would be rewarded with so much self satisfaction! I would do it just as you explained
Pete how about doing what our fire department did. They let the local votech repair and paint the water tanker we got from the Air Force. You have a few including the loader to choose from.
Seems like the 656 is going to be the work horse of the farm in the coming years, would be a good idea to clean it up some and it gives you a chance to go through the whole tractor and see if anything else is wrong with it. Would love to see the 656 re-painted and running strong.
Make it a two winter season project. Give the engine a good wash. Prep & paint the body & frames. Fix what needs fixing & put it back together. You'll know if it's worth it to keep going with it by next winter. You could probably get good money for those other tractors - fixed or unfixed. You probably need a spare though. Reorganize the layout of your shop, it may help you decide how much you'll be tackling in the near future. The may be some winter money in tractor repair & restoration work.
Hello Pete, greetings from the Netherlands. I've been subscribed to your channel for a while now and since you asked for it I would like to give you some advice as a sort of giving back. In this case: time saved. I'm a certified industrial painter with some experience in restoring older machinery. You talk about stripping off all the paint because you want to do it right. If the main priority is a nice finish, my advice doesn't apply. Hood, fenders and anything in sight should be stripped, straightened and painted. But the engine bay and under-body should be protected first and then secondly look nice. These parts were painted in a controlled environment in the factory with the best primers available at that time and then that primer was protected with a finish. If the original primer is still fixed to the metal that means it still works fine and you, in your workshop, can't get a better result. So here in Holland, the way to go is: remove all the loose paint and rust (degreasing foam, pressure washer and 3M abrasive pads (no metal wire brush as they leave metal traces, speeding up new rust forming). Degrease again and then spot repair the bare metal with a good epoxy zinc primer, use a brush to get a good thick layer in nooks and crannies. Then finish with a good polyurethane finish, preferably one with some structure or filler capabilities to hide the spot repairs. This will save time, is technically better and you'll hardly see the difference especially after one drive through the mud... Oh and for my 2 cents: I'd go for the 656. You've already invested in the loader and the canopy, now I'd invest in it to make it last. Good luck with your decision.
I've done that with hoses on occasion too. When I had to do it daily or more I hung a small pulley up on the wall about a foot higher than half the length of the hose. Tie a rope to the center of the hose and pull it up the wall when done. It drains itself in seconds and hangs there until the next feeding. Saving a couple minutes two or three times a day adds up and you'll never have a frozen hose as long as you watch for kinks.
I just painted my three point arms with a rattle can and I've had my fill of painting for awhile. However, if you have the energy for that project I'll enjoy watching it while the snow flies over the next couple of months. I just found your channel a couple weeks ago and must say I am impressed by the variety of skills you have to keep your farm running. I also appreciate your laid back attitude which must make things easier when they don't go as planned. Enjoying your channel very much. Thanks 😃
First thing I would ask myself, "Is everything running mechanically?" Then I would ask myself, " what projects do I need done?" If my answers to those questions were "yes" & "none" then I would paint the tractor. My opinion only. You're doing a great job.
It sounds like a tall task, and I'd personally much rather farm out the job when money is available versus attempting to do it myself. But, it's clear that you have the skill to DIY it. If I'm not mistaken, that is your biggest tractor, and it is your hay tractor, so I would view it as the showpiece on the farm. It seems the largest and fanciest tractor on the farm is the one that usually stands out. And that beast of a tractor would look really good with a new paint job. It would stand out, especially with your well kept baler. Just my two cents. Enjoying the content, as always, Pete!
The 656 doesn't look to be in too bad of shape, I would power wash it, give it a good coat of wax and let it go. I would however, take off that loader and get it cleaned and painted. I think making the 656 and loader a 2 year project, you pick what you do first, should allow you to get it done before hay season. As for the older tractors, I would work to get them running, and leave them in original paint, that patina is priceless. They're only original once.
As someone in the middle of restoring a 1973 tractor. YES PAINT IT!!! Your tractor doesn't look like it's maintained or look after. Make them look the part. Make everyone see how well they are treated by just one glance. The outside should represent the state of the inside.
Please do the cub. I've got 3 of them one of which belonged to my Dad when I was growing up. I need to strip it down and repaint before he passes . I'd like to watch you for yours first
I'd probably get started on the farmall cub. It'd be a great project for you and your son if he's interested in tractors. Maybe if you're willing to "part with it" you could give it to him as his first tractor.
I think you've got a marvelous head on your shoulders and whatever you decide.... It'll be the correct choice😄👍❣️ What a wonderful project it will be. Can't wait 😄
I think that Cub would give you good service around the farm. Enjoy your Winter "break". We live in North Central Ma, gonna have to take a ride out some time.
Hello Pete,great video as always, from that episode I learned another tip for the hose not to freeze. And great work with the sausages are great and I personally make them like that. We look forward to the next video ...
I say do it! You have obviously spent a lot of time thinking about it and I can hear the passion you have for it in your voice. Do it Pete!it will look amazing!
Hi, on painting your tractor..I did mine this spring and just wanted you all to consider a much faster and cheaper way with results about as good as a whole new paint job. The product I used is called Dakota Shine..most all of you have heard of Machinery Pete, he featured my AGCO DT240A with before and after pictures on his facebook page in Nov. Project cost was around $150 not counting the labor which I did myself in one day..anyway best of luck on what you decide and farming for 2021..God's blessings to all
If I was you I’d redo the cub, its the perfect little project parts are everywhere and cheep and if you don’t manage to get it done this winter your not needing it in the spring, they are also quite useful and handy I love mine.
I am 14 and bought my first tractor Sept. 20th. It is a International 340 utility.(gas model) I am fully restoring it the right way. I have everything torn apart right now except the transmission and tomorrow I plan on working on the engine. The old owner said it ran when it was parked.(8 years ago) Can't wait to finish it but I am trying to take my time. I would redone the farmall cub. Great video
Paint the 656. Get a roll of polyurethane hang it from each wall and ceiling and you elimanate paint over spray. paint the loader red too. Love your channel I grew up on a tobacco farm in NC in the sixties and seventies. We also grew corn and soy beans, and we raised a few hogs too.
Sounds like you need a building or part of a building you can drop some tarps to close off and just heat it as you need it. An example would be where you have the pigs. you can tarp off the open side and the front where you can drive in and put the tarp back. Then a barrel stove or something like that. Once your project is done you can return the part back to your spring/summer use.
Well which ever one you choose I will watch. I think the 656 possibly getting a start on the smaller parts. Fenders, hood, loader wheels. Possibly things to cut down on the larger painting project for the whole tractor. I always seem to find something to fix over the winter. There always something that could use painting. Think once I would get started on something like painting it would be hard to stop painting machinery. I do like the original white they had on the wheels when they were new. I look forward to whatever you fix and paint. I look forward to learning something new.. Under the grease and oil preservative I found original IH red! Looked brand new. Everyone needs one to paint. I am glad I can follow along with homework after class. Hope things are well and have a great week..
Id say work on the MD. Family history is priceless, and the satisfaction of having your family tractor going is worth more than any money you could put into it. But that 656 is nice too!
Good morning afternoon lol. Thanks the update on marvel hope he recovers well. Looks like great sausage I'll take some..... filling the casings I'd do the same why waste time on another machine. Pigs are growing well they look good what a difference the little monsters are and how fast they grow. Repainting a tractor is alot of time and work I know. To make it pristine yes you have to take completely apart and that takes alot of time. Painting some of it to me is like greasing it that should be done also as maintenance, sometimes we cant be so picky. Sand blasting works wonders and is fast. Doing it in stages works well keeps the machine up and not rusting away. Thanks for the hard work you do I enjoy your video's have a good day.
I was thinking the Cub, but after reading other comments, my vote now goes for the 656. It is in need of upkeep that will be long appreciated by you and others.
For the 656 painting it may be best to concentrate on the leader first, less room needed in the garage. Then the wheels.... Take it easy in the wintertime, you deserve it.
I joined the channel recently and love what you are doing. We have a small farm ourselves in Western Mass, so I feel your pain and gain on many of the items. As for the winter watering, I moved to a Suntank 4 years ago and haven't regretted it one bit. If you have a Southern exposure where the cattle are, it works great and you already have hydrants out there, so hookup shouldn't be too bad. Keep up the great videos, can't wait to see what you tackle each day!
I think that the satisfaction you would get every time you get on a freshly painted 656 is worth the effort. If you did the M and it sits in the barn you might feel that you preserved your family history but it would be a decoration if you didn't use it regularly.
I think painting is an excellent way to preserve the tractor a little sanding and wire brushing will go a long way to preserve it for years and the cost would be worth it Rust Oleum has great products for it I used it and it works well and low cost when compared to having to fix or replace sheet metal.
Great video Pete!! Funny about mentioning Squatch253, I watch him also. It all comes down to what will make you most satisfied in the end, no doubt that you could get any project done over the winter with your drive.
I can't decide what I would do with the off season ideas either. Whatever you decide to do, it would be really neat if your children could be a little involved. I had an awesome experience with my Dad when he decided to restore his Minneapolis Moline Z. Memories to last a lifetime. Best wishes and Happy Holidays.
The 656 would sure look good all painted up for haying season. The loader painted to match would look awesome! Besides, you doing this would give the incentive to do my 656 as well. Love your videos!
We just started watching your videos and I am impressed. I would paint the tractor while you are still able to so it will last longer and you can hand it off to the next generation. Keep up the good work and God bless you
