How to Start My Farmall B Tractor

For antique tractor aficionados, the Farmall B, manufactured by International Harvester, is a highly coveted piece of agricultural machinery. This tractor, produced from 1939 to 1947, was popular among farmers as the successor to the Farmall A. Originally selling for $770, the Farmall B has a 4-cylinder engine that runs on gasoline or kerosene fuel. Its power take-off (PTO) -- the power transferred from the engine to the attached implements -- measures at 540 rpm. Given the era of its peak production, it is no surprise that starting the Farmall B may take some getting used to.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn on the fuel switch on the right side of the Farmall B's chassis.

   • 2

     Mount the tractor. Note that the operator's seat is not centered, but is slightly to the right, and the gear shift is to the left.

   • 3

     Confirm that the vehicle is in neutral before starting the tractor. Shake the clutch lightly, recognizing that stiff resistance without any rattling can indicate a forward or reverse gear.

   • 4

     Switch on the engine, giving it plenty of choke when starting. Bear in mind that there's a large speed differential between third and fourth gears. Make sure you have plenty of space for higher speeds.