[AT] One last question - Tractor Value

[Kyle Sands]

Good morning, folks!  I guess today is the last day for this mailing list and I thought I might send off an actual tractor related question while there’s still time.  I have wanted to ask this question for a while, but held off because I didn’t have confirmation on the true identity of my tractor.  So in this case, I’ll ask for collective wisdom based on assumptions and what-ifs.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been a part of this list for 30+ years.  I’ve never been much more than a listener, but I have talked a bit about the old tractors that I’ve had the pleasure of owning over the years.  One of these is a 1939 John Deere A.  The serial number is 483693…at least I’m pretty sure that’s correct.  The plate is worn just enough where I’m 80% sure the first 3 is in fact a 3, but it could be an 8.  That digit makes a difference because a “3” makes it a 1939, whereas an “8” would make it a 1940.

Anyway, this tractor belonged to my grandfather who bought it about mid 1950 near Waterloo, IA.  The defining feature is this tractor has the factory JD wide front end.  Cool, right?  Yeah, but what I don’t know is if the tractor was delivered from the factory with this configuration or if was converted after the fact.  I intend to submit a serial number search to the 2-cylinder club to get official documentation, though my not being 100% sure of the serial number would make those findings a little suspect.  If the search came back that it was an AW from the factory, that would be pretty solid confirmation that I got the serial number correct.

Getting to my question, I’m curious what the value of this tractor is?  Let’s assume it is indeed a factory 1939 AW, what’s this thing worth on the market?  Here’s some details on its condition: It runs and drives.  It has 4 very used, very mismatched tires.  It’s got plenty of patina, but is also fairly straight – in other words, not parade pretty unless you like the worn and weathered look (I do).  Here are some more significant negatives: the original engine block froze and cracked so it has a replacement block and head.  The U-shaped casting that is attached to the axle tube and is part of the pivoting mechanism for the axle broke at some point prior to my grandfather purchasing the tractor.  It was expertly welded and has held up for well over 70 years.  The welds are neat, but obvious.  It also has a Monroe (or other) aftermarket seat.  I like it, but obviously is not original.  The rear wheels are cut-offs and mismatched.  This is all part of the character of the tractor that I’ve grown up with, but not stuff that holds value to a collector.  Does this tractor have much value in this state given it’s assumed pedigree?

The follow-up question would be is there any value given it has a (repaired) genuine factory wide front should it turn out to be an ordinary row-crop A when it was built?

I’m in a troubling spot that I’m sure many have experienced when dealing with equipment passed from one generation to the next.  The sentimental value is extremely high, but the practical value just isn’t there.  I do have a small acreage, but nothing large enough to even get the tractor out for a little drive around the perimeter of the property.  It doesn’t have a road gear for me to use it to haul firewood from a couple miles away.  The poor thing just sits in my shop and collects dust.  I’m slowly convincing myself that this tractor should be sold to someone who will truly value it and use it, even though the sentiment of so many years being in the family is holding me back.  I did purchase the tractor from my grandfather, so I don’t feel guilty about a direct sale if there’s significant value in the tractor.  On the other hand, I’ve thought about seeing if a local FFA or even a young enthusiast would have the energy, resources, and space to give this tractor the love it deserves and cut them a deal or give it away.

First things first: determine the value and go from there.  I appreciate your reading through this whole thing and any parting words as we close out this chapter in our lives.  Seems fitting that my question is ultimately about closing out my time with a special tractor that has been a part of (literally) my entire 49 years of life, while this tractor list which has been with me for a significant portion of those same years is about to end.  I know we can’t have a back-and-forth discussion on this list, but if anyone would like to respond to this question personally, I can be reached at willys_46 at hotmail.com<mailto:willys_46 at hotmail.com>

Thank you all!

Kyle Sands <>< Brandon, MN
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