Massey Furgeson #39 2 row corn planter restoration

[Slim140]

I bought this MF # 39 corn planter from a lady I've known my whole life. Her husband passed away 3 years ago from cancer (57 years old). I did a lot of welding for him over the years and used to help him in tobacco when I was a kid. I remember my brother and I pulling sleds for him with a 140 and helping move irrigation pipe when I was big enough to push the clutch in on the tractor if we weren't helping our dad doing the same things. I am going to fix this planter up and get it back in working order. Looks like he left fertilizer in it before he passed away and it was sitting in an open shed, let the fun begin!

[Slim140]

More pics.

[Slim140]

What's the best way to remove the rubber, hot water? I would like to remove it to paint the wheels and reinstall it.

[Jim Becker]

What's the best way to remove the rubber, hot water? I would like to remove it to paint the wheels and reinstall it.

That can be a tough one. As you are well aware, old rubber gets hard and sometimes shrinks as well. I would guess the usual way to remove one when it needs replacing is with a sawsall. A long soak in hot soapy water (then quick rinse the soap off) may give you the best chance of removing them in one piece. It looks like the steel wheels are proper press wheels. The rubber was probably a option and could be removed and discarded. (I guess you probably don't want to do that.)

The third and maybe best option is to leave the rubber in place and repaint the wheels. You could put the whole wheel/tire assembly in an electrolysis bath to clean the wheel up. You could also sand blast with minimal effect on the tires. Then you would need to mask the tires before painting. Masking the inner center of each tire will be the most difficult part of that approach.

Other than what you probably have to deal with in the fertilizer hoppers, it looks like a fairly easy restore.

[Slim140]

Thanks Jim, the only reason I would want to remove the rubber is to get the wheels sandblasted and powdercoat painted. They don't have to come off but I would rather go that route. I think they were an option as well because all the pictures of others online I have seen don't have the rubber. My dad and I had a Ford 309 planter and it had just the steel wheel and worked just fine. We sold it for twice what we gave for it a couple years ago when my brother acquired an Allis Chalmers no till 2 row corn planter. I have seen the 309's with rubber as well so it's not a must I just like the option of having it on there and would like to remove and reinstall if possible. I will tinker with them and if I can't get them off will just go with wire brush/sand and paint brush or tape up and spray.

The planter is in pretty good shape other than the fertilize hopper and where it got underneath it on the frame. The opener wheels are shot and I need to get two of them.

[Jim Becker]

I think that rubber tires on press wheels has become nearly standard today. But way back they were more the exception. Some soil/moisture conditions allow soil to stick to the press wheel. The rubber tire tends to not have much of a sticking problem, mainly due to the fact that it flexes some. IH typically had scraper blades with the steel press wheels but also offered the rubber option.

[Slim140]

Finally got around to taking apart the frame.

[Slim140]

Started grinding on this yesterday.

[Bill Hudson]

Good work (as always). I have a question: "Do you ever relax and kick your feet up, or do you simply pass out from exhaustion?"

Bill

[Slim140]

Good work (as always). I have a question: "Do you ever relax and kick your feet up, or do you simply pass out from exhaustion?"

Bill

I usually just pass out from being tired. I leave here and go home and play with our 2 kids until we put them in bed unless I have to mow or get leaves up or whatever comes up then take a shower and try to lay down. The wife wonders how I fall asleep so fast, lol.

[Slim140]

Sometimes it's easier just to make new. Got to make new pulleys now.

[Slim140]

Chain tensioner with worn out pulley and flat spots on shaft.

[Slim140]

Got the 2 pulleys made.

[AL Farmall Boy]

looking good! If you need/want to order some Massey Parts for that planter, I know just the place. Friend of the family owns a MF dealer and they will treat you right on anything you need. They'll be appreciative of the business. E.A. Nelson Company in Florence, Alabama. They also carry a wide range of parts for other tractors with competitive prices too should anyone need anything.

[Slim140]

I got part of the frame primed and back together with new bolts.