When was this O made?
 

After spending the weekend at my grand parents place i took some pics of his cubs. Im have trouble trying to find out when it was made. I did find the number stamped on the rear end, and the spendles look different than those ive seen with other members. Its all original (no pun intended :biggrin2:). When my grand dad bought it he was working at the IH dealership and i think is the second owner. Just interested in what you guys think, and thanks! sorry for the pic quality, my phone could only do so much on the dark side of the barn.

That isn't the serial number. The number is on the right side of the casting between the frame and rear end. Seeing the front spindles and no hole in the frame for a creeper it's probably in the first half of 1961 production though. There's a good chance it's a 4 digit serial number too (doesn't have to be though).

Thanks i had a feeling that wasnt the serial number. It was the only number i could find at the time and when ever i moved wood out of the way more would fall in its place. Next time im there ill make sure to get the right number! Could there also be a chance that it might be a prototype? And why is the oil bath air filter blue?

I'd say no to a prototype because I think I remember the prototypes having subtle changes here and there that were made before production. I don't remember what they all were. As for the air breather, repainted maybe? From a different brand that used the same breather? Now there is a slim chance you've run into a 3 digit Original? I'm just speculating things now. Even a prototype would have a serial number though.

I don't see a creeper hole so that makes it a early 61. The foot rest do they have holes in them? If they are flat without any holes it's not a protype O. I have no clue why the oil bath is blue. Kevin would know more about it then I would. No matter which version of O it looks to be a great looking tractor. Any chance you'll end up with it?

Nice find. Love the barn finds. The serial would be stamped on the right side. Early front axle and collared spindles. No creeper hole. Blue air cleaner was probably a PO repaint or from something else. What was the engine serial number. If it was a prototype, the engine may have a prototype serial number unless it was replaced.

Duke,
Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the production O's have footrests with holes stamped in them? Paul Bell owned a prototype, serial number 409 and the foot rests were smooth. They changed them to stamped holes to improve traction when your feet were wet. Foot slippage would hurt, especially with the shifter where it is, OUCH!:biggrin2: I think Timmy DeLooza owns the prototype now. I'm not too familiar with early O's serials 501 to four digits. It would be very interesting to see the serial number of this one.

Josh that was my thinking as well. I'm hoping one of the true guru's to step in and add to my knowledge base.

Early '61's had collars on the spindles and no holes in the foot rests, such as yours does. Also they did not have the access slot in the tower for the steering adjustment screw (right side). Now depending on who you talk to when they switched to the holed foot rests, and bolted spindles varies and also some 4 digit tractors do have the bolts due to replacement of worn parts. Also the prototypes had an hour meter installed on the lower part of the pedistal on one side.

This is mine an early 4 digit with the collard spindle's. You have to look close but their hiding under there :biggrin2:. Mine was built in March of 61'. Hope you can pull it out of there and save it, good luck.

Hey, my 784 has a blankie just like that, LOL. :biggrin2: