D19 purchase

I'm looking at a D-19 gas, wide front, unknown hours, poor rear tires, snap coupler. All tin work is in very good but faded condition. Transmission is good according to owner, does not jump out of gear. Appears there may be some oil leaks, nothing major. Tractor has been sitting in shed for several weeks and very little oil underneath. Priced in low 3's. (3250.00) May be a little negotiable. Going to take it for a "ride & drive" tomorrow. Any advice re: the tractor or price - appreciated.

We had a D-19 on the farm and it was an upgrade from the 17s and WC we were using before. Drank a lot of gas. Today I feel the D-19 is too big for the guy with a 1/2 ton PU to haul around to shows and such. Guys with bigger trucks and trailers shouldn't have any issues. Too big to mow the lawn and too little to farm with is what I have heard more than once. They can be expensive to rebuild as the sleeves can be hard to find

$2,500...ouch. have sunk about $3k into ours over the past three years. Hope to nurse another 58 years out of it. Good luck with your find and post some pics if you can.

D19 gas was my very first allis tractor, and it got me hooked on allis, if that tells you anything. If it's not a gear jumper, I'd pay 2,500 to 3,000 for it, given what you've said about it. Darrel

Pat the Plumber CIL wrote: We had a D-19 on the farm and it was an upgrade from the 17s and WC we were using before. Drank a lot of gas. Today I feel the D-19 is too big for the guy with a 1/2 ton PU to haul around to shows and such. Guys with bigger trucks and trailers shouldn't have any issues. Too big to mow the lawn and too little to farm with is what I have heard more than once. They can be expensive to rebuild as the sleeves can be hard to find

cousin just sold his on an auction (he's retired) D19 diesel, bought new by his dad, good tin, ad on 3 pt hitch (on snap coupler), wide front, real good tires, always shedded, not a gear jumper, sold for $1250. I was just sick!

Yes DougG, I replaced those also. Even put Indian head sealant on the bolt threads hoping that would solve the leak. It helped but didn’t solve it completely.
As far as the D19 above, sometimes we just really like a particular model and purchase it even after hearing some thoughts from others. I bought my XT when others may have walked away from it. She needed a lot of work but I knew going in many of the issues I was facing. Made 2 trips back to make sure that I was willing to commit to the project. I had always wanted a XT and had been searching for several years. Every tractor has those who love it and those that don’t. A perfect tractor has never been built, although some are pretty close especially in their time period. My cousin still kicks himself for selling his D19, said it did everything he asked of it. At least you know up front they like gas, Dads D15 does also when under load, but it’s one of our favorites on the farm. If you like it, see it’s short comings, and you are willing to get your hands dirty, go for it. I know I’m glad I bought my XT, she was a lot of work, but I got the tractor I had always wanted and she rewards me every time I fire her up and hook to a piece of equipment. In many ways, I purchased an upgraded D19. Good luck

I agree as well with you, Kerry. 

Gary Burnett wrote: Gale Hawkins wrote: I love old iron and that is the only kind that I have. The fact remains a new set of tires, an injection pump, etc may cost more than the old tractor would bring at a good auction. Sadly today old iron is still an wasting asset that is or will become a money pit. I am coming to the point of asking should I get another old tractor for them to deal with when I die. The more tractors at your estate auction the bigger the crowd will be,so keep buying(LOL)