Whats it worth?

Depending on how bad you want it and how many B's are in your area, I would say $200-$400 for the tractor in my book.  I would then say $150-$400 for the mower.    Some guys will say a woods mower is worth a bunch of money, but if you are patient, you can usually find one reasonable.  I have bought two in that price range and have passed on a few more.  Of course, location means a lot as well.  How is the supply and demand for B's and woods mowers in your area?  Do you have a use for the mower?  Do you have a few more (close) B's to choose from?  All in all, from what you describe, I would say $300-$500(tops) would be fair. 

I had good luck using ATF mixed with acetone on a WD once.   I took the head off to see how bad it was, and then poured each one to the top.   After a couple weeks, it starting draining past the rings.   Another week or two of letting it drain down past the rings and rocking one rear tire off of the ground and the tranny in gear and she popped free.   I would pop the head though and see what you're in for if you bring it home.   For the price of a head gasket, I think it's worth it.   I brought a WD home two weeks ago that the owner said ran 8 years ago.   After popping the head and seeing all the pitting and corrosion, it was more like 28 years ago.  

atf and brake fluid broke my WC loose...worked well.

price probably depends on location wkpoor.. I bought 5 Bs in 5 years, one per year, and paid $500-800 for each. All ran, some better than others. Two had mower decks, one had a rear blade. I just look and look and saw a lot of $2000. I just wait for the right one. I bought two on e-bay, one off this site, one off YT, and one off local trader. I personally doubt many sell for $2k, but i cant say for sure, because i dont follow them if they are that high. Bought mine between 2002- 2007 so it has been a couple years. I got two in middle Iowa, on in easter Illinois and two southern illinois. I have traveled 250 miles one way, so that does add a cost.

I can buy a late model B with a woods belly mower within 10 minutes of my home, Have never owned a B, This tractor needs a new battery box, everything else is real good, very nice B for $1600, converted to 12 volt system. Has good tires, tin work is good, paint is good, appears to have been painted 10 or 15 years ago. I'm in south central Indiana, I don't need the tractor but I think it is a good buy?

The last 3 B's/C's I have bought cost 1100, 350, and 1000 with woods mower, sickle, and brush hog... all running... 2 were in operation when I bought them... no way would I one that was locked up for 1000.  jmo

Bill, if you read his post, the engine is locked up. Anybody that would give $1000 or more for a B with a locked up engine must think he's buying a 1937 Waukesha B.
 My 1938 B #254 would start on the first or second crank, had usable tires with one rear rim rusted bad. It also had a belly mower with hand lift in working condition and I paid $750 at a well advertised and well attended auction.

wkpoor wrote: I'm curious: It always amazes me the difference between preceived value and advertized prices. You will need to look long and hard to find a B priced even at 1000.00 on CL or Ebay but ask anyone what they are worth and they will tell you about 500 or less. Sure try to find one that cheap. I see more ads for B's C's or CA's priced over 2K than than under it seems. I realize askin and gettin is 2 different things but I doubt they are coming down 75%.

is there a blue book for the values of tractors like cars

my gandfather just gave me his 54 b.  it all started cause i wanted to redue it.  but i was wonder what it is worth even though it will never be sold.  he has many things with the tractor all so.

If you repair it right, it will be worth way less on the open market, and way more to you, than the money and time you will have invested. That's how it is with a family tractor. 

I will never sell the tractor and it's worth more to me than any dollar amount. It's just one of those things to know.