The Small Tractor FAQ - Tractor Books

Contents

Best Sellers

Books By Roger Welsch

Reference & Repair Books

Out of Print Books

Lawn Care Books

Misc. Books of Interest

Book Search

The Small Tractor FAQ
Books About Tractors

As I find books I think might be interesting to readers of the FAQ, I add them here. Where I've read a book myself, I've included my own brief review. I've chosen Amazon because of their large selection, quick delivery and easy, secure ordering over the net. There is no additional cost for ordering books via this page, but I receive a very small commission if you do. I hope you find this list useful.

-Ken Burner

BUY OR SELL -- tractors, mowers, tools, parts, accessories, implements, documentation, service materials, supplies, tires, wheels... you name it! Bid on what you need, unload what you don't. An interesting new venue for buyers and sellers.

Best Sellers

Interested in what other people are reading? Here are the recent top-selling books from this list:

Books By Roger Welsch

Old Tractors and the Men Who Love Them: How to Keep Your Tractors Happy and Your Family Running. (1995): Roger was bitten by the tractor bug late in life. The humorous, original account of his new-found hobby: restoring Allis Chalmers WC tractors.
Busted Tractors and Rusty Knuckles: Norwegian Torque Wrench Techniques and Other Fine Points of Tractor Restoration. (1997): The sequel to Roger's first book. More humor from America's heartland by "Captain Nebraska."

Tractor Reference & Repair Books

Agricultural Tractor Industry Directory: 1998: Hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers of tractors, parts, implements, documentation, accessories, etc. An excellent resource for farmers, ranchers, homeowners, hobbyists and restorers.
Antique Tractor Bible; The Complete Guide to Buying, Using & Restoring Old Farm Tractors (1998) Spencer William Yost.: Mr. Yost is the creator and owner of the extremely popular Antique Tractor Internet Service (ATIS). This book is the definitive reference for the restoration of antique tractors. Includes tips, techniques and how-tos for each major aspect of the tractor restoration process -- and where you can get assistance, locate parts and documentation, and how to contact people with similar interests in "old iron." Well-written and easily readable, certainly by restoration hobbyists, but also for the uninitiated or casually interested.
Backhoe Loader Handbook, Advanced Techniques for Operators (1995) Reinar Christian: A collection of tips and techniques for safe and efficient backhoe operation. Lots of good information, but difficult to read. Covers many "tricks of the trade" by an obviously experienced operator. What this book needs, though, is a good glossary and more illustrations. More extensive (and expensive) heavy equipment operator training materials are available from Equipment Training Resources.
Briggs & Stratton L-Head Engines (1994): This popular Clymer manual covers more than 55 models of Briggs & Statton single cylinder, L-head (valves in cylinder block), aluminum engines with 2.0 to 12.5 hp Includes fundamentals and general engine information plus troubleshooting, inspection, repair techniques and more.
Build Your Own Electric Vehicle (1995) Bob Brant: Project descriptions and resources for motors, batteries and other components -- for Do-It-Yourselfers considering a home-built tractor conversion. Follow this link for some inspiration.
Chilton's Small Engine Repair: Up to 20 Hp (1993) Richard J. Rivele (Editor).: This manual covers all popular engines in the 13-20 horsepower range and includes repair, maintenance, diagnosis, off-season storage, and safety information for riding lawn mowers, snow blowers, garden tillers, and small tractors.
Compact Equipment: Hydraulics (1994) John Deere Press: A primer of test and repair procedures for compact-equipment hydraulic systems. See the John Deere Publications pages for more titles from John Deere Press.
Diesel Mechanics (1998) Erich J. Schulz, Ben L. Evridge: 4th edition of this very comprehensive text. Diesel Mechanics has a six part, fifty-one chapter organization. Part One contains twelve chapters and provides a general introduction. The second part is on engine components and service and contains sixteen chapters (13 - 28). Fuel-injection systems are the subject of Part Four (29 - 39). Electrical Systems are discussed in Part Five (39 - 49). The book concludes with Part Six, Break-in Troubleshooting and Tune-up (50-51).
Diesel Technology: Fundamentals, Service, Repair (1997) Norman, Corinchock and Scharff.: Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of diesel engine technology, service and repair. Text used for diesel mechanic instruction prior to certification.
Dream Reaper: The Story of an Old-Fashioned Inventor in the High-Tech, High-Stakes World of Modern Agriculture (1997) Craig Canine: The author's summary: "Many people who know little or nothing about agriculture, farm machinery, or the history of technology have told me that they picked up "Dream Reaper" and couldn't put it down. It tells the true story of a farmer-inventor and his salesman cousin who try, against huge odds, to develop and bring to market a radical new combine--the machine farmer's use to harvest grain. A high-tech venture capital firm in Silicon Valley gave this book as its company Christmas present, since its story and themes reverberate beyond agriculture to touch essential aspects of the American past and spirit. It's a great gift and a rewarding read, whether or not there's a farm (or farmer) in your life. Please e-mail me to tell me how you liked the book."
Farm Appliances and How to Make Them (reprint, 1999) George Martin: Fully illustrated book from the turn of the century explains the construction of a wide variety of gadgets and other time-saving and easy-to-make inventions that are useful for the farm, the garden, and in the home.
Farm Conveniences and How to Use Them (reprint, 1998): Farming implements, tools, gadgets and machines from a century ago, with instructions on how to make and use them. Surprisingly useful and entertaining.
Farm Machinery - Practical Hints for Handy-Men (reprint, 1999) Davidson, Chase and Tripp: Complete, no-nonsense guide, written at the turn of the century, presents both the mechanical principles and the origins of farm machinery, which have directly influenced the development of farming in America.
Farm Motors (Davidson, Chase, et al).: Another reprint from the turn of the century, this time on engines and energy. Covers the spectrum of different types of engines used throughout history, from biolgogical, water, air, steam, fuel and electric.
Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them (reprint, 1996): How to make dozens of simple, mechanical farm devices, many of which are as useful on today's rural homestead as they were over 100 years ago when this book was written. Delightful, informative reading.
Grounds Maintenance Equipment Blue Book (Intertec, 2001)
Haynes Small Engine Repair Manual (1990) Curt Choate, John H. Haynes.
Haynes Small Engine Repair Techbook: Four-Stroke Engines (1999) Alan Ahlstrand, John Harold Haynes: An update to the previous edition, 9 years later.
How to Make the Most of Your Tractor (1985) Brian May: Introduction to tractors, fundamentals of tractor operation, tractor safety, implement use and other topics for the tractor novice.
How to Rebuild & Restore Farm Tractor Engines (1999) Spencer William Yost.: Another practical guide from the ATIS guru himself. If you have or are considering an antique or worn-out tractor that needs major engine work, this book will make the job as easy and enjoyable as it can be. Tips on engine takedown, replacement parts, repair/replace strategies, maintenance hints, DIY improvements, etc. Lots of photographs and experiences from real hobbyits. Just about everything you'll need to make your restoration project a success.
How to Restore Tractor Magnetos (1994) Neil C. Yerigan.: Describes the sometimes arcane process of repairing/rebuilding/rejuvenating magnetos found on older tractors.
How to Restore Your Farm Tractor (1992) Robert N. Pripps.: Step-by-step process of restoring a small tractor for work and for show. Uses Farmall Cub and Ford 8N as examples.
An Introduction to Compact and Automotive Diesels (1997) Edward Ralbovsky.: Readers who already have a basic understanding of gasoline engines and who want to broaden their practical scope will appreciate this complete introduction to the theory, operation, and care of compact and light-duty diesels [commonly found in small tractors]. Featuring over 900 illustrations, this handbook covers everything from the history of diesel engines to troubleshooting tips.

I&T Shop Manuals

Large Air-Cooled Engine: Service Manual (1993): Manufacturers Covered: Acme, Briggs & Stratton, Craftsman, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, Onan, Tecumseh, Wisconsin, Wisconsin-Robin.
Large Diesel Engine: Service Manual (1991) Intertec: Manufacturers Covered: Allis-Chalmers, David Brown (Case), J.I. Case, John Deere, Ford, International Harvester, Lister, Lombardini, Perkins.
Machinery Maintenance (1981) Frank Buckingham.
Millwrights and Mechanics Guide (1989) Carl A. Nelson: A tremendous reference on mechanical, electrical, welding, machining and engineering topics. An excellent tool box or bookshelf resource.
Nebraska Tractor Tests Since 1920 (Motorbooks International Crestline) (1993) Charles H. Wendel.: The "bible" for rating horsepower and other specifications for agricultural tractors. Learn more about the history, people and activities of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory.
Pocket Ref (1997) Thomas J. Glover: 2nd edition of this unassuming little book with EVERY specification you can think of (and lots you didn't even know existed): atomic numbers, temp and wind chill conversions, construction estimating formulas, thread, tap and die specs, materials strength tables, lumber dimensions, engineering formulas... everything. Unbelievably useful! Great for your toolbox, workshop or to give as gifts.
Repairing & Maintaining Yard Equipment & Power Tools (1994) Mort Schultz: Readers will learn how to keep a diverse assortment of power equipment running virtually forever with minimum expense and expertise. Covers one-cylinder four-stroke engines, two-cycle engines and non-engine parts of outdoor power machines and electric power tools. Features helpful apparatus such as troubleshooting charts and a rating system to indicate the difficulty level of each procedure. Extensively illustrated.
Riding Lawn Mower: Service Manual (1993): Details on servicing several dozen brands of riding mowers and lawn & garden tractors.
SAE/ASAE Agricultural Tractor and Related Standards Handbook, 1997: Standards for PTOs, hitches, etc. This is the full collection. Individual standards may also be obtained directly from ASAE.
Small & Large Air-Cooled Engine Flat Rate Pricing Guide (1989): Manufacturers Covered: Acme, Advanced Engine Products, Briggs & Stratton, Chrysler, Clinton, Craftsman, Deco-Grand, Honda, Homelite, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, Kioritz, Echo, Kohler, Lawn-Boy, McCulloch, O&R, Olympyk, Onan, Pincor, Power Bee, Roper, Sachs, Sachs-Dolmar, Shindaiwa, Solo, Stihl, Tecumseh, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Robin.
Small Air-Cooled Engine 1990-1994: Service Manual Vol 2 (1995).: Covers engines manufactured by Acme, Briggs & Stratton, Craftsman, Homelite, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, Lawn Boy, Shindaiwa, Stihl, Tanaka, Tecumseh, Toro, Wisconsin Robin, Yamaha.
Small Air-Cooled Engines Service Manual (1992).: Includes engines from the following manufacturers: Acme, Advanced Engine Products, Briggs & Stratton, Chrysler, Clinton, Cox, Continental, Craftsman, Deco-Grand, Homelite, Honda, Husqvarna, Jacobsen, Kawasaki, Kioritz-Echo, Kohler, Lauson, McCulloch, O & R, Olympyk, Onan, Power Bee, Power Products, Sachs, Sachs-Dolmar, Shindaiwa, Solo, Stihl, Tecumseh, West Bend , Wisconsin, Wisconsin Robin.
Small Diesel Engine Service Manual (1991).: Includes Continental, Deutz, Farymann, Isuzu, Kirloskar, Kubota, Lister-Petter, Lombardini, MWM, Mitsubishi, Onan, Perkins, Peugeot, Slanzi, Volkswagen, Westerbeke, Wisconsin, Yanmar.
Small Engine Care & Repair: A Step-By-Step Guide to Maintaining Your Small Engine (1999) Daniel London: How to care for and repair small gasoline engines. Focus is on Briggs & Stratton models.
Small Engine Mechanics (1986) William Harry Crouse, Donald L. Anglin.: A comprehensive and very technical encyclopedia of every aspect of small engine operation -- theory and practice. This book is not for the casually interested.
Chilton's Small Engine Repair Up to 20 HP (1994) Kerry A. Freeman (Editor).

Small Engine Technology (1998) William A. Schuster.: A beautiful, modern trade school textbook. "This newly revised guide on small engine technology will help to update your skills and knowledge and improve earnings and career opportunities. Written in an easy-to-read style, it features new chapters on failure analysis, and starter systems, as well as a rewrite of the electrical chapter to include feedback systems and fuel injection. An expansion of the carburation chapter includes new carburetors including cab 1 carburetors. Also available is a comprehensive competency-based workbook which is perfect for self-study. This book was written in cooperation with Engine Service Association and fulfills technicians needs for OPE certification tests."
Small Gas Engine Repair (1993) Paul Dempsey.: "The Doctor" covers gasoline engines troubleshooting and repair in the same simple, no-nonsense style he uses so effectively in his Diesel book.
Successful Small-Scale Farming (1991) Karl Schwenke.: Quite a bit of useful information in a small book, especially about tractor selection, equipment, site planning and outbuildings.
Tecumseh: L-Head Engines (1994): Covering more than 50 Tecumseh single-cylinder, L-head (valves in cylinder block), aluminum engines with 2.5 to 10 hp. Includes fundamentals and general engine information Plus troubleshooting, inspection, repair techniques and more.
Troubleshooting & Repairing Diesel Engines (1995) Paul Dempsey.: Hearing the sound of an engine you have just repaired is especially satisfying when you consider how costly it can be to pay for professional help. In this easy-to-use guide, author Paul Dempsey demystifies diesel technology, explaining everything you need to know to troubleshoot and fix problems with engines found in farm and lawn equipment, boats, air compressors and generators. Includes essential information on planned maintenance, diagnostic techniques, fuel systems, starting and generating systems, air and cooling systems, emission control strategies, and cylinder heads and valves. Updated to cover computerized maintenance programs.
Used Tractor Price Guide Mike Hall (Editor).: 2000 EDITION. Listings for 35 manufacturers of compact diesel and agricultural tractors (sorry, no lawn & garden tractors). Each entry provides approx. retail price when new, used values for Fair, Good and Premium condition, engine make, no. of cylinders, displacement, transmission speeds, PTO horsepower and weight. Entries are sorted by manufacturer, year and model.
Walk-Behind Lawn Mower: Service Manual (1997): How to service push mowers and two-wheel tractors.
The Welder's Bible (1992) Don Geary: A comprehensive guide to oxyacetylene welding. Table of Contents: 1. Oxyacetylene welding fuels. 2. Oxyacetylene welding equipment. 3. Setting up an oxyacetylene outfit. 4. Other welding methods. 5. Metals and their properties. 6. Welding supplies. 7. Soldering. 8. Brazing and braze-welding. 9. Beginning welding. 10. Welding thick metals. 11. Finishing and problem solving. 12. The weldability of metals. 13. Cutting metal. 14. Safety. 15. The home workshop. 16. Metal projects. Glossary.
Welder's Handbook : A Complete Guide to Mig, Tig, Arc & Oxyacetylene Welding (1997) Richard Finch.: Sooner or later something will break and you'll have to weld it yourself or take it to a welding shop. Finch gives an excellent overview of several types of welding equipment, techniques, materials and supplies. A super introduction for anyone with little or no knowledge of welding.
Yard & Garden Tractor Service Manual: Single-Cyclinder Models (1992).: Includes comprehensive information about Allis-Chalmers, Ariens, Baron, Bolens, Broadmoor, Case/Ingersoll, Cub Cadet, Jim Dandy, John Deere, Deutz-Allis, Engineering Products Co., Ford, Gilson, Gravely, Homesteader, Honda, International Harvester, Jacobsen, Kubota, Landlord, Lawn Ranger, MTD, Murray, Power King, Raider, Serf, Simplicity, Snapper, Sovereing, Special, Speedex, Western Auto, Wheel Horse, White, Wizard, Work Horse, Yard-Man, Yeoman. Engine manufacturers covered: Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, Kubota, Onan, Tecumseh, Wisconsin.
Yard and Garden Tractor Service Manual: Multi-Cylinder Models (1991).: Includes multi-cylinder models from Allis-Chalmers, Ariens, Bolens, Case/Ingersoll, Cub Cadet, John Deere, Deutz-Allis, Engineering Products Co., Ford, Gilson, Gravely, International Harvester, Kubota, MTD, Murray, Simplicity, Snapper, Speedex, Wheel Horse. Engine manufacturers covered: Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Onan, Yanmar.

Lawn Care


Deer-Proofing Your Yard and Garden (1997) Rhonda Massingham Hart.
Easy Lawn and Garden Care: How to Maintain Your Yard and Save Time and Money (The Homeowner's Library) (1994) Maureen Gilmer, Editors of Consumer Reports Books.
Lawn Care for Dummies (1998) Lance Walheim, National Gardening Association (Editor).
Safe & Easy Lawn Care: The Complete Guide to Organic, Low- Maintenance Lawns (Taylor's Weekend Gardening Guides) (1997) Barbara Ellis (Editor), Frances Tenenbaum (Editor).
Smart Yard: 60-Minute Lawn Care (1995) Jeff Ball, Liz Ball.
Wild Lawn Handbook: Alternatives to the Traditional Front Lawn (1997) Stevie Daniels.: Mow no more! The "definitive guide to transforming the traditional grass lawn into a beautiful alternative lawn using native grasses, ferns, mosses, wildflowers, low-growing shrubs, and perennials."

Misc. Books of Interest

Boy Mechanic: 700 Things for Boys to Do/Book 1 (1912, reprinted 1989): Keeping the old traditions alive. No reason we shouldn't start girl mechanics out right these days, either, is there? A classic book.
Excavating and Grading Handbook (1996) Capachi & Capachi: ABCs of excavating and grading, with specific examples of common tasks and associated problems.
Heavy Equipment (1997) Erik A. Bruun, et al.: For conoisseurs of the "big stuff."
Moving the Earth: The Workbook of Excavation (1998) Herbert L. Nichols: 4th revision of Nichols' 1955 encyclopedic treatment of the subject of digging. Invaluable source of information on terms, equipment, procedures and practices, materials, regulations, safety, technology, etc. 1,400 pages.

Out of Print Books - Search Service Available

Care and Repair of Lawn and Garden Tools (1992) Homer L. Davidson.
Chiltons Tractor Repair Manual 8HP to 30 PTO (1981)
Compact Tractor Service Manual (1986)
Lawn and Garden Farm Tractor Trade-In Guide (1990)
One Hundred and One Ways to Get a Better Deal Buying a Used Tractor (1981)
Safe Tractor Operation and Daily Care (1981): Ag/vocational school text detailing the fundamentals of safe tractor operation, control and implement use, as well as routine maintenance procedures. A worthwhile primer for inexperienced tractor owners. Contents include: I. Understanding Tractor Operation, II. Preparing Tractors for Operation, III. Making Operational Adjustments on Tractors, IV. Driving Tractors without Equipment, V. Hitching and Unhitching Equipment and VI. Operating and Transporting Tractors. An alternate source for this book is available here.
Small Engine Repair: 2 Hp to 12 Hp/Repair, Maintenance, and Service Information for 2- And 4- Stroke Engines/Briggs & Stratton Clinton Kohler Tecumseh... (1993) Richard J. Rivele (Editor): Homeowners will appreciate this do-it-yourself repair and maintenance guide created specifically for weedwackers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and other small-engine machinery. Offers advice for diagnosis of common problems, storage, safety and more.
Small Tractor Service Manual Vol 1 (1975)
Small Tractor Service Manual Vol 2 (1988)
Tractor and Small Engine Maintenance (1983) Arlen D. Brown, R. Mark Strickland.
Tractor-Implement Systems (1986) Ralph Alcock.

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