Hour meters on tractors

[James paul]

Is it common practice to put hour meters on tractors back to zero after they have been overhauled/restored. I see old tractors advertised as having done a small number of hours since restoration and sometimes a picture of the hour meter showing the small number of hours.

 

[davidroberts30]

Maybe a new clock...

 

[James paul]

Maybe my question should have been: is it common practice to fit new hour clocks to restored tractors? Is there any reason to be wary of this?

 

[davidroberts30]

Probably broken many years ago

 

[MF 168]

A lot of old vintage tractors didn't have working hour meters for years. When they're been restored a new clock is often the only option.

 

[James paul]

If a seller says an engine has been restored/overhauled is there a quick way to verify this. For example, Can you tell from the sound of the engine ticking over.

 

[TripleSix]

If a seller says an engine has been restored/overhauled is there a quick way to verify this. For example, Can you tell from the sound of the engine ticking over.

Yes, it should start quickly and easily from cold, produce little smoke and have little blowby.
Should idle smoothly and pull well when driven.

You'd soon notice if it's a shagged out heap

Hours don't really matter on a classic/vintage tractor, it's all about condition.