Starter motor missing on MF35 diesel

[Ian-was-here]

Inherited it from my pop and while it's got plenty of history, it's missing the starter motor. I've heard hand cranking is possible on older diesels like this but I'd rather not risk it the hard way. Has anyone tried this or is there a safer alternative to get it running again?

 

[RosesArePink]

It's not like it's impossible, but I wouldn't do it, at least to the diesel. The petrol ones are a different story. Try to find a starter from a junkyard or ebay or something. You could try to pull it with another tractor to start it, but it creates a lot of stress on the driveline, so It's not the option I'd recommend

 

[Ian-was-here]

Yup hand cranking a diesel sounds like asking for trouble and Id rather not risk snapping something or myself. Pull starting with another tractor could work but I get what you're saying about the stress on the driveline. Guess I'll hit up junkyards or eBay to track down a starter motor. Any suggestions on what to look for in a good used one? @RosesArePink

 

[Bob H]

Inherited it from my pop and while it's got plenty of history, it's missing the starter motor. I've heard hand cranking is possible on older diesels like this but I'd rather not risk it the hard way. Has anyone tried this or is there a safer alternative to get it running again?

Are the starters, by any chance, the same as the Gas MF35s?

 

[Ian-was-here]

I honestly have no idea if they are interchangeable. Still, it would open up a world of possibilities for my search if they were.