I found a cat 30. The guy selling it says it is a 1925 and needs timed. According to the seller it cranks but does not run. I have included the pics I have. I have not seen it yet but I was hoping for some instruction as what to look for. The seller said the under carriage is 30 to 40%. I am not currently a cat owner but am excited to join the ranks.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Todd

It is no older than a 1926. That style top seat tractor did not come out until 1926. Other items that can be used to date the tractor if you do not have the serial number are.
Tube type or core type radiator. It looks like the radiator has been changed or worked on. It currently has the late core type.
Magneto, magneto brackets and magneto hood. There were three different magnetos used on the Cat Thirtys. A ZR4 Bosch, a G4 3rd edition Eisemann and a GV4 Eisemann. There were about four different brackets and five different hoods used.
Manifolding and air cleaners. There were two different manifolds and air cleaner set ups used on the Thirtys. There were quite a few changes in this area with brackets, tubes, elbows, locations etc. You have the late style manifold.
Recoil springs. Small and large. You currently have the early small type.
Carbs. Three different carbs were used. A Stromberg and two different Ensigns. The change between the Ensigns required some changes in the manifold extention tube and other tubes and eblows on the air cleaner and manifold system.
The serial number should be on a couple of tags riveted to the fenders. If it is not there I can post some pictures of were you might find it on the tractors casting.
The biggest problem of trying to date an old tractor off of the parts that it currently has no it, is what parts have been changed over the tractors 80 year life.
Thanks
Ken

Thanks for the reply. I will take pictures this weekend and post. Do you think a 30 would be a good machine to start learning and restoring? Are parts readly available for restoration on a 30?