Time to find a tractor

[OoPEZoO 604]

So my oldest “kid” just closed on her first house.  Nice property, about 1/2 acre, decent sized gravel driveway.  The previous owners are leaving them a JD L110 with some minor issues that will allow them to mow grass the rest of the season but is not the right solution. They need a proper tractor.  I’ve already decided I want to find/put a WH together for them…..or course this happens just weeks after the big show…DOH!  Anyway, son in law is mechanically capable (daughter, not so much) but I’m close enough to help with the learning curve.  Here are my thoughts, please feel free to add suggestions or ideas.

 

i think I’d like to find them a single cylinder tractor with a hydro trans and preferably hydraulic lift as well.  Something like a 314H or similar. 42” or 48” deck would get the job done.  Worst case, I could slap my old 36” RD on it. Also thinking a plow setup for winter.  I think that would be preferred over a snow blower due to the gravel.  Son in law is a chef, and they have had nice gardens at their previous places.  If it works out, I wouldn’t be surprised if they would be plowing out a decent garden in a year or two.  I was thinking this setup would give them the biggest flexibility with the least complexity.
 

not a help/wanted ad, just looking for input from anyone who has done something similar for someone

[squonk 47,215]

I would go with an older C series like a C-120. There is enough sheet metal and bits in the way on the newer 300 series when it comes to getting at the rock shaft connection when changing attachments. Plus I think the metal and paint is more durable on the older models.

[ebinmaine 79,462]

24 minutes ago, squonk said:

I would go with an older C series like a C-120.

 

I agree with @squonk..

 

1977 or older WILL BE easier to maintain, repair, and switch implements.  

 

I may be a little bit biased here seeing as how my whole fleet except 2 are older.

 

One of those two will be swapped to an older chassis. The other is The Ugly Bruce tractor which will stay as is. 

 

 

 

24 minutes ago, squonk said:

There is enough sheet metal and bits in the way on the newer 300 series when it comes to getting at the rock shaft connection when changing attachments.

 

  Anything 1978 or later.

24 minutes ago, squonk said:

Plus I think the metal and paint is more durable on the older models.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, OoPEZoO said:

Here are my thoughts, please feel free to add suggestions or ideas.

 

Too bad you're not a little closer. I've got quite a parts pile & assortment of implements here.  

 

[Brockport Bill 2,403]

knowing their preference as you noted - hydro tranny and lift and possible future attachment usage - plow - garden tiller etc is important ?

[c-series don 12,042]

Nobody can deny the ease of accessibility to the rock shaft on the early C-Series for changing from the lift bar for the plow to the lift chain for the mower deck. The general simplicity of all the C-Series makes them a good choice. More complicated electronically but I like them are the 400 series with the M-series Kohler 417,418 and 420. The GT-Series Work Horse are good too but only the GT-1800,GT-1848 came with hydraulic lift. Then there’s the……..wait a minute, who am I kidding? I like pretty much all Wheel Horse Tractors, just some more than others!! 

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

12 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

 

I agree with @squonk..

 

1977 or older WILL BE easier to maintain, repair, and switch implements.  

 

I may be a little bit biased here seeing as how my whole fleet except 2 are older.

 

One of those two will be swapped to an older chassis. The other is The Ugly Bruce tractor which will stay as is. 

 

 

 

 

  Anything 1978 or later.

 

 

 

 

Too bad you're not a little closer. I've got quite a parts pile & assortment of implements here.  

 

I agree with Erick and Mike on this. The early B`s were and are great tractors. Very stout well built. I was never a fan of it C series because of the shaker plate. I just thought that was a bad idea by them. I know I’m gonna get beat up on this but that’s just my  

Edited 5 hours ago by Retired Wrencher

[ri702bill 12,366]

As with any purchase of previously owned equipment, the key is to find one that is used, not used up....

 

[squonk 47,215]

Earlier C's have no shaker plate

[ebinmaine 79,462]

4 minutes ago, Retired Wrencher said:

. The early B`s were and are great tractors. Very stout well built. I was never a fan of it sea series because of the shaker plate. 

 

B & C Series are very similar.  

 

Early C series didn't have the shaker plate. 

 

That did not start until 1978. 

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

6 minutes ago, squonk said:

Earlier C's have no shaker plate

I am not an expert on the C`s Eric and Mike. So opps.

Edited 5 hours ago by Retired Wrencher

[Pullstart 70,363]

Congrats on their purchase Keith!  You have any extra Xi machines laying around?  We know those are quite beastly!  Maybe overkill for a 1/2 acre plot,  it I love the way mine plows a furrow, and it mowed well before too.  It also has a more modern mower feel with the step through body design.

[oldlineman 1,746]

I have a 1979 C-101 that I bought new, and have not had any problems with it, not even the SHAKER PLATE.  many many hours mowing and now moving snow each winter. Very good simple tractor.

[ri702bill 12,366]

I have converted both my C81's with the shaker plate to solid mounts - no more of the engine shifting with the PTO engaged. Funny how forty plus years of use turns the rubber portion of the 3-piece mounts into mush.

[Handy Don 16,875]

With a bow to all the “Early C” aficionados, I’ll second the 400 series, despite the slightly more involved electrics. My preference would be to stay with models having the Eaton 1100 hydro. We’ve found that the 8” and slightly wider front turfs are very lawn-friendly. 

Things I’d ask:

- Need to mow around or near lots of obstructions? Narrow passageways? This will drive width and the SD/RD decisions.

- Likelihood of a garden and scope of varmint protection needed? A tractor-mounted tiller is not compatible with a modest, anti-rabbit fenced garden.