Looking at B-80 8 Speed

[hoarder 0]

I've been looking around for a cheap older tractor for cutting grass around the shop, I have a good used K241 motor here, so a running motor isn't a requirement.

I found a B-80 with an 8 speed trans for sale, its in fair condition, the deck looks a lot newer or was stored indoors and not used much, and the tires are all good. It originally had an 8hp Kohler but the guy used the motor elsewhere. He was cutting grass with it up to last fall, it was a running tractor then according to the seller.

He's asking $350 for the tractor minus the motor, does that sound high? Fair? He won't budge on the price.

Its got a larger deck, not sure exactly what it measures but its over 42". The motor I have is set up for a Wheel Horse already, clutch and all is still on it.

I don't have pics, no means to take them, at least not until I buy it short of going to see it again just to take pics.

There's no dents, no rust, some faded paint, good tires, chrome hubcaps, and no headlights, never had them.

Also, was there a hitch of some sort made for these? I'd like to use a sleeve hitch rear grader blade I have here too if possible.

Does the sellers $350 price sound right?

[leeave96 490]

$350 sounds pretty high to me. Don't know where you are located, but you might post an ad to the classifieds and one of the members here might have a decent tractor less deck.

Good luck,

Bill

[rmaynard 16,344]

:WRS: That price is too high for a B-80 without an engine. Although the B-80 was a great little worker, you can get a lot more tractor, complete with engine for that kind of money.

[Trouty56 567]

Up to you dude....but for me I check the whole tractor first......how does it look.....body, all parts working and all there, leakage.....you know... stuff like that. Then the engine is the top priority....attachments, tires, seat and stuff like that are secondary. So to me...I would never had considered it to begin with.

[Ken B 3,189]

Sounds a little high, but MAYBE not. Without seeing pics who knows, it might be pretty clean only needing a little elbow grease and some spit shine to look real nice. The deck being larger and as you say in real nice condition might be worth 2-250 on its own. If it has Wheel Horse chrome hubcaps and they are in nice shape you could sell them for 100 bucks pretty easy to recoup some cashola. You have a motor from a Wheel Horse so thats really not an issue. If the tractor is close to home there is some conveniance factor to add in as well.

Edited February 16, 2013 by Ken B

[Kelly 1,033]

With out a engine IF it is clean $100 tops, add more for a nice deck, 36" would be factory and don't bring much even in good shape $50-100 if the deck is bigger like a 42" they are worth more, if nice the deck can bring a few hundred $$ so IF a 42" and very nice add $100-150 or more but in reality a tractor with no engine, even with a deck, will only bring in nice shape $150, and even thou you have a Kohler it does not mean it will fit the tractor, there are different crank sizes and block base types, so oil pans may not interchange or fit the tractor correct.

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

I think you have recieved some very good advise. Let us know what you decide to do. Post some pics too if you can.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

I paid $150 at a local dealer for this '76 B-80 and all it needed was deck spindle bearings, an escutcheon plate for the headlight opening, and a good cleaning.

It was a one-owner, (prior to me) dealer-maintained tractor that was 95% original.

I think I managed to get $350 out of it when I sold it - running & mowing.

[Irv 115]

I paid $150 for this B-100 as you see it a while back. Of course deals like this are getting fewer and farther in between but if you're patient you can beat that deal.

[hoarder 0]

It sounds like this one isn't worth messing with.

I looked at another one, a B100 which smokes pretty bad at a local dealer but they want $500 for it and it don't have a deck.

Its about the same age. There's another WH for sale on a lawn not far from here but its newer, with a black top hood and headlights, its got a 17hp twin that's got a rod hanging out the side of it, they want $250 for that one without a deck. That seller said he sold the deck a few days ago for $350.

The first one I looked at has a mint deck, but the rest of the machine is only ok at best. all controls are stiff from sitting and the hood don't have a latch.

If I ran across one of those above I'd jump on it for $150, but so far all I've found around here for that kind of money is stamped steel junk.

On CL even the run of the mill Craftsman or MTD sells for $350 or more it seems. I won't buy another one of those, they don't last a season.

[hoarder 0]

I just called the original seller and he said its sold, so the one I asked this question about is gone anyhow.

I guess I'll keep looking, maybe deal will turn up before its time to cut grass again here.

I'd really rather find a turn key tractor, and I'm partial to WH because there's a parts dealer here in town.

Any other decent brand will require me to buy parts online or travel.

Having a decent deck is important since the area I have to cut is rough, decks don't last long.

The area is semi wooded and there's a ton of acorns and twigs all over the place and I've got a crushed stone drive that

blends in with the grass on the edges, so hitting the occasional rock is inevitable.

Cheap machines get torn up fast, the last Sears machine lasted only 2 seasons before the steering broke and one deck spindle broke off.

The property borders on oak woods so it'll never be a manicured lawn, I just need to keep the grass down.

I don't need big hp, all I'm doing is cutting grass, and the larger the deck the better. It took me four hours to cut with the Sears mower with the 38" deck.