Advice on a possible purchase

[jdpenngator 0]

Hi all, first time poster here. I'm sort of familiar with garden tractors. I have a 1987 JD 212 and a 1974 Sears SS16 that I'm restoring/rebuilding. But I'm new to Wheel Horse. So here I am looking for some experts' opinions.

 

I've been offered the opportunity to purchase my neighbor's 18 automatic/D180/?. I'm not sure what the year is. The hood only says "Wheel Horse" on it. I'll get the year from the engine (K482) when I get a chance.

Anyway, this tractor comes with the 3 point hitch, finish mower, cultivator, rear blade, and some other attachments that I don't remember off the top of my head. (maybe a front blade???) I had the opportunity to use this machine because our pasture was in desperate need of mowing and my JD 212 was down for repair. Here's where I need some help as I had never used one of these before and wanted to know if what I experienced was normal or bad.

First off it's missing some gauges, no biggie. Should be easy to replace. He recently replaced the rear end because the other one got torn up inside by a loose bolt. When I was mowing I noticed some issues. I had to constantly apply pressure to the arm on the right side to maintain steady forward progress. Without this, it would sometimes race forward and other times stop moving. At one point the engine died. I was able to get it restarted, but after awhile it seemed to lose power and would have trouble moving up a slight incline.

I know the 3PH is a very desirable feature and it comes with many attachments. I'm concerned about the engine needing work and the use of the right lever to have to drive it. Anything that I could check without tearing it apart? What do you think would be a fair offer?

I should mention that he has been the best neighbor ever. He has helped us on numerous occasions with some issues and will stop what he's doing to help. I don't want to lowball him, but I also don't want to get stuck having to invest a lot of money in another project. As a bonus I'm not too far from Ray's in Boyertown, PA, so I have a source for parts nearby.

Thanks for your help!

-John

I should also mention that he has two other small wheel horses with some attachments that he is willing to part with. I can get more info if anyone is interested.

[pacer 3,177]

I've had a 1975 D-180 for about 25 years and pretty familiar with some of its quirks. The forward/reverse lever relies on its pivot point for "feel" - where it pivots is a nut visable thru a hole in the side of the frame. Over time this will gradually wear/get loose? and the "feel of the fwd/rev is loosey goosey and the tractor will lurch fwd or slow down (the lurching fwd can be a bit scary) anyway, this nut needs to be just snugged up a bit - maybe a 1/4 turn (when you can feel enough friction so it'll stay in position) Last week when I used mine it 'lurched' fwd on me - rather startling - and I drove over to the shop and turne this nut about a 1/8 - 14 turn and went about my busness.

 

No help on the engine dieing.

 

This model is a brute of a work 'horse' I do stuff with mine sometimes that I cant believe would be possible - I love that thing.

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

I would explain to the seller that you're not that familiar with those tractors and ask him what he want's to get for it.  Or better yet, get a combined price for all 3 and come back and tell us the price and models of the other two. 

[Forest Road 594]

I don't have any experience with the D series. What I do know about them is that the pto on the 3pt turns at a higher rpm than the standard 540rpm. So any rear powered attachments would be wheel horse specific.These machines have been out of production for over 30 years parts are starting to get hard to come by.

That being said I wouldn't be concerned about parts for the engine. Carb, air filter etc.

As for those smaller Wheel Horses I can't say enough about them! I'm referring to the 8 speed transmissions, and some of the hydro trans. They're usually very affordable, bullet proof, easy to work on, parts are easy to come by. Oh and they fit in the back of my truck!

If he's a good friend I'd ask him what he wants. State any fears of owning and maintaining these machines. Doesn't sound like he's going to leave you hanging should you run into a problem. Good luck to you.

[chrisd200(inactive) 56]

I wouldnt take another tractor over my D200. I use it within its limits and it never lets me down and it always impresses me. I have other wheel horses, 8 speeds and hydros and they are all great machines. I personally really like the size, weight and strength of the D series. Lots of people will scare you to death with "issues" that the D series have been known to have but it is my experience that if used properly (like anything) they are great tractors. Just realize that its not a D9 dozer! As mentioned above you should be able to adjust the friction setting to eliminate the "lurching" feel. Lots of things could be going on with the engine but any of those problems should be repairable. I would be curious to know what your neighbor is thinking on price. Good luck!

[jdpenngator 0]

Thanks everyone! Based on my short talk with him the other week he was around $2000.  The only reason I'm interested is because 1. it has the 3PH; 2. it has a bunch of attachments; 3. it may be a good one to send up to my old man; 4. duh, it's a tractor! (My name is John and I'm a tractor-holic......)

 

I am a little concerned about the loss of power. But that could be something as simple as coil/points/condenser going bad and maybe dropping power to one cylinder (?).

[chrisd200(inactive) 56]

$2000 hmmmmm. How does it look and overall condition? Needs to be fairly nice for $2000 considering there may be an engine issue. Just my opinion though!

[Austin860 82]

I would say 2000 is to high, I think 1500 is much more reasonable, and he's not getting the short end of the stick either.

[AMC RULES 37,235]

 John...

we call 'em horse-a-holics here.    

Sounds like you've already been bitten by the   bug.

Good luck snaggin' that big D.    

Edited June 5, 2013 by amcrules00

[Austin860 82]

Did you end up purchasing this tractor? If so, did ya get the good price?!

[jdpenngator 0]

I didn't buy it yet. My current restoration is taking up all of my money right now. I decided to set myself up properly to paint safely with respirator and HVLP guns and DIY paint booth. I figure it'll last me for awhile.

 

BUT, that's not to say I won't purchase it in the future. Though, if anyone is interested in it I'd be more than happy to get them some information on it.

[Austin860 82]

Where are you located??

[jdpenngator 0]

Glen Mills, PA

[Austin860 82]

That's a little bit to far of a trip for me:/ about 4 hours to long