Theswampthing 8 #1 Posted July 26, 2013 A little background. I was given a 257H free of charge a few weeks ago. It's not exactly the tractor I wanted, but for free, it will at least be able to help out with some chores. I was told it ran 2 years ago, and it should start right up with some gas and a battery charge. So far we haven't been able to get it to run. It turns over, but slowly, and with some grinding noises. Not fast enough to even get a cough out of it. Not running is fine, if I had it at my house and had the room to tear it down. The other and bigger problem is that the tractor sits on the side of a very steep back yard, and the tow valve seems to be doing nothing. Dragging it out would be a very though endeavor to begin with, but will be almost impossible with the axle locked. The only way out is a steep path to a roadway. They lowered the tractor down with a pickup and chain, but it was running at the time. I'm thinking its going to stay in the yard and become someone else's headache. What say ye? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,171 #2 Posted July 26, 2013 Free is great but its not the most desirable tractor, its stuck in an unaccessable backyard, and its not a runner. Might want to move on and keep searching for what you really want. Mike........... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theswampthing 8 #3 Posted July 26, 2013 Pretty much my thoughts, as well. Just looking for someone to agree, hahaha. Now if it was an older, nicer looking, and more capable tractor, I'd figure out a way to get it home. It also would not be free. Still hate that I can't get it home. Not sure where the grinding is coming from. Doesn't sound like the cylinder, and the oil looks good. Maybe another hour or 2 tinkering with it, and then I'm calling it quits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
posifour11 723 #4 Posted July 26, 2013 Could be the starter gear. They're plastic and can get chewed up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoctorHfuhruhurr 137 #5 Posted July 26, 2013 (edited) The engines on them go for a few hundred because some John Deere tractors used them along with lots of walk behind mowers. Is it the original 17HP Kawasaki fc540v? That is a desirable and sought after engine (check ebay). At a minimum I'd take the engine. Also, you could always put a hand truck under the back end to help move it. Edited July 26, 2013 by DoctorHfuhruhurr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theswampthing 8 #6 Posted July 26, 2013 Yup, it's the Kawi. We considered getting the rear off the ground, but the yard is just too steep. If it got away from us, it would roll right into the house. The starter gear is a good idea. It didn't seem like it was skipping teeth on the flywheel. Just turned really slow, and putting a strain on the starter. The engine turns by hand, and doesn't make a sound. I'm guessing now that its a pulley. It's just not an ideal place to work on it. To give you an idea of the slope, if you sit on the tractor and lean a bit to the right, it will tip over. Also makes me wonder if the right side of the engine wasn't sitting dry. I just don't know... It's been sitting out uncovered. Snow, rain, all that good stuff. Rusty, corroded mess. It's s shame, as it would have certainly been a decent tractor to pull a wagon and plow until the hydro gave up the ghost. Kinds not worth the time to get it out of there, and tear it all apart because in not really all that into it. I'd take the engine, but its either taken out in one piece or not at all kind of deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theswampthing 8 #7 Posted July 26, 2013 The owners used it once. They had a cart full of dirt, and it and the tractor slid down the yard and thats where it sat since then. They are trying to build a retaining wall. No one will even build it for them because of the lack of access with machinery. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoctorHfuhruhurr 137 #8 Posted July 26, 2013 What about in pieces? I had to move a 257H with flat tires by myself onto a trailer so I know they aren't light and your environment definitely sounds like a much bigger challenge. Maybe if you pulled the engine and trans (and anything else you can remove) that may might lighten it up enough to move the rest with a dolly or hand truck tied to the back. Good Luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #9 Posted July 27, 2013 Well here is the thing to do. Get one of the rear wheels off and take the key out of the axle shaft, put the wheel back on and you should be able to push or pull it up the hill. Sounds like you need a four wheeler with a winch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
