18 automatic

[rustyoldjunk 127]

i found a 18 AUTOMATIC same as a D180 ?,i think.its close to home,it runs and mows good and has a snow plow with it.the tractor looks good to,like its been kept out of the weather.my questions are what are problem areas to look for with them and is $500 a reasonable price?

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,606]

Yes, the 18 Automatic was basically a D-180, but was built in 1973, so it had the identity crisis of the 1973 no name line up. I'm not sure of what things to look for, other than the basics, except I heard the transmission might have been a little weak for that size tractor. Someone could correct me there if I'm wrong.

As to value, again as in these cases, it's hard to judge a price without pictures and it's hard to say what you're willing to spend and how much you want it. Only you know that. That's why Karl posted this: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=3553

I would add that I don't think that price is too bad at all. :banghead:

[Nick 13]

I would also say that sounds like a fair price for a working tractor. Now if it has a 3pt then it would be a real good price. :banghead:

[rustyoldjunk 127]

unfortunately no 3 point and the steering is loose but thats about all i could find wrong with it.

[wh500special 2,269]

... and the steering is loose but thats about all i could find wrong with it.

It's pretty rare to find a D that doesn't have loose steering. Unless you can make a half rev or more of the wheel, probably will be fine for you. I think the gearbox can be tightened up some too, but haven't personally messed with one.

There are a few subtle variations between the 18-Auto and the early D's, but they are mostly cosmetic.

A few functional differences to note: I think the distance b/t the frame and hood is about a 1/2 shorter on the 18-auto and I don't think the grilles are interchangeable, but aside from some dashboard differences everything else is about the same. I think the releif valve for the transmission was omitted on the 18-Autos too. And, it will have the 3/4" front spindles instead of the later 1" pieces unless they have been replaced (if it has the 3/4 inchers, don't put a loader on it).

If it runs $500 is a good price.

Steve

[rustyoldjunk 127]

i noticed it has has the 3/4 inch spindles and thought that was odd.another interesting thing is it has the 6 lug 15 inch rear wheels with 27 9.50 15's dont most of the D's have the 12 inch rears?

[wh500special 2,269]

Yep, 12" rear tires (26x12-12) were more common, but the larger diameter ones you found on this were available as an alternate. I have owned a lot of D's but never had one with the taller wheels. They have got to provide better traction than the big turfs I've always been stuck with (D's are kind of light on the rear).

Steve

[linen beige 15]

That doesn't sound bad for a running, mowing 18 auto. If the steering can be tightened, and the tranny works well that's better. If the blade has a good wear bar, good skids, and all the adjustments work properly, that's better. The D blades used a spring loaded lift bar on the snow blades that allowed for limited down pressure. I don't know if they were used on the 18 auto, but if so, and it has that part, that's better.

The Ds were a little light in the rear for the wide tires. having the narrower rear tires should help it grab the ground a little better.

[rustyoldjunk 127]

thanks for the help guys.one more quick question.is that tranny a little weak for the size? does it need to be babied?