Sparky-(Admin) 19,593 #1 Posted November 8, 2015 After selling off many tractors to "streamline" my stuff (down to 4 machines from a max of 14) I decided to focus on finding an 854. I'm picky and not interested in driving across the country so it'll be awhile before the right one shows up and I'm not in a rush either.....but in the meantime I found this 314-8 for a couple hundred buck on Craigslist and only 20 minutes from home. Do you think I could not buy it and instead focus my time and $$ on the elusive 854....nope....it came home with me! She has a whole lotta hours on the clock (but I'm sure the key was left on for most of em right ??). The deck is quiet for a change....the battery is shot as usual and of course it needs a carb replacement (major play/slop in the throttle shaft). The seat was destroyed and the steel pan cracked real bad but in stock I had a nice seat with armrests. I have like 4 sets of cast weights sitting around collecting dust so it'll get a set of those....and I have a five position 48" plow that hasn't seen the light of day in about 6 years so it will get that as well. It was a filthy mess (check out the furry dipstick tube )when I brought it home but with a bit of elbow grease it cleaned up alright for a machine with 1800+ hours on the meter.Pics of course....Mike.......... 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,237 #2 Posted November 8, 2015 Nice find Sparky...looks like the PO had it sitting next to a dryer vent. She cleaned up nice. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #3 Posted November 8, 2015 Nice find.Thanks for the photos! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #4 Posted November 8, 2015 A man has got to do what he has to do! I don't blame you one bit!Besides, we can't help it! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,116 #5 Posted November 8, 2015 (edited) For a couple hundred buck who wouldn't have bought it! Funny you mention 854... We haven't run my son Cole's 854 since the Big Show and earlier today we fired her up and hauled some wood with it. Darn, no pics though. Edited November 8, 2015 by Ken B 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,954 #6 Posted November 8, 2015 I'm gonna have to say no Mike. Because, no matter how I work the numbers...I find no way to make 314-8 equal 854. But, I do think it's a nice score though. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,985 #7 Posted November 8, 2015 Here you go. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,066 #8 Posted November 8, 2015 That is a nice fine. As usual all good deals are north of the Mason-Dixon line. Have fun getting it in shape. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,154 #9 Posted November 9, 2015 that thing looks nicer then my 314 with 300hrs i would say the key was left on a couple times nice find 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #10 Posted November 9, 2015 That cleaned up real nice Mike! Well worth it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,593 #11 Posted November 9, 2015 Thanks guys for all the compliments! I'm on a travel in Virginia for the next two weeks....once I get back a new carb will be waiting for me and I'll get all the snow-removal gear mounted up (with pics of course).Mike.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,887 #12 Posted November 9, 2015 Nice find Mike. It looks like it will be a nice winter project for spring flip. I do it once in awhile for some thing to do. Enjoy it what ever you do with it. Nice Garage I like the tractors posters in the background. Good luck on you search. Now start you daily routine of C/list E-Bay and here. Gary B. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coadster32 793 #13 Posted November 9, 2015 Nice find. Hopefully you'll find the 854 you've been after. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlwaysLookin80 1,308 #14 Posted November 9, 2015 (edited) I love 854s. Nice 314 Edited November 10, 2015 by J.A. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,897 #15 Posted November 9, 2015 Nice economical find. I see it has the bagger rack and the double pulley, did you get it with the deal? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,593 #16 Posted November 10, 2015 Nice economical find. I see it has the bagger rack and the double pulley, did you get it with the deal? Sorta....the guy sold me the bagger for another $50 and it was promptly sold.Mike..... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,051 #17 Posted November 10, 2015 I'd a bought it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,015 #18 Posted November 11, 2015 Nice score Mike! I really like the 312's and 314's. They are a nice machine to do just about whatever you need. That one cleaned up real nice. Looking forward to those pics with it outfitted in the snow gear! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites