So, my very first real tractor has fallen into my hands. An Iron Horse 224 with a FEL. It has significant issues, but does run well and the price sure was right.
I got the whole package for $3300, including
1) Iron Horse 224 Tractor w/ Front End Loader
2) 3 point 5 foot bush hog
3) 3 point Rear blade
4) 3 point Auger
5) 3 point double plow
6) 1 point disc harrow
The FEL alone is worth $1800 in my opinion, and its in great condition, the bush hog another 800 or so, etc.
Im no stranger to doing some work on my own stuff, but this is a bigger class of machine than ive worked on before. My previous largest machine was a Simplicity Sunstar garden tractor.
The issues i've identified so far:
1) The clutch needs adjustment
This one seems to be well documented, and i have no concern that I can do it. Its not grinding though, but the engage point is very very narrow and its tough to get in gear. Thankfully my FEL is the quick attach version, so i can get it off easily to get to the clutch viewing box pretty easily i think.
2) The hand throttle is very very sloppy, and has no holding power ( falls back to idle without keeping your hand on it, and has about 6 inches of play where it does nothing)
I understand theres an nylock nut someplace under the cowl that should fix this up?
3) The fuel shutoff pull knob is disconnected
4) The starter solenoid is disconnected (the PO was starting it by jumping the positive battery cable to the solenoid every time! crazy)
5) The taillights are disconnected
6) there is a random blue wire under the dash thats not hooked to anything thats gonna be fun tracing out.
7) I may have a 3 point cylinder lift leak. The rear blade wont stay up for more than 30 seconds. It also may just be a poorly adjusted valve (the knob under the seat). Rest of the hydro system is fine. FEL/Power Steering, Etc.
8) Needs new front tires
9) Needs some fiberglass repair, nothing some bondo wont fix up.
10) Ignition may or may not function, cant tell until i get the solenoid hooked back up
11) Front headlight needs replacing
12) Quick attach loader "legs" for when you take it off are missing. I think i should be able to make some up out of square tubing no problem.
13) Left foot rest needs a weld, the bolt snapped off
Thus far thats all the issues i've identified, while i believe i certaintly will need some advice from you fine folks, and a good amount of research, im confident i can get her fixed right up. She's an older machine, a 2004 with unknown hours (its rolled over to 4 hours, i imagine that means 1004, or someone messed with the hour meter), but for the price i think I did well. No rust, always kept inside. A large number of mostly small issues it seems. Previous owner seemed to have no idea how to do maintenence or fix things, or drive her for that matter.
What do you guys think? Any advice on the issues (specifically the throttle one)?
Pictures worth 1000 words:
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I got the whole package for $3300, including
1) Iron Horse 224 Tractor w/ Front End Loader
2) 3 point 5 foot bush hog
3) 3 point Rear blade
4) 3 point Auger
5) 3 point double plow
6) 1 point disc harrow
The FEL alone is worth $1800 in my opinion, and its in great condition, the bush hog another 800 or so, etc.
Im no stranger to doing some work on my own stuff, but this is a bigger class of machine than ive worked on before. My previous largest machine was a Simplicity Sunstar garden tractor.
The issues i've identified so far:
1) The clutch needs adjustment
This one seems to be well documented, and i have no concern that I can do it. Its not grinding though, but the engage point is very very narrow and its tough to get in gear. Thankfully my FEL is the quick attach version, so i can get it off easily to get to the clutch viewing box pretty easily i think.
2) The hand throttle is very very sloppy, and has no holding power ( falls back to idle without keeping your hand on it, and has about 6 inches of play where it does nothing)
I understand theres an nylock nut someplace under the cowl that should fix this up?
3) The fuel shutoff pull knob is disconnected
4) The starter solenoid is disconnected (the PO was starting it by jumping the positive battery cable to the solenoid every time! crazy)
5) The taillights are disconnected
6) there is a random blue wire under the dash thats not hooked to anything thats gonna be fun tracing out.
7) I may have a 3 point cylinder lift leak. The rear blade wont stay up for more than 30 seconds. It also may just be a poorly adjusted valve (the knob under the seat). Rest of the hydro system is fine. FEL/Power Steering, Etc.
8) Needs new front tires
9) Needs some fiberglass repair, nothing some bondo wont fix up.
10) Ignition may or may not function, cant tell until i get the solenoid hooked back up
11) Front headlight needs replacing
12) Quick attach loader "legs" for when you take it off are missing. I think i should be able to make some up out of square tubing no problem.
13) Left foot rest needs a weld, the bolt snapped off
Thus far thats all the issues i've identified, while i believe i certaintly will need some advice from you fine folks, and a good amount of research, im confident i can get her fixed right up. She's an older machine, a 2004 with unknown hours (its rolled over to 4 hours, i imagine that means 1004, or someone messed with the hour meter), but for the price i think I did well. No rust, always kept inside. A large number of mostly small issues it seems. Previous owner seemed to have no idea how to do maintenence or fix things, or drive her for that matter.
What do you guys think? Any advice on the issues (specifically the throttle one)?
Pictures worth 1000 words: