John deere 185 hydro???

[coobie]

I have been looking at used lawn tractors most of the summer for the wife.I found a (1986)John deere 185 hydro with 38 inch deck,17 hp Kaw.engine,296 hours in mint condition for $700 bucks.Are these good lawn tractors?Is this a fair price?Thanks for any information.coobie

 

[jgl1962]

Hi,
I have had a 185 for 12 years (and it was 10-12 years old when I bought it) that cut a rough/hilly 1.5 acres for us with 46" deck.

We didn't give it the best care but did change the oil plug and filters every season. Kawasaki single is smooth and powerful and bullet proof.

I have had to replace deck bearings and hydro fan blades and ignition switch over that time thats it.

We did just buy a Craftsman 54" 26 HP mainly because the deck is bigger and the tractor is bigger (I felt like a gorilla on a tricycle on the JD.

Didn't have the $ for another 10 year old JD so thought we'd try the Craftsman.