Who still mows with vintage JD garden tractors?

[botamike]

Who all shuns the new stuff and mows with an older JD garden tractor from the 110rf's thur the 200 and early 300 series machines. I know of many 318's still in use, looking for older yet. I am looking to get a 110rf and put it back to work mowing my yard and tilling my garden. Mike

[tude]

I'm still using a JD 160 from the mid 1980's. My backup is a 1997 Kmart MTD that was given to me five years ago.

[tractchores]

I use a 1986 JD for mowing, don't remember the model though, its got a pressurized oil system though (for slopes) and has been unbelievably reliable for that whole time!

[stevevdg]

I use my trusty old 1975 300 all year round to look after our place. 49 snow thrower for winter, 33 tiller for spring and 46" mower deck with power-flo bagger for mowing. I did install power steering in it some years ago, and I have to say, always look forward to seat time. Turns chores into fun.

[botamike]

If I get my Allis b1 diesel project tractor sold, I may go look at a nice 214 thats for sale localy. Parts, espicaly the integral hitch and rototiller are a bit more affordable for those than the RF tractors. I used to my the shop I worked for lawn with a 214, that was a smooth running tractor! And it was beat to death. Hadnt had much in the way of maintance in a long time. I knew the owner on a personal level and got him to spring for a full tune up and new blades. I even got to do it all on company time! She ran better and started much easier after that. Right now I am mowing with an old Lawn Boy! Mike

[buickanddeere]

Have a model 110 and a couple of 56's around. Still use the LX188 with the hydrostat transmission. It's old enough now to be vintage. I'm eyeing up a 425 4WS/2WD that the divorcing neighbors don't want. Problem the engine was rebuilt but don't run worth beans. Depends on price, never liked repairing a bargain and investing more than what it's worth.

[botamike]

425's fetch a good price around here, for the right price I would buy it. Probably just a carb issue or they didnt get the valve lash set right. Mowed with a borrowed Ariens RER today, still trying to get my Allis project sold, I have 2 JD214's located near me, just need $$ Mike

[grnspot110]

My primary mower is an early 90's F525:



1980-314 for general towing, backup mower & snowblower:



1983-420 is mostly used for heavy towing, moldboard plowing & pushing snow:







grnspot

[vtsnowedin]

The small tractor in my avatar is a 312 from the 1970's It is keeping my daughters two acre lawn decent and it has a snow-blower I haven't tried yet. Good restore project for anyone with the time and talent. It was new to me this year so I'm not attached to it just figure it makes $45 bucks every time it dose he lawn.

[317140]

I still use a 73 140 to do a lot of my mowing. I have rental property and it is easy to transport. I repowered it with a Briggs Vanguard 18hp engine this spring. Now it mows terrific and has plenty of power. I also mow with my 317 and for big areas I use my 3520. But the one that I always head for first is my 140.