new forum member from NJ and PA.

[02603sec]

Hi all. I sold my 214 a few years back, it lasted on CL about 12 hours. $200. It was all there, but the
K321 was spent, you could eyeball the cavitation in the cyl sleeve. Don't know how many hours, but it was a 1983and I beat it hard. I also had and still have a 98-99 25hp Bobcat ZTR with 1750+ hours. I keep the ZTR at the other property (3 acres) and use a lawn service for where I live (4 acres, 1+ mowable). I never thought I would be back in the garden tractor market. I need the tractor to tow a cart which may be filled with stone, debris, firewood, as well as the occasional mowing. I have a 200' gravel sloped driveway. The slope here is 10% or more, lots of trees and usually wet and muddy. My mechanical skills are as good as or better then most home owners, I have shop space too. I am all over the map as far as making a decision. I've found projects. I've found box store tractors, I've found a guy that has a number of older JD 200 and 300's, as well as a 430 and a 455. He would rebuild to order. I don't want to spend that much. Anyway, it looks like there are a lot of used 100 box store series tractors available locally. ARE They (boxstore 100's) any good used? Can I tow firewood uphill? or am i just going to tear up the lawn and get stuck? Any suggestion is helpful as I am trying to re educate my self.

 

[02603sec]

I forgot to mention, there is a 1943 Allis Chalmers C in the back yard if anyone is interested. The engine will have to be R&R'd.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Welcome to TBN from Montgomery County! You might want to re-post in the Lawn & Garden section.

I would not count on a box store tractor to tow firewood...........

 

[kensnelling]

Anyway, it looks like there are a lot of used 100 box store series tractors available locally. ARE They (boxstore 100's) any good used?

They are only going to be as good as the previous owners maintained and treated (or mistreated) them. Anyway, welcome to the forums from Oklahoma.

Ken

 

[dlc2305]

Hi there, I'm new also so my info may not be of help. Take a look at the JD 300 and 400 series (I have a 317 w/loader). Good old machines, heavy duty, easy to work on, good availability, many being parted out on EBay. Look for 318 (power steering) or 420. Not all equip. is interchangeable so research what you purchase. I had a dealer that refuse to sell me a loader for the 317, said I wouldn't be able to do anything. I've moved >50 yards of dirt and more firewood with the old brute. No power st. on the 317 but I just put the bucket down; lift and turn the wheels. Also took some adapting since made for the 318. The 420 and above has PS, locking dif. and I believe 2 speeds. Good luck, I hope this helps.