1967 JD 112 opinions

[natjwest]

I am in the market for a lawn tractor. Basically I need a powerful mower and some high-traction tires. On my local CL, a guy is selling a 1967 John Deere 112 which he says "runs great".

My question isn't about this specific tractor for sale, but a more general question. Without seeing the unit, which of these categories is more likely for this tractor to be in:

A. Oldie but goodie. They don't make them like that any more. Should something need fixing, parts are available and the machine is easy to work on.

B. A money pit. Parts hard to find or nonexistent. I could end up spending more time working on it than using it.

I am NOT interested in "restoring" it, and I'm not a JD fan. I just want a real solid machine to do some work. I hate buying new/retail so wondering if something like this is a good model to look at.

Thanks folks.

 

[natjwest]

Oh the follow-up question is if this old 1967 112 is a better tractor for me than a newer late 1980's 175/185. They're both functionally sufficient for my needs, it's just a question of the durability/maintenance of each.

 

[JerryK]

I had a JD 114, 14hp Kohler single lung'r, with a hydrostatic transmission. It was a real solid tractor in it's day. Parts are still availible. If you could get a real good deal on it it might be worth it, but it is an old tractor...and I personnally would be hesitant to rely on it for my regular mower. The new overhead valve motors are more fuel effecient, and you might be better off in the long run going to Home Depot or Lowes and buying one of their lowest price tractors. They last a good 8 years if you don't whip them too hard.

 

[beenthere]

I'd go for a JD 212 before going with the 112. Don't think JerryK meant hydrostatic transmission, but may have meant the variable speed drive.

Here is a video of the 112. Three speed tranny with the variable speed drive in each gear (plus reverse).
John Deere 112 - YouTube
Should still be a good solid tractor. Can't answer your question about parts other than the normal wear parts are usually available. The Kohler engines are good rebuildable units if the short block is ok.

Normal for a seller to say "it runs great" when selling, but there is a reason he/she is selling.

 

[JerryK]

I'd go for a JD 212 before going with the 112. Don't think JerryK meant hydrostatic transmission, but may have meant the variable speed drive.

Here is a video of the 112. Three speed tranny with the variable speed drive in each gear (plus reverse).
John Deere 112 - YouTube
Should still be a good solid tractor. Can't answer your question about parts other than the normal wear parts are usually available. The Kohler engines are good rebuildable units if the short block is ok.

Normal for a seller to say "it runs great" when selling, but there is a reason he/she is selling.

Sorry, got the hydrostatic right....but it was probably a 214... Been a while, and I am getting old and decrepit... I used it for years, then bought the 420 Onan hydro I have now.

 

[grnspot110]

A 67 112 would have an HH100 Tecumseh engine, a parts problem!

To get in hydrostats you would need a 140 or 300 series. ~~ grnspot

 

[natjwest]

Good to know about Tecumseh vs Kohler. I will ask the seller why he's selling and what engine it has. I don't need/want hydrostatic. Any opinions about a 185/175?

The seller of the 112 wants $800 which does not qualify as a "real good deal" to me.

 

[beenthere]

You will find two things with many of the older Deere.
* they were well built and last a long time
* they hold their resale value, and not surprised at the $800 price tag. But expect $400-500 it will sell.

The Model 212 that I had was in very good shape, and I sold it in the middle '90's for $500. They are about twice that now if in real good shape. That was a 12 hp Kohler. The 110's I had were also Kohler, and didn't remember that the 112 had a tecumseh. Sorry for the mis-info.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

if you had one with the Kohler, parts wouldnt be an issue. The Tecumseh has limited parts available. They were a great machine in the day, but if it's worn out, it's worn out and you could expect to put some serious $$$ into it. I have a 110, a 112 , a 212 and a 214. I fixed them up because I enjoy it. I still have a newer GT225 that I rely on. The others are just antiques and when something goes wrong, they get parked until I get around to fixing it.

 

[JerryK]

Heh, I am NOT LOOSING MY MIND...!!! [ well, most of it is there..just mixing up the numbers some ] It was a JD 140 hydrostat with a 14hp Kohler. Here is a picture with the blade and 200 pounds of AllisC weights on the back. Just in front of it is my 1991 JD420 HST Onan 20hp, behind is an old B I was just finishing up rebuilding, and to the right is a trailer that came with the 140...