Iplayfarmer
Super Member
What's a 1969 John Deere 140 garden tractor worth. I've got an opportunity to buy one. They guy is asking $400, but I'm not sure it's worth that.
'69 John Deere 140
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I went on my lunch break to look at it. It's complete...snow blower, mower deck, all associated blades, pulleys, belts, etc. It's an H1. There's just the one set of hydraulics out on the front. It's got the manual for the tractor, the mower, and the snow blower.
There's evidence of patched scratches on the fiberglass hood. The guy's wife, who showed it to me said that it leaks oil. She said that the last guy that worked on it said there was a crack in the head and that might be where the oil is coming from.
Also, after she started it up to show it, there was a nice size puddle of hydraulic fluid coming out from under the front hydraulic fittings.
Knowing all that, what would you say the price should be?
There's evidence of patched scratches on the fiberglass hood. The guy's wife, who showed it to me said that it leaks oil. She said that the last guy that worked on it said there was a crack in the head and that might be where the oil is coming from.
Also, after she started it up to show it, there was a nice size puddle of hydraulic fluid coming out from under the front hydraulic fittings.
Knowing all that, what would you say the price should be?
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I wish I'd read your post about a half hour earlier. I just offered the guy $300. He said he'd have to think about it.
The blower and deck seem to be in pretty good shape. The seat was pretty torn up, though.
$300 is about my breaking point. If he accepts the offer I'll be pleased. If he rejects it, I'll won't really be too bummed about it.
If I had more time I may be more excited to buy this thing. As it is I'm just making an offer because I think the 140 could be very good for me and my place once I get it fixed up real good.
The blower and deck seem to be in pretty good shape. The seat was pretty torn up, though.
$300 is about my breaking point. If he accepts the offer I'll be pleased. If he rejects it, I'll won't really be too bummed about it.
If I had more time I may be more excited to buy this thing. As it is I'm just making an offer because I think the 140 could be very good for me and my place once I get it fixed up real good.
About a year ago my mom told me a co-worker of hers had a JD 140 for sale, and I went to look at it. It was quite beat up, and would need a full restoration, but it had potential. I offered him $300 for it which I thought was generous, and he looked at me, insisting as it was a, "classic," it was worth much more. I smiled at him, and walked away. The tractor still sits moored outside where I looked at it that day.
There is a difference between a classic and what is just plain junk. I think you made the guy the right offer.
-Fordlords-
There is a difference between a classic and what is just plain junk. I think you made the guy the right offer.
-Fordlords-
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
They guy countered and we agreed on $350 for the tractor, a mower deck, a snowblower, two sets of blades for the mower, wheel weights (cement) and chains. I also got the manual for the tractor, the mower, and the snowblower.
He insisted that the hydraulic fluid was just a matter of his wife not hooking up the hoses correctly. I'm inclined to believe him. The oil leak is still a big deal, but it doesn't seem to affect how the thing runs. That's something I will be tackling down the road here a ways.
I'm sure I didn't get some phenomenal deal, but I think it was fair to both of us.
He insisted that the hydraulic fluid was just a matter of his wife not hooking up the hoses correctly. I'm inclined to believe him. The oil leak is still a big deal, but it doesn't seem to affect how the thing runs. That's something I will be tackling down the road here a ways.
I'm sure I didn't get some phenomenal deal, but I think it was fair to both of us.
bontai_Joe
Platinum Member
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During the winter, you will seldom see the model 49 snowblower attachment sell for less than $300... You got a really great deal in my opinion! Are the wheel weights really cement? or just a rough cast iron? or are they much newer than the tractor and are cement incased in plastic? The reason I ask is the old cast iron weights are ALWAYS over $100 a pair on Ebay.
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Okay, I lied. Or rather I was mistaken. I didn't get a book on the mower deck. That third book is a service manual. That's even better.
The wheel weights appear to be homemade of cement. It was dark by the time I got home last night, but my recollection is that they are cast out of cement with some kind of blue pipe or tubing used for bolt holes. No real monetary value there, but weight is weight when it comes to traction.
The wheel weights appear to be homemade of cement. It was dark by the time I got home last night, but my recollection is that they are cast out of cement with some kind of blue pipe or tubing used for bolt holes. No real monetary value there, but weight is weight when it comes to traction.
ovrszd
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I gave my ole 140 to my Son ten years ago. He mowed with it until it wouldn't run any longer. It sat in his backyard for two years and last winter he sold it for $100. The older gentleman that bought it has restored it. It's good to see it still providing service!!! They are a grand old machine.
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I've used mine a little since I got it home. The thing fires up on the first try every time.
It came with a 2" ball on the hitch, and I've used it to move my smaller flatbed around. The transmission creaps when it's in neutral. I've read the service manual that came with the tractor, and I know how to fix it, I just need to find the time.
Try hitching a trailer on a tow vehicle that creaps. That's fun.
I did find out, however that a 3 cylinder engine out of a Geo Metro fits nicely into these JD 140 tractors.
...Maybe someday.
It came with a 2" ball on the hitch, and I've used it to move my smaller flatbed around. The transmission creaps when it's in neutral. I've read the service manual that came with the tractor, and I know how to fix it, I just need to find the time.
Try hitching a trailer on a tow vehicle that creaps. That's fun.
I did find out, however that a 3 cylinder engine out of a Geo Metro fits nicely into these JD 140 tractors.
...Maybe someday.dangier_VA
Silver Member
Iplayfarmer,
I came across this thread where you had acquired an older JD 140. Do you still have it? I am rebuilding an older 140 for a neighbor. You said yours creeped in neutral-what was the fix? The shift lever guide bracket only has holes for the bolts, no slots. Is there an adjustment in the linkage? After getting the engine started, ours creeps backward.
Also have a question about the trans release under the seat-the orings appear to leak when the pump is off. When running, they seal and do not leak. Pulled one valve out of the pump top and could not get it apart to replace the orings. Any experience with this? Have not priced new relief valves-expect big dollars.....
Many thanks,
David
I came across this thread where you had acquired an older JD 140. Do you still have it? I am rebuilding an older 140 for a neighbor. You said yours creeped in neutral-what was the fix? The shift lever guide bracket only has holes for the bolts, no slots. Is there an adjustment in the linkage? After getting the engine started, ours creeps backward.
Also have a question about the trans release under the seat-the orings appear to leak when the pump is off. When running, they seal and do not leak. Pulled one valve out of the pump top and could not get it apart to replace the orings. Any experience with this? Have not priced new relief valves-expect big dollars.....
Many thanks,
David
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Sorry I can't help you much. I sold this old girl off a while back, and I never did attempt any of those fixes. If I remember correctly it seemed there was a way to adjust the hydrostat shift lever at the base of the lever rather than at the top. It's been a while, though.
grnspot110
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For the creep, there is a cam in the linkage under the tractor. You need to loosen a bolt & adjust the cam. Sorry, don't have a 140 anymore to give better directions. ~~ grnspot110
dangier_VA
Silver Member
Haven't fixed the 140 creep yet, but did find a trans release valve cross reference to the original hydraulic pump (Sunstrand), on another tractor forum. JD wants $115 for each valve (there are two). LJ Fluid out of Delton, Michigan will sell the same valve for $58 each. Ordered two and they came yesterday. Look the same as the JD original. Going to install today and will post contact info.
dangier_VA
Silver Member
JD trans release valves for 140 hydrostatic.
Thanks to MyTractorForum.com... Sauer- Danfoss (Sundstrand) part number 3103132, now $58.00 each.. LJ fluid power Delton michigan Phone 269-623-4150 ask for LJ or Kevin...
I talked to Kevin and he knew exactly what I needed. Packed and shipped same day UPS.
Excellent service!
Thanks to MyTractorForum.com... Sauer- Danfoss (Sundstrand) part number 3103132, now $58.00 each.. LJ fluid power Delton michigan Phone 269-623-4150 ask for LJ or Kevin...
I talked to Kevin and he knew exactly what I needed. Packed and shipped same day UPS.
Excellent service!
dangier_VA
Silver Member
Trans release valves from LJ Fluid power arrived and were the exact replacements at half the JD price. Machine works well without making puddles on the floor!
Also fixed the creeping problem-There is an excentric 7/8" bolt on the linkage connection at the transmission with a 7/16" center bolt. Just loosen the 7/16" bolt slightly with the engine running and tweak the 7/8" bolt forwards or backwards to stop creep. Then tighten the 7/16" bolt. Works better with the seat pan off, although I think it could be done with the pan on-just hard to get at.
Great little machine!
Also fixed the creeping problem-There is an excentric 7/8" bolt on the linkage connection at the transmission with a 7/16" center bolt. Just loosen the 7/16" bolt slightly with the engine running and tweak the 7/8" bolt forwards or backwards to stop creep. Then tighten the 7/16" bolt. Works better with the seat pan off, although I think it could be done with the pan on-just hard to get at.
Great little machine!
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
No doubt about that.
Glad to hear you got it worked out. Post pictures if you have them.
