Jacobson lawn tractor question

Shantycoke · Sep 11, 2007

My brother is in need of a tractor. I know a fella who has an older Jacobson, in beautiful shape for sale. I know it's a 10 horse, and it's a little bigger than your run of the mill lawn tractors. Anyone with any info or opinions about these machines would be doing me a favor letting me know what you think.
It's for sale for $500.00. Thanks,guys.

Fordlords · Sep 12, 2007

If it's a Chief 1000, and in good shape, it's well worth the money. Provided nobody has cracked the mower deck by running it in to things, they are aluminum and don't rot out, many still running strong 35+ years old. The Chiefs had a hefty transaxle, and a good belt drive arrangement. Even with just the 10 HP Kohler, they can handle heavy tasks. These were also built under the Ford badge. My grandfather had one of these that I was supposed to get, but before I could one of my cousins stole it out from under me and abused/destroyed it. Still PO'ed to this day

-Fordlords-

rgc53 · Sep 12, 2007

Jacobson :
I bought a new 18 h.p. Jacobson back in 1987 with mowing deck
and snowblower , good machine ran well , sold it 2 years ago !
I sold it because parts were getting scarce ! , Textron Industries
went out of business a few years ago , most parts could be
fabricated by a machine shop if you had too !
the only part you need to be concerned about is the electric clucth
once it wears out you will not be able to buy another one !

RGC 53

Fordlords · Sep 12, 2007

If it's one of the older Chief models, (800, 1000, 1200- late 60's early 70's) I believe the PTO is a manual engagement type. The newer 1980's Jacobsens (sort of nerdy looking with real huge hoods) are considerably different from the old Chief models most of those had standard steel decks and electric PTO's, but still decent machines.

All the attributes of classic tractors can apply. It might not always start and run like a new machine, parts can be scarse, but they are definitely built better than anything made today and many can still outperform new machines of today.

-Fordlords-

Lindblom Lawn Care · Sep 13, 2007

Jacobson still makes equipment for golf couses any more. I haven't used a Jacobson product for about 12 years now. They were well built machines. I would think parts are becoming scarce.