JD165 information

[OntarioCanada]

I have never owned a lawn tractor and would appreciate any information and opinions on a JD165. The plan is to get a lawn tractor to help maintain my recently purchased 1/2 acre property (quite flat, normal obstacles such as gardens and kids swingset). I am also considering a trailer to haul yard debris to a ravine close by for dumping.

There is one locally for sale, and all I know about it before going to look at it is that it is a 1985-1990, hydrostatic mower (38"), with a 13hp Kawasaki engine. I can also get a bagger with it if interested. The person selling it is asking $1150 or $1400 with the bagger.

A few questions such as:
-is this an adequate machine for what I want to do
-what should I be concerned about while inspecting it
-how dependable are the Kawasaki engines
-do these engines have a pressurized oil system
-I assume that parts availablity is not an issue, and I am mechanically inclined (have rebuilt lawnmower and car engines). Would it be very costly to rebuild the engine if required
-what type of attachments would be available

Thank you in advance for any information and please forgive my ignorance towards tractors.....which is really the reason I joined the forum.

 

[Engine_Tech]

The 165 was a good tractor. Hydro could probably stand an oil change by this point maybe. Pressure lube engine, very dependable and long lasting. A rebuild would be like any other engine, but normally the engine outlasts the tractor - so they are good for a long time. Deck bearings could need replacing by this time. If it's quiet when engaged, you are OK. Not terribly expensive if so (bearings are $40.00 total plus installation).

I will say that $1000+ is a bit high for these. Normally a 165 is in the $500 to $750 range as you can get a new hydro Deere for $1500. Yes, not as well built a tractor as the old one, but "new" and "2yr warranty" go a long way. Therefore, I'd talk down the 165 a bit.

Overall, a very fine lawn tractor.

 

[OntarioCanada]

Thanks for the reply Engine_Tech. He informed me that he hasn't had it very long as he bought it thinking his neighbours would want it. He did the carbeurator, idler pulley, changed the oil, plug, and filter with all factory Kawasaki/JD parts. While his tractor was being repaired he used this one for the last half of the summer and says it ran perfectly. His neighbours ended up not wanting the tractor at this time due to financial reasons apparently so that's why he is selling it.

If it runs as well as he says it is probably worth getting. I probably won't be able to see it til next weekend due to working all weekend and travelling for Christmas, but I'll let you know what happens with it.

Thanks again for your input Engine_Tech, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[JSR LLS]

My in-laws have had a JD175, similar to the 165, that they bought brand new. Their yard is about 1-3/4 acres. It has been properly maintained and just keeps on going. They run a bagger on it to collect leaves. It has been a good machine. Now that my father in law is gone, we have been urging my mother in law to get something newer and bigger so it doesn't take her so long to mow, but she doesn't want to part with the 175. Mostly due to sentimental reasons?, but also there is nothing wrong with it. Good luck.