Just bought a G174 with a couple questions

[Mundy]

Robert Brown,
How do you go about determining the GPM requirements of the loader? Is there a formula for that? Or are you talking about referring to a manual for the loader?

 

[ToughAsStihl]

Prince PTO Tractor Pump 11.4 GPM, Model# HC-PTO-2A | Pumps | Northern Tool + Equipment
Mundy is this the type pump you were talking about for mounting on the front PTO shaft?

On the flip side, I found a larger tractor that I'm interested in. So I'm curious how much you guys think my tractor is worth.

Heres what the Craigslist ad from the seller I bought it from said.

Bolens-Iseki 17hp 4WD diesel G174 with front loader runs well. Exact year of manufacture unknown -- not listed on data plate -- probably around 1976. No time meter, probably around 1000 hours total; I have had it for 15 years. Rear 3point hitch with PTO, front PTO. Has some parts for belly-mount mower. New ag tires in 2002 have less than 100 hours. Some of the hydraulic lines may need replacing soon. Repair manual and extra fuel filter. I used it to clear several acres of rough brush and trees, and the field is a real field now. Although it has been kept outside, I have always had the engine covered, and I have always removed the battery and kept it inside when not in use. Battery is an Interstate that I bought last year; batteries have lasted me 7 years each time.

I'd say its in good shape. Theres some minor surface rust on some spots, but what would you expect from an older tractor? It starts right up and doesnt smoke, shifts really smoothly and everything seems to work properly.

Heres the only picture I have of it right now.

 

[elalexander]

Hi Tough, sorry your havin some problems. I have a G194, 1982 model with 1220 hours. Leonard, Lens12 is the man for parts, questions etc on Bolens Iseki's from what I have seen on this sight. I've attached a few pics of my tractor just so you can compare tires etc. The straight tread on mine, front end, came that way from the factory and my machine is 4WD.

As for the loader, I stumbled on this thread because I'm thinking of buying a new tractor but really all I need is a FEL and I had hoped to ask Leonard what he recommended etc. I can't trailer my machine to Indiana to his shop. (The better have says loader OK, new tractor ...we need to talk). Anyway, hyd fluid will and does break down over time. I know guys who have machines that loaders, 3PT. Hitch etc run fine on xyz hyd. oil. But put in ABC brand hyd. oil and nothing works. Spend the few bucks and drain and refill the hyd. oil. And as someone mentioned earlier, clean the screens, filters etc. For peace of mind I can't believe someone would put up with a very slow loader for 15 years.

 

[Mundy]

That PTO pump wouldwork but I am looking at something less expensive. Being front mounted I will use a shaft driven pump with a plate and adaptor shaft connecting to a PTO. The pump I have would cost about $125 to $140 from surplus center .com. My current issue to work out is Hydraulic tank. I want to use the sump that currently feeds the existing pump but it is proving to be a challenge. I may end up with a slim tank mounted to one of the loader uprights.

What color are the stickers on the side of your hood? I believe that will help date your tractor. I think red is 1978 and green is 1979 to 1981 or 82.

Around here $3500-$4000 would be high end for your tractor loader in Good+ conditions. Its hard to tell from the photo but from that photo I would rate it Fair to Good.

Put it on Ebay and see what it goes for. Tractors this size seem to do pretty well on Ebay.

 

[lens12]

"I had hoped to ask Leonard what he recommended etc. "
I have a used loader off of a G194 that I can ship to anyone interested.

 

[ToughAsStihl]

So how do I go about draining and replacing the hydraulic oil? I plan on doing a full fluid change tomorrow. So hydraulic, tranny and engine oil. I got a manual with the tractor but I dont know if its a service manual its not with me right now and I wont have it until tomorrow. So I'm just looking for how to do it and where the fill and drain plugs are. Also which fluid is recommended. I've read to use 90 weight oil or to use hydraulic oil, which is best? What and how much do I have to buy?

Thanks

 

[RobertBrown]

Tough
Your tractor uses hydraulic oil and gear oil. the gear oil goes in the transmission and the hydraulic oil goes in the hyd resevoir under the seat. Also look under the hood and on the bottom of the hood there should be some useful information regarding capacities and specs. Use a hyd oil equal or better than the John Deere spec(303). Most oils reference this right on the container. You will see the fill hole on the top of the resevoir under the seat. I can't remember where the drain is and it's raining here now and I'm not going to look, maybe tomorrow. Remember if you have bad oil or water in it, that stuff is going to be in the pump and hoses and isn't going to jump out of there for you so it's going to take a few drainandfills to get her fresh filled and any air purged out. You should see some improvement if there is going to be any.
You may want to look into a dirt scoop if you haven't already.
Below is a link to a manual on sale at ebay for about 10 bucks. It's on a CD. There are some available in print as well.
If you think you want to keep that thing your going to need all the info you can get.
I have a G192 and it's a well built, strong little tractor that has served me quite well. I have know doubts about the quality of an Iseki but I've bought a larger more servicable tractor which I believe will have lower operating costs over the long term.
Before you make any more purchases regarding this type of equipment i sugest you fill out your user profile and discuss your exact needs with the people using this website. You will find there are people here who have dealt with issues similar to yours and can help you make an educated decision about your next purchase.
I hope this helps because I have been helped several times by the users here and It would be nice to "give a little back".
Best of luck with you new/used machine
RB

BOLENS- ISEKI DIESEL SERVICE / PARTS MANUAL - eBay (item 350033284298 end time Mar-10-08 11:46:28 PDT)

 

[Mundy]

Tough,
Look in a manual to determine if you have a common trans Hydraulic system or seperate like Robert Brown says. I do not think the 174 and 194 are the same.
My nieghbor has a 154 which I am pretty sure is the same as your 174 but with a smaller motor. I think his trans is the hydraulic sump. I don't know for sure but that is what I remember.
As Len said to thick of fluid or a pluged screen would really slow things down.

 

[ToughAsStihl]

Sounds great. I'm about to head out to the shop and get started on a fluids change. Where should I get the oils? Theres a very large dealership that I've done a lot of other business with but they're a Kubota dealer. Will they still have the oils I need? I know there arent any Iseki dealers anymore but is there another brands dealership I can get parts through?

 

[Mundy]

Tractor Supply is where I get my oils. I have heard Wal Mart also. The Kubota dealer may be more expensive I don't know. Hydraulic would be something like JD 303 or Universal Tractor fluid. For gear oil 80-90W and winter engine oil I use Rotella synthetic 5W40.