looking at a new acquisition

skylarkguy · Apr 22, 2012

Hi,
So I ran into a "barn find" of a G154. I'm considering trying to pick it up. What I'd like to know is about the availability of parts for this tractor. I am familiar with the KE70 Mitsu engine that is in it, I have the same motor in my MT372. The engine might need rings. Beyond that though are there any parts that are impossible to get? What are the general impressions of those folks that have one of these tractors. This has a FEL but comes with no other implements. Is the PTO CW or CCW?

NHmitch · Apr 22, 2012

The PTO turns CW. It has three speeds, 472, 752, 1177 and the tractor is a 15 horse, but with a lot of punch. It has 6 forward speeds, and two reverse. High and low gear, 4WD, diff lock, starts on the coldest day. I have a G154, and its a little tank. I love this tractor. Some people will tell you that parts are hard, or impossible to find, but that really is not the case at all. Some items like the rims can be a bit tougher to find, but with some research, you can find them without a problem. We can help you on the forums to find the parts that you need if you need any at all. There is an established parts network, and you really have a bonus with this tractor since it has a loader. My tractor has been incredible, and it should be very similar to your MT372. Iseki makes a great tractor, and I don't think that you will be sorry for one minute make this purchase. Hopefully you can get the tractor, and clean it up. I fixed mine up, and I use it every day. I used it today to haul about 2000lbs of dirt and gravel, lifted a concrete well cover off, and plow our garden. Very long day, but I spent it on the back of the tractor, and it makes life so much easier. I really think that you will enjoy this model. Let us know if you get it!

Mitch

My G154 after paint, new decals, and ROPS.

gdigger · Apr 22, 2012

I have a G152 and it is a great tractor, lots of power for a 15 HP always cranks and lots of fun

Ilikeurtractor · Apr 22, 2012

You'll find your 372 and the G154 to be pretty much the same machine for all intents and purposes. No the parts aren't identical/interchangable except for engine parts, but parts are about the same difficulty to get which I consider to be moderate only because there are limited suppliers. Some parts *can* only be had from "donor" machines (i.e. certain gears, frame components, and others), but that wouldn't stop me from picking either of those machines up as I don't believe the hard-to-find parts you'll need to look for. All of your consumable items can be had fairly easily.

As an FYI, I've heard the Iseki front 4wd axles are a bit more robust than the Satoh front ends of the similar style (the ones that use u-joints going to the front wheels) so that may be a bit of reassurance for you. I have an S373D that uses a different style front axle with no u-joints going to each front wheel (i.e. no "pumpkin" at each wheel) and it appears to have held up well over the years. I just want to point out there are some variations out there on axle designs among this size tractor.

284 International · Apr 23, 2012

Ilikeurtractor said:
As an FYI, I've heard the Iseki front 4wd axles are a bit more robust than the Satoh front ends of the similar style (the ones that use u-joints going to the front wheels) so that may be a bit of reassurance for you. I have an S373D that uses a different style front axle with no u-joints going to each front wheel (i.e. no "pumpkin" at each wheel) and it appears to have held up well over the years. I just want to point out there are some variations out there on axle designs among this size tractor.

What are the front ends of the Iseki like? Do they use CV joints instead of U-joints, or are they spindle-gear styles ala Yanmar? I have a Satoh ST1440 that I have always though was virtually identical to the S373; I don't know if it uses U-joints or not. I'll post some photos tomorrow. I am curious if it is the same as your machine.

NHmitch · Apr 23, 2012

This is a photo of the front end of my 4wd Bolens G154 if this helps at all? Also, from what I can tell. the tires are larger in on the Bolens G154 than whats on the MT372. The front tires on the MT372 are 4-9, and on the G154, they are 5.00-12. The rear on the MT372 are 8-16, and on the G154, they are 8-16. I guess the rear tires are the same. The Satoh ST1440, and the G154, do look very, very similar. I think that they modeled these tractors off of each other in Japan when they were first built. Do you have any photos of your Satoh? Thanks,

Mitch

284 International · Apr 23, 2012

The only photo I have of the front of my ST1440 is this one, and unfortunately it isn't high resolution or at a good angle. It is beside my Yanmar 1401D, the equivalent machine. Both are 14 PTO hp, 2 range with 3 forward speeds, 3 cylinder engines with 3 PTO speeds.

The Satoh is slightly smaller, but the Yanmar is nearer the camera and has a loader, so the difference is not as large as it appears.

NHmitch · Apr 23, 2012

They are both nice tractors! I think that your Model Yanmar will be my next tractor. The G154 is 15hp, and I think that most of the parts are very similar. I just put a Yanmar steering wheel on my Bolens, and an electrical part came from a Suzue Tractor, another neat tractor. I like the loader that you have on the Yanmar, do you know who made that? Thanks for the photos!

Mitch

284 International · Apr 23, 2012

I don't know who built the loader, but I'm suspicious it is a Bulldog loader, as I also suspect this may be a Vietnamese reconditioned machine.

I don't care: this loader is superb. It lifts relatively high, and will go well below grade, too.

Having had both, there isn't much to choose between the 1440 or the 1401. The next size up, my Yanmar 186 (1510 in the grey versions) is significantly more tractor. If you have option, buy one of those.

I'll take some shots of the 1440 tomorrow.

Skylark guy, we have totally hijacked your thread. Sorry about that. Did you decide to pick it up?

skylarkguy · Apr 23, 2012

No worries on the Hijack, the conversation was valuable. I guess for me I have no particular brand loyalty. The I idea of having 2 machines with the same engine is appealing. I pitched it to my wife and got a tentative thumbs up, so I'll go back to the owner with an offer.

I did get the "we don't want to end up with a barn full of junk lecture" though so this might be the second and last tractor for a while...but implements don't count as junk right? :laughing:

I'll post picts if it make it home...