My new G154 tx1300

[Ilikeurtractor]

...And I didn't mean to imply Sams prices were unfair, I'm sure he's right on...

I'm not picking any one side, but I find myself questioning the value of parts too and need to remind myself of what I stated previously at times. When you get a tractor for cheap which I have also, it's hard to justify spending what appears to be significant amounts on parts for it. But you have to keep it in perspective which it looks like you are. The main thing is that you now have an opportunity to enjoy fixing it up and having some fun with it. If you're willing to take the time to find parts or pick up another machine these can definitely be cheap (i.e. good value.)

I wouldn't worry about running it with the wheels it has, just keep it out of 4wd unless you're in some slippery stuff.

 

[DaffyJeffy]

Yeah I completely agree. My Johnson resto is the same; I really start to question the money/time I'm putting in it. But at the end of the day, I really enjoy working on mechanical things and I don't think there is a modern equivalent in terms of quality. I love old stuff.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

To your point, I just bought a 1974 Yamaha snowmobile that has nothing mechanically wrong with it. I paid $500 and felt like I got ripped off when the guy, who was asking $600, jumped at it. In the world of snowmobiles I probably did get ripped off but when I consider what I bought it for which is to pull my kids around the yard on inner tubes, it seems like a steal. A new sled runs $7k+ and really isn't designed to do what I want (go slow). Yes, there is no comparison between what I bought and a new sled, but I can't stop and feel bad about spending $500 for it. I collect and use vintage chainsaws too. They work fine for what I want and I enjoy learning the history behind them. I can see how the outboards would be the same and have heard a lot about them from others who follow them.

 

[DaffyJeffy]

That's pretty funny. I was given a Polaris 1989 Indy Trail Deluxe with a hole in one piston. I was going to do a full resto because the Fuji 488 fan-cooled engine is one of the most reliable snowmobile motors ever made. But I currently have it on craigslist for $300. I just don't have the time...and now with this tractor...

I also own a 1952 Homelite chainsaw which was one of the first ones they made. Engine is not seized and I want to get it running for fun. I live very close to the Maine forestry heritage museum Maine Forestry Museum located in Rangeley Maine and they have a great collection of old saws. I've talked with many old timers who took part in the last log drives on the rivers around here. I find logging history very interesting. Used to own a wood/work a wood-lot myself.