New JD fan, have a question

[JDFANATIC]

hobbyfarm,

Wow! I guess you know that tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That's better than a $200 manual -- maybe you should send a bill! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Wow! I guess you know that tractor! )</font>

JDFANATIC,
Yeah, you have no idea. While I'm not obsessed with it, say like Tim Taylor - building a '31 roadster in the garage, I do go through this thing the instant something starts even feeling, acting or sounding funny. I don't fret over the small stuff like the paint or keep it waxed, but if it's mechanical, it gets TLC. I don't baby it at all, after all it is a tool. After use, I just get the compressed air and give it a good cleaning until all the dust is off. My biggest complaint, the tires. They are sorry. I need mesquite-proof tires. Lately, these have been needing more and more attention. I already have 2X the recommended amount of tire slime in them. I know that helps, but it isn't enough.
I wanted a tractor to last 15 years, and I got that out of it. The rest of its life is just gravy.

 

[gmsssi]

We need a picture for sure! Get out the camera........

 

[hobbyfarm]

Sorry gmssi,
I'm camera poor at the moment. (don't get me started about the Canons and Sonys) I'll see if I can get a decent photo with the cell phone. I've really been disappointed with its photos. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[KyleLevi]

Thanks for all the good info, hobbyfarm. Checking out the serial number, it appears to be a 1990 model, which makes it much older than the "less than 10 years" that the seller told me. I let him know that the info he was given was incorrect, and he has offered to make it right, ie give me full trade in value for a different tractor. The only newer machine he has is a 2004 Yard-Man with a 46" deck and 22hp Briggs. I test drove it lastnight and even though it is quieter, more powerful, tighter, easier to use, etc., the cut just didn't look as good as the Deere. The seller said that he knows of a JD 265 that he could offer me, he just didn't know the details yet. Does anyone have info on the 265? How would it compare to the 185? Am I right in ditching the Yard-Man? Thanks again!

 

[hobbyfarm]

The 265 is a step up to the heavier frame, cast iron front axle etc. It has the same engine as the 180/185.
Kawasaki FV540. This engine is so easy to love, it's totaly trouble free and very torquey. The more you use it the more you'll enjoy using this engine. It's really hard to find fault with the engine. The starter is massive, not to mention it starts very fast (and it always starts). The starter should last almost forever. It is as big as a Toyota starter.
It is a hydro tractor.
If the price is right, (even better than the 100 series.) Go for it!

 

[hobbyfarm]

I didn't even answer your question.

By all means ditch the YardMan. MTD does make fair equipment (at least the Cub Cadets), but the Deere is in a class by itself.
You could use this tractor for ten years, sell it and get most of your money back. That says it all.

 

[Damar1860]

I'm new to this so bear with me. I was just reading about the person with the 265. I've got a 260 (geared version of the 265). Have had it for 20 years as of last April. I've had the carb replaced about 10 years ago and have had to periodically replace some pulleys on the mower deck, but other than religious oil and filter changes and an occasional belt I can't fault it.