Questions about a JD 214!

Chipster · Sep 2, 2010

I have the opportunity to place a silent bid on a 1985 214. The tractor was purchased new by the small city I work for. It was used to mow about 1 acre and push snow in a small lot. It has since been replaced with a new model this year. The city has emailed its employees to give them first whack. I get one chance at it and am not sure what it's worth.

The tractor was kept inside a heated / cooled garage bay its entire life. I've been with the city for 12 years and know that we take very good care of our equipment.

Here's the catch: Everything works except its being listed as having problems with the transmission and / or rear end. It simply stopped moving one day. Everything else is fully functional including the Kohler 14 HP engine, 48" deck, snow blade, etc. It comes with wheel weights and tire chains as well. It looks extremely good for it's age.

My first question is what's it worth with the "suspected" problems?

Second question is what could cause the problem and what do I need to fix it?

Actually one more question: Does anyone know what other capabilities this tractor may have other than the deck and blade. I dont know much about JD garden tractors, especially one from 1985.

I have until 9-14-2010 to submit my bid.

Thanks in advance for any information!

BruceWard · Sep 2, 2010

You can find parts diagrams and prices at Untitled Document

Chipster · Sep 2, 2010

Thanks for the info but it takes me to a page where i have to sign in. It appears to be a JD website. Ive checked the JD website but cant find any info for models not made any more. I think a model 31 tiller works with this tractor but cant find much info on what it takes to attach it. Im guessing some belts, hardware, lifting mech., etc.

Pricing is my real concern. If its worth fixing, I'll bid. It appears I need a new rear end????

BruceWard · Sep 3, 2010

You can register an account at https://registration.deere.com/serv...s.view.servlets.maincontroller.SessionStartup

There is a whole transaxle on Ebay for $150 JOHN DEERE 214 212 210 TRANSAXLE - eBay (item 260618563732 end time Sep-09-10 19:56:14 PDT)

The JDPC does not have an attachments list. It has these diagrams of the transaxle

Chipster · Sep 3, 2010

Thanks for the info!

Still looking for an approximate value if anyone knows.

beenthere · Sep 3, 2010

When they explained it "stopped moving" I would first suspect that the variator stopped working, and that it isn't the tranny. They can get out of adjustment and also hang up when not used very often. They are fairly easy to work on.

Should be worth $500, in the non-running "condition" it is in. Might get it for less, but not if someone else knows the problem and how easy it is to fix. If indeed it is the tranny, then a replacement should not be hard to get. I'd expect they can be found in working order. Those were pretty solid tranny's. I see it as to your advantage that they indicate a tranny problem.

The Kohler engine condition would be the biggest worry. And it sounds like that is ok.

I had a JD 212 and it was a very good, solid lawn tractor. Likely it doesn't have hydraulics, but the speed variator allows you to vary the ground speed in any gear without changing the rpm of the motor.

Here is a schematic of the variator parts.

I sold my JD 212 for $500, and have seen them (and JD 214's) sell for $1000.

Ledgemere Farm · Sep 6, 2010

agreed. About 500 bucks and the variator is the first thing to check. There are two drive belts on it. Also, if you move the variator with the engine off, the thing won't move until you fiddle with it a bit. I have a 214 and a 112. The transmissions and drivetrains are nearly identical.

There were tons of Deere and aftermarket attachments available for the 214: mowers, tillers, blades, sickle mowers, bagging systems, sleeve hitch attachments, snowthrowers, 540 PTO, etc.

Parts are available and the 214 is built better than anything you will find on the market today in it's class.