what tractor for a 48 inch home built pull behind grader box?

Yellowfever440 · Apr 22, 2015

I have the option to buy a john deere 140 and I was thinking of putting it on my grader box kind of permanently. I have an x585 and when I use the loader it takes some time to switch all the weights off for the grader box and then I have to unhook the bucket hydraulics to run the box. So the loader is pretty much worthless at that point. Do you guys think the 140 would do the job it has a larger single cylinder Kohler in it than it should. It's probably a 16 hp or maybe an 18 hp Kohler if they made one.

beenthere · Apr 22, 2015

Probably it's a 14hp that the original Kohler engine was when new.
But a dedicated tractor for the grader box is the way to go.
If the 140 can't handle the box, then sell it and upgrade to one that can. All in the fun of getting things just right and handy.

A pic of the grader box would really be nice to see...

Yellowfever440 · Apr 22, 2015

ovrszd · Apr 22, 2015

I used to own a 140. In my opinion, the downfall is the age of the machine which means the engine probably has a LOT of hours on it. I gave up on mine after the second overhaul. Wasn't enough engine left to rebuild. They are a great little tractor and nothing wrong with the Kohler. Age gets us all eventually.

Any tractor you can find with hydraulics will pull your scraper. Some will just require more "carrying" the box than others. You didn't mention a budget, but I'd go as late model as you can afford. Hopefully getting into a multiple cylinder engine.

Assuming you built the scraper?? Good job. What's it weigh??

Keep us posted on your progress.

Yellowfever440 · Apr 22, 2015

I put the old tractor axles on the back for more weight, I'm not sure what the empty box weighs but it would be tough for 2 guys to load it in a truck.

View attachment 421968

That's the 140 I was looking at purchasing. I can get it for 300 bucks and that's the only reason for considering it. I wasn't really wanting to have another 5 to 10 thousand dollar garden tractor just for the grader box. If I would I would get another x585 or maybe a x595 for the diesel.

Even at 300 I will have to get hydraulic lines made and weights for it. Also that's not the seat that is on the mower right now. So there will be 500 or so in it. If it had the original motor it would be worth much more, but with the bigger motor it may pull better also.

ovrszd · Apr 24, 2015

I totally understand minimizing the investment.

With a drag scraper the disadvantage is it's a dead pull. Doesn't offer any traction to the tractor at all. That might be an issue with the 140. But you'll be in so cheap you can always get your money back if it doesn't work out. People are always looking for those old JDs for restoration parts. Go for it.

Yellowfever440 · Apr 24, 2015

Exactly what I was thinking, I have 2 sets of wheel weights and I could make a bracket for more weight if needed. Also just paying attention to the box and how it's pulling, I will still have the x585 for the harder or bigger jobs.