anyone into vintage garden tractors ?

[rfuerst911sc]

Tomorrow I'm going to go look at a Case 444 garden tractor it's a 1971/72 vintage. It runs and has a 14 hp Kohler engine with a 50 " mowing deck. It needs restoration but I can use my current modern Cub Cadet to mow until I get the Case up to snuff. I just like the way it looks and the hydraulics are a bonus for some added attachments. In my opinion when it comes to garden tractors they don't make them like they used to.

[billh1963]

Absolutely! I'm an old Cub Cadet and IH man.... Cub 125 with hydraulic lift, two Cub 149's, and an IH 782. I've had other models; but, kept my favorites!

[LEAKYSEALS951]

OH YEAH! Another excuse to post pics of my 40 year old garden tractor.
Although I have to say, these older tractors are a lot more fun (at least for me) when viewed as a fun project (like an older porsche), not a daily driver. When I was depending on these as my only tractor, I HATED them, but when I got a newer tractor, now I love tinkering on them as a project. Also, you mention 14hp kohler. That's what I've got, but I really miss the 16 hp kohler I had, and secretly I want to install a newer 20-30 hp engine. It's been done- a part of the fun of the project! Watch for rust on the deck and assume all pulleys/ bearings need replacement. The beauty of these is that they are one hell of a lot cheaper than 911's and there is no real concours crowd, just old 55+ year olds and beer guts. Good stuff indeed!

oh yeah.. rust in the gas tank. I'm assuming a 70'ish has a steel tank. Make sure the tank is clean. A rusty tank or a tank with moisture leaking through the gas cap will ruin your day. Also, just go buy a new carbuerator. Don't fiddle with the old one. It is probably worn out. The original carbs are expensive, but the walbro's are cheap and will retrofit a k321 kohler engine. You can find them on fleabay.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c198/DUALRESPONSE1731/ford%20lgt%20145%20snowblower/_MG_9164.jpg

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by billh1963

Absolutely! I'm an old Cub Cadet and IH man.... Cub 125 with hydraulic lift, two Cub 149's, and an IH 782. I've had other models; but, kept my favorites!

I have a soft spot for older Cub's as I was selling them back in the late 70's ! I think the last one I sold was a 1650 that was a nice machine. I currently have a newer model 2165 it has some good stuff from the old days like cast iron front axle and good hydrostatic transmission but the quality of the paint is horrible. In general they just aren't as heavy duty as they used to be. They started the downhill slide when MTD purchased them.

[rfuerst911sc]

leakyseal that's a fine looking restoration you have there and I'm sure the snowblower comes in handy with that long driveway.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

good link for kohler tuning info. Also... not pushing a new carb, or specifically the walbro, but the ones they make now have low and high idle adjustments like the kohler carb. Just saying, because my original kohler carb was completely warn at the butterfly linkage, and air was sneaking in at the butterfly shaft making adjustment impossible. It took an engine rebuilder sticking it in my face to show me that carbs can actually wear out. You might not need one, but if the engine runs like #$%, don't spend too much time tinkering. Life is too short....
Here's the pdf. This manual was big $ back in the 70's . Lotta basic info, but then it shows you how to tune the carbs in the last 1/2. Gotta love the internet- free!
adjustments.http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_1346_c_all.pdf

[VincentVega]

Wow, very impressive. I'm new to the game and have just been looking at this point. I mow with a walk behind so really only am interested in one with a snowblower and/or plow.


LEAKYSEALS951, amazing. Love it.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Tomorrow I'm going to go look at a Case 444 garden tractor it's a 1971/72 vintage. It runs and has a 14 hp Kohler engine with a 50 " mowing deck. It needs restoration but I can use my current modern Cub Cadet to mow until I get the Case up to snuff. I just like the way it looks and the hydraulics are a bonus for some added attachments. In my opinion when it comes to garden tractors they don't make them like they used to.

Fuzzy memory but is this one of those hydraulic drives? They worked but very slowly. The pump was quite the power thief from the engine and could get quite oily with just a small hose or line leak. Cool and unique. Nice to see those still interested in stuff like this.

Ps. In the family auction last year. Lots and lots of antique and weirdo garden tractors now mostly gone. All sorts and configurations, little tiny Struck crawler to GE Electric tractor. Bolens with sulky, Simplicity articulate chassis, David Bradley trike (single wheel rear drive). Some all cast iron and scaled down design but look like full size ag type tractors. Fun if one has the time tinker.

Even had a very early and could say primitive 4 cycle engine push mower. Scary just looking at it. Big metal wheels in the rear, none for the front. A metal base for the engine to sit one, mostly a wide open, non covered rotating blade! One would just teeter the machine slightly rearward and balance it, start the motor and cut away.

[pavulon]

would take a JD 430 but had a 445 and would want a 455 if those qualify as vintage...

[Embraer]

we've had a slew of old tractors. the Bolens was my fav

[rfuerst911sc]

Yes the Case uses a hydraulic drive not to be confused with hydrostatic. I am not familiar with this drive system but it seems very simple. I don't plan on racing it so speed not an issue. Especially if I convert it to a one/two cylinder diesel ! While I am going with cash in hand and my trailer in tow that doesn't guarantee I'll buy it. I'll let you guys know later today.
I've had my eye on a JD 317 also but the price is higher and it's missing side panels and front grill. It appears to have a Gen II Kohler twin cylinder engine which is a much better engine than the Gen 1. Also never ruling out an older Cub but they seem more scarce around here.

[wdfifteen]

I have an old bullet nose David Bradley that I plan to paint up and carry around in the back of my '47 Dodge truck. I have used it to disc and cultivate. It's an underpowered, slow, heavy beast.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Yes the Case uses a hydraulic drive not to be confused with hydrostatic. I am not familiar with this drive system but it seems very simple..

Hydraulic drive uses a constant volume hydraulic pump as opposed to the much more efficient variable displacement pump on a hydrostatic drive. Hydraulic drive moves a lot of oil, creates a lot of heat, wastes a lot of power.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Sounds like you will do well with either the 444 or the deer, but 2 quick things to consider if you are on the fence about which to choose.
One- is your yard flat or on a slope? If it is on a slope, you might want to consider the tractor with the lower engine for center of gravity. My grandad had a cub cadet with a high engine, and it was unstable on inclines. My dad's fords and the Deere I think have lower engine centers of gravity. I don't know how high the 444 engine sits. Again- might not even be a factor.
Two- rear attachment points. I think the deer can take a 3 point hitch. Here's another self gratuitous pic of a 2 point hitch I made, daughter and a basket I use on my LGT. You may not be interested in that kind of stuff, but the rear basket on mine has been awesome.
Post pics if you buy it!
R

Also to VincentVega, if you get a tractor, just get a blade, the snowblowers are very labor intensive and catch rocks. I restored it for the fun factor, but usually use a blade unless the snow is super deep.

[jwasbury]

I have a JD 420 which I work pretty hard maintaining a 13.5 acre property in PA.

60" mower deck, 3 pt hitch, 48" snowblower attachment, and a rare JD#4 log splitter attachment.

I added a Kubota B2320 to the stable earlier this year...not vintage though, it's a water pumper

[rfuerst911sc]

My lawn is fairly flat so center of gravity not a concern. My lot is only 3/4 acre so these are over kill including what i have now. We will see what happens i am leaving in about 15 minutes.

[Skytrooper]

I've had a couple old Speedex tractors that I restored, used, then sold. My son used to use the Speedex when he was about 10 to follow me turning over the garden. I'll try and find the pics .

[kolo]

this thing is a monster
Some words of warning I saw last year for a Gravely with a bush hog
"It will mow anything it can knock down, including you"

[rfuerst911sc]

Well I'm back but with an empty trailer The tractor was pretty much what the pictures showed with a good amount of surface rust on the tin but everything was solid. I didn't like that the tractor was running as I pulled into his driveway, he stated he left the key on overnight and drained the battery. OK . The motor did run very well with no strange noises it was strong. I did restart it a few times and she fired up good. He stated in his ad that the mower deck spindles were tight..........I grabbed the blades and with all my might couldn't get them to budge AT ALL ! One tire was going flat as I was standing there, major leak it needs new tires. Hydraulics worked good transmission seemed good........no brakes ! So he was asking 600.00 I countered with 400.00 and he came back at 450.00 . I just couldn't go that extra 50.00 because in the back of my head I hear a Cub Cadet or JD calling my name. So we shook hands and I came back home. No big deal I burned some diesel in the truck but she needed some highway miles anyway So my search continues.

[targa911S]

another green machine. JD 330 Upgraded to H2 hydraulics, Yanmar 3 cyl diesel. 1980, has a brass plate. Best tool I have ever bought.