What's green, yellow and white?

inspectorudy · #1 09-13-2013, 01:12 AM

I am. I rebuild and sell John Deere tractors here near Atlanta simply because that is the most popular brand and they sell easy. I have learned a lot about the JD garden tractors and have come to admire them for the period that they came from. The early garden tractors had front auxiliary hydraulic outlets and two sets of levers for their control. They had hydrostat trannies and hydraulic rockshaft lift systems all of this in the early eighties. Some like the 318 had power steering as well. They also came with all steel parts and no plastic until the nineties. That was some accomplishment for the period. I have now bought, rebuilt and sold about 7 JDs and have learned a lot about them. But when it comes to mowing my yard and hauling my wagon around I prefer my 1811! The tranny is smoother and there is no "Creep" when I put it in neutral like almost all of the JD's have had. Now that I have added power steering to it it drives as good as the PS JD's do. And even though I have had many engine types including two Yanmar diesels I still like the M-18 for its power and response. Fuel use not so much. The Yanmars are sippers compared to the M-18. I also think that the CC 1811 has a better seating position than most of the JD's that I have used. Although the latest one that I just finished,JD 455, has adjustable steering wheel and a nice adjustable seat. I guess if I had ever gotten to see one of the CC GT's I would probably see how much they are like the JD's. Here is my latest product a JD 455 diesel. One thing for sure is that if I had not traded in my JD130 for the 1811 I would have never gotten into this mess!

Sam Mac · #2 09-13-2013, 06:34 AM

Rudy

I moved this because it really has very little to do with a Cub other than a comparison. I have to agree with you about this era being a high point for both Cub and JD. Nice looking Deere you have there. Too bad that the south east seems to be such a strong hold for Deere. Hard to find decent Cubs here.

Leadslingingdaddy · #3 09-13-2013, 06:58 AM

Just sold a repowered 420 beast.... The JD crowd likes to spend green on green....

Sam Mac · #4 09-13-2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leadslingingdaddy

Just sold a repowered 420 beast.... The JD crowd likes to spend green on green....

You did what?

Muzzy · #5 09-13-2013, 10:00 AM

I have a JD 317. It's a rugged tractor. I use it for plowing snow and pulling a yorkrake.

Shaner · #6 09-13-2013, 10:28 AM

i got a John Deere 110, 210 and 140H1. the 140 walks circles around anything else ive owned.

inspectorudy · #7 09-13-2013, 01:03 PM

I have seen a 1650 for sale for a while now and it has a broken front axle. He's down to $400 but I think he would take $200. Can anyone give me some views on the 1650 and is it worth restoring?
Thanks,
Rudy

ACecil · #8 09-13-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspectorudy

I am. I rebuild and sell John Deere tractors here near Atlanta simply because that is the most popular brand and they sell easy. I have learned a lot about the JD garden tractors and have come to admire them for the period that they came from. The early garden tractors had front auxiliary hydraulic outlets and two sets of levers for their control. They had hydrostat trannies and hydraulic rockshaft lift systems all of this in the early eighties. Some like the 318 had power steering as well. They also came with all steel parts and no plastic until the nineties. That was some accomplishment for the period. I have now bought, rebuilt and sold about 7 JDs and have learned a lot about them. But when it comes to mowing my yard and hauling my wagon around I prefer my 1811! The tranny is smoother and there is no "Creep" when I put it in neutral like almost all of the JD's have had. Now that I have added power steering to it it drives as good as the PS JD's do. And even though I have had many engine types including two Yanmar diesels I still like the M-18 for its power and response. Fuel use not so much. The Yanmars are sippers compared to the M-18. I also think that the CC 1811 has a better seating position than most of the JD's that I have used. Although the latest one that I just finished,JD 455, has adjustable steering wheel and a nice adjustable seat. I guess if I had ever gotten to see one of the CC GT's I would probably see how much they are like the JD's. Here is my latest product a JD 455 diesel. One thing for sure is that if I had not traded in my JD130 for the 1811 I would have never gotten into this mess!

That's a nice JD!

Cubcrazy · #9 09-13-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspectorudy

I have seen a 1650 for sale for a while now and it has a broken front axle. He's down to $400 but I think he would take $200. Can anyone give me some views on the 1650 and is it worth restoring?
Thanks,
Rudy

A 1650 is a beast Rudy! Darn right it's worth restoring!

johncub7172 · #10 09-13-2013, 04:11 PM

But, at a time leading up to the JD318 was along way away from the IH Cub Cadet Original. IH has had among the very best, strongest garden tractors made. That took JD quite a while to figure out belt drive is not so superior to the IH Cub Cadet drive line and Farmall Cub transmission.

But as an American tractor manufacturer, JD is alright by me! I would most likely go the other rout if I ever decide on a bigger tractor. Like a JD model B !

I would restore the 1650! That garden tractor has a transmission as strong as your JD 455D, and most likely a better one too!