Low boy

CCNoob13 · #1 03-26-2014, 12:10 PM

Hey all, not sure if this is the right area so feel free to move it but a few questions. I'm going to look at a couple of lowboys this Saturday and wanted some advice. First off what are some if any known issues or key things to look for/ at to help determining a good price? Secondly, assuming they both run well and the decks are in usable shape ready to work, what is a good ballpark figure to expect to pay? I plan on turning whatever I get into my parade piece. Thanks and any help and advice is much appreciated!

J-Mech · #2 03-26-2014, 02:09 PM

Are you looking at a straight Lo-Boy? Or a 154, 185, 184??? They are very different.

Make sure the engine clutch is in working order.... otherwise, it's just a tractor. Same as buying anything. No matter what people tell you, they aren't expensive to fix (if you know where to get parts). Yes, they are a tractor so they cost more than a cub does to fix but they aren't bad.

I have no idea what you are expecting to pay.... but sale prices can get into the $2K range depending on area and condition. That said, I just bought a 185 and a 154, and lets just say I don't even have $1200 in both together.

CCNoob13 · #3 03-26-2014, 07:34 PM

they are both 154's. the gentleman has $1700 on one and $1800 on the other. Both come with a 60"deck only differences are one is red with the original turf tires, that's the 1800. The other is cub white and yellow has ag bar tires that he says show some cracking so that's the reason for the $100 less. I am new to these "tractor" cubs but have wanted one ever since I got yellow fever. Ill try and snap some pics Saturday when I go to take a look at them. ps, hows that quote coming jonathan? lol thanks for the info btw

gt383mag · #4 03-26-2014, 08:23 PM

paid 1100 for my 154 has three point and brand new king cutter back blade run like new smoked a little. my 184 i paid 500 for lady said smoked and pto clutch didnt work turns out pto was fine and motor has rod knock. stole dual brake pedals and creeper off of it for the 154. 154 has ag tires and 184 had wide turfs
got them from same lady came with 2 haban decks and a cub 50 deck. love my 154 cant decide if i want to put loader on it or the 782d leaning for the 154

gmbadgley · #5 03-26-2014, 08:31 PM

Great machines! Personally I like the yellow over the red. Look for a creeper drive, remember those machines only have a 15 hp motor in them. The one I had also had a 3 pt.hitch, worth it's weight in gold.

Greg

cadzag72 · #6 03-26-2014, 09:39 PM

Around here they go for 1500-2000. We also have the people who try to sell them for 3500-4000, and they never sell. It sounds like the prices he's asking are reasonable, so long as they are both working. Put up some pics after you see them. Like Jonathan said, the only thing you really need to worry about is the clutch. And though wierd, they aren't that bad to work on.

CCNoob13 · #7 03-26-2014, 11:33 PM

Thanks for the quick responses guys. What exactly would be a tell tale sign of the engine clutch being bad or close to it? Here is a link to the specific tractor. Let me know what you guys think? http://peoria.craigslist.org/grd/4390506883.html , http://peoria.craigslist.org/grd/4390501912.html
Or this one for 1250 http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/grd/4372785102.html

J-Mech · #8 03-26-2014, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCNoob13

Thanks for the quick responses guys. What exactly would be a tell tale sign of the engine clutch being bad or close to it? Here is a link to the specific tractor. Let me know what you guys think? http://peoria.craigslist.org/grd/4390506883.html , http://peoria.craigslist.org/grd/4390501912.html

Same as any other clutch. Take it out in the road. Put it in second gear, take off, hit about 3/4 throttle and step HARD on the brake. If the tractor stops, but the motor doesn't...... clutch is slipping. Prices aren't bad, and both tractors look decent. They have Woods decks on them BTW, not IH like the ad says. IH didn't make a mower deck for them. The red one has been painted too. The 154's didn't come in red. Only the 184's.

CCNoob13 · #9 03-27-2014, 12:06 AM

Thanks Jon, I look forward to checking them out. I'll post some pics when I get back on Saturday. Let me know when I will be making a trip ur way too! Lol

gt383mag · #10 03-27-2014, 01:02 AM

clutches are just the tractors weak point. mowing grass one would most likely last forever. hard pulling and such will take its toll. rebuilt mine about two years ago for no reason other than i put a creeper gear in it. spent many hours on it and im not nice to it and so far so good. has 6 foot back blade on it and handles it fine even bladeing gravel driveway with someone standing on blade. im very happy with mine