982 red international harvester

[cichlid]

Hello, I have a chance to purchase a 982 red international with 570 hours. Body is in perfect shape, looks really nice. I don't know much about these tractors so I was wondering if somebody could fill me in on the quality of these machines and the Onan engine, good or bad. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Mike

[ajgross]

They are great tractors and very collectible. They were the frist IH built "Super Garden Tractor", which just means they have a longer frame and larger tires. The only problem with them is that parts for the Onan are hard to come by and are expensive to buy. Does it have any options? The options were dual(turning) brakes, front hydraulics, rear 3pt and rear pto. 982's usually sell for around $1600 to $1700 on e-bay with no options. The price just goes up from there as options are added. If you get it, we want pics!

AJ

btw, that is a 982 in my avatar.

[ajgross]

In Onan's defense. They are a very relieable engine. I would say they are a better engine than the kohlers. It's just too bad they have fallen off the map.

AJ

[deputyrpa]

I'm no expert here, but I just bought a 1980 982 about a month ago. It has no 3pt hitch, rear pto or dual brake pedals, so it's a basic model, which IS the 982. It does have the Haban 60" deck, which is heavy duty. The condition is great for it's age, with no dents, but a few paint acratches and rust spots. I purchased it from my local tractor dealership for $950 cash. They were asking $1200. It was owned by one of their tractor mechanics who traed up to a Kubota CUT. I believe I got a good deal, fiscally speaking.

It ran ok, but I wanted to ensure it's longevity (especially the Onan engine's), so I did complete ignition and fuel system replacements, and decarboned and decked the heads. I am also in the process of rebuilding the hydraulic cylinder because it suffered from leakdown when I bought it. I bought a sweet original grill emblem and custom grip footpads to finish it off. I do need a seat, as there two commonly located rips in the original.

I mowed my 2+ acre lawn several times with it, and was impressed with the speed at which I could travel. MUCH faster than my strong 1968 Ford 120.

Yes, Onan engine parts are expensive, but if the engine does not smoke, make odd noises and is fairly smooth, a good cleanup and points, etc. would be all it should need. Once you get into a rebuild you might as well just repower it. Don't be afraid of Onans- they are a great industrial engine used in several famously bulletproof and long-lived garden tractors, as well as countless generators. To me, their sound is unique and strangely relaxing. It sounds like it's happily coasting along, which helps my little brainwaves when I'm mowing for an hour or so. The Kohler and deck on the Ford make we want to kill smiling clowns!

Sometimes things are worth more than they would be represented on paper. Having a classic and rare International Super Garden Tractor compelled me to get this one. I had to have it, even at full asking price. I'm now looking as a 2072 with a 60" deck and blower for $1899. I think I've been bitten. Funny, there were no Ford bugs around! I hope this helps you make a competent decision.

[ajgross]

At $950, you got a killer deal. Even at $1200 it's a great deal. The only real problem I know of with the Onan B48G's that were in the 982's, was with the connecting rods. The early rods were weak and would break without any warning. That's why they got the nickname "Blownans". On mine, I went ahead and repalced the rods and rings in it to ensure this didn't happen to mine. I think cost me $85 a piece for the new rods. I believe they quit selling the old style rod when they did the redesign. The difference being that the early style had a big hole in it and the new style is solid.

AJ

[cichlid]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen,

Well, he is asking 2500 for it, and I confirmed that it is the base model. Sounds like its a little more than I should be paying, I'm going to take a look anyways, I'll let you know what I find. Thanks again.

[deputyrpa]

Mike,

There aren't too many people around who will pay that kind of money for a "30 year old lawnmower". So look at it and throw him a number you are comfortable with. What do you have to lose? Go get it and good luck!!

AJ

I was thinking about changing out the con rods and rings while I was in there, but I changed my mind. However, even though I'm a motorhead, I am still finishing up my house construction, I have no garage, and I'm managing my 400-acre farm property while working at a my career job. AND I have a wife (no rug critters, though)!! Time flies and spare time disappears! I know the con rods are the weak points of the engine, so I am still deliberating. What I don't need is to dig into the engine twice. Thanks for the advice!

[RPalmer]

I'm very curious. Why do you guys pay that kind of money to do big work when you could, for about the same money get a Cub Low Boy of Farmall Cub?

[ajgross]

I bought mine more for collecting than for using. I've probably put less than 10 hours on mine in the 1.5 years I've owned it.

AJ

[papaglide]

I am seriously thinking of looking for a Cub Low Boy and selling my 1882. The low boy would do my plowing and disking and I would just do with out the FEL and the 1882.