Deere 185 w/hydro issues - Buy or No?

[TWG1572]

So, I've been following craigslist for a while trying to locate a deck for my lawn tractor (Deere 116). Came across a Deere 185 nearby that was listed for sale whole or for parts, which has a compatable 46" deck. It apparently has hydro issues (not specified).

The guy had a prior add where he tried to sell it whole, for $300, but evidently no one bit. Looks to be in pretty good shape, not certain on hours.

I was initially interested in the deck, but started wondering if this could be a good step up from my current tractor if the price was right. Hydro, pressure lubricated engine, newer, plus my current snowblower will fit on this tractor...

With that limited information, do hydro issues make this a money pit? I could buy the same model in working condition on Craigslist for $600-$700. So, that maybe gives me $300 in return for my time, which would then have to be netted of parts costs. I'd have to find an easy fix, or a used transmission to swap in. New would not be an option.

Seems like unless there is something obviously fixable (AKA fluid level low), I should probably pass on the tractor tonight and just go for the deck. But the little voice in my head keeps telling me if I'm going to be paying $100-150 for the deck (hopefully), why not just offer another $100 for the tractor and be done?

So, in the next two hours, any thoughts or tips on diagnosing hydro issues? Should I listen to the voices in my head?

 

[Barkleymut]

Listen for the obvious like groaning from the hydros. Why not just buy the whole thing if you have the space for it? Then you have plenty of interchangable parts, and if you can get the hydros running for cheap then you would have a nice 2nd tractor.

 

[TWG1572]

I do have room, plus I think my wife is OK with the purchase. I can never sell the 116, sentimental reasons. If I were to get another working mower, it would be retired. Maybe I'd sell the current deck off of it, not sure.

Not sure on parts interchangability? If this was another 116 that I could have sitting out back for parts, I'd be all over it. I think the 180/185 was the replacement for the 116, but I don't know much of a common platform they shared.

 

[oggb]

Buy the whole thing if the deck looks good.

Hydrostatic drives are a real PITA to repair but if you have the skill/time it's well worth it.

 

[Donald]

One tractor is never enough.

 

[JTK]

I knew the 185 had a 18hp Kawasaki single, which is an awesome, long lasting engine, but had to look up the rest. ~1986-1990 was the manufacture range, so I'm not sure if it used a standard Tufftorq K46 transaxle or not. Online it says they only came with a 38" or 42" deck.

I also hate fender shift hydrostatic control. Too cumbersome when you need to do lots of maneuvering when mowing. Totally defeats the benefits of a hydro trans IMO.

I'm with Donald, owning and tinkering with them can be addictive. I know I was for some time. For the right price you can make money on parts.

Joel

 

[Pop_Rivit]

The most likely problem is that the pump is simply worn-most likely it's a Peerless 1319B. Adding straight 30w oil rather than what was originally spec'd may help, but it's only a bandaid.

The pump really isn't practical to rebuild, so you're probably looking at a parts tractor. Not worth it to have junk sitting around (in my opinion).

 

[TWG1572]

To close this out, went and looked at the tractor last night. The hydro had lost "neutral" - it would start driving when started, etc. Plus, someone had driven it into a tree and the whole front end was more smashed up than I could see in the pics.

I decided to pass, and just buy the deck. Maybe the hydro was just a simple linkage adjustment, maybe something more sinister in the transmission..I didn't know enough to make the call. I also really want my next tractor to be a garden tractor, a 318 or 430 would be awesome, and I think I'd rather spend my time finding a fixer upper and tinkering on that.

JTK - I've seen the 42" deck mentioned online somewhere, but JDParts only lists 38, 46, and 48 decks. I've not measured the one I bought but it's substantially bigger than my 38".

 

[JTK]

If it moves at all while under load, I doubt the hydro was completely shot. Could have been a linkage issue.

From what you describe, it sounds like a junker though. Might be a good deal if you needed the engine, etc.

Joel