New Four Wheeled Motorized Thing Day

"That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms" (thatbastardkurtis5)
06/16/2020 at 21:57 • Filed to: None

I’m not in the market for any actual vehicles, but I did buy a tractor today.

It’s a 97-01 (I’ll research the serial number to find out exactly which) Kubota T1760, which would have been Kubota’s top lawn tractor at the time. It’s got a 48” deck, foot pedal hydrostatic drive, rear suspension, and it’s powered by a Kawasaki liquid cooled v-twin engine making 17hp.

For this, I paid $300. If you know tractors, specifically Kubotas, you know that’s an absurdly small amount of money for a tractor that sold for around $4000 new. The reason I only paid $300 is because the engine, while it does run, surges and makes a lot of white smoke. I think it needs a headgasket, but I’ll do a little bit of sleuthing on that first before I rip it apart. PO thought it needed a thermostat, but I can’t see how that would cause the issues it has.

Anyway, that’s the new tractor. For $300 I think it’s probably the best one I’ve bought. Now I just need to find an old Kubota walk behind to go with it.

DISCUSSION (14)

TheRealBicycleBuck > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/16/2020 at 22:02

Sounds like an excellent project.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > TheRealBicycleBuck
06/16/2020 at 22:06

It’s just a big enough project that I got a great deal on it, but small enough that absolute worst case it costs me $100 (used block and gasket set) and a weekend. I love these Kawasaki motors, had a bunch of em in Deeres before and they’re excellent.

TheRealBicycleBuck > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/16/2020 at 22:32

I inherited a craftsman riding mower from my mom. She got a deal on it because the engine wouldn’t run. She took a small engines class and this was her project. It runs great, although I had to replace the starter a few months ago.

jminer > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/16/2020 at 22:52

That’s an amazing price on a Kubota even one that has substantial issues.

I’m also jealous as I’ve been thinking about a riding mower lately.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > jminer
06/16/2020 at 23:03

It’s a ridiculous price. There’s another one for sale for $400, same model, but not nearly as clean cosmetically. I’m still thinking about grabbing it anyway.

There’s deals out there. I’m big on the Deere 160-180 series, specifically the 185 Hydro. I had one of those for a while that was excellent . The older LXs are nice for shortish money too...at this point I’ll really only buy a tractor with a Kawasaki motor, I’m spoiled, can’t go back to Kohler or Briggs.

I had always wanted a Kubota though. I’ve had two or three walk behind 21” mowers but couldn’t afford a tractor to compete my set, so now I have to find another W5021 and I’ll be all set.

shop-teacher > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/16/2020 at 23:04

Nice score!

I pulled a tiny old Toro rider off of my neighbor’s curb about a month ago. I traded labor with a buddy of mine, and he just delivered it yesterday with a fresh valve job and carb rebuild. I grabbed a new battery for it today. I just need to decide if I'm keeping it or flipping it now.

jminer > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/16/2020 at 23:12

That’d be tempting to pick up a second one but one project is probably enough. I know when I have bought too many cheap projects in the past I get overwhelmed, spend too much on parts and then they tend to sit. Hopefully you’re better motivated.

The last tractor I had was a large Husqvarna with a hyrdo transmission and a 48" deck. It was great and even used it to plow my road when it snowed. It ended up being bigger than what I needed so it really sat more than I used it. Bought it non-running though and a new carb, fresh battery and fluid change and she ran like a top.

Longtime Lurker > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/17/2020 at 00:31

Decal it to match the J2000.

Tripper > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/17/2020 at 04:14

Super NP

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Longtime Lurker
06/17/2020 at 09:40

Ive heard a lot of worse ideas than that.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > shop-teacher
06/17/2020 at 09:42

I usually buy stuff to keep but while knowing I’ll be flipping it relatively soon. Toros are nice to sell, they’re a brand people know so they go quickly. That’s why I like buying John Deere stuff, everybody in the world has heard of John Deere. This Kubota I bought really to keep, but I know me so if it’s gone in 3 months for a large profit that won’t surprise me either.

shop-teacher > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/17/2020 at 09:50

I’d kind of like to keep it, but my lawn really isn’t that big. Actually, since I bought a battery mower, my wife mows the lawn more often than not.

Also, I could use the profits on a new project scooter.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > shop-teacher
06/17/2020 at 13:52

Also makes sense. My lawn really isn’t big either, 1/4 acre, I mostly have a tractor because I like it. I do need the walk behind though, my side yard is fenced in the front with a deck in the back so I can’t get to it with the tractor.

I’ve also said I don’t care if they’re better in every way, I will never use an electric lawn mower. The combination of small engine exhaust fumes and fresh cut grass is my favorite smell in the world, along with new tires.

shop-teacher > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/17/2020 at 16:45

As I’ve gotten older, small engine fumes have started to give me headaches. Two strokes especially, and diesel fumes too. I used to love those smells, but now they cause me pain.

I like how quiet the electric mower is too.