Dreamcatcher 102 #1 Posted January 28, 2023 Well, I did it. Not the B80 O posted about yesterday but a pretty nice 417A. Came with a relatively complete second tractor, 2 total decks, 2 total front blades. It has no leaks, fires up almost instantly and for its age looks pretty darn clean in my opinion. Now the fun begins cleaning up the deck for some paint and spring duty. Might get to plow with it this winter. I need to find a manual so I can get some new plugs, filters, etc. I'd like to get a 'new' seat but other than that i'm excited to start tinkering and using it. The pictures aren't great, I just wanted to get it put away so I could return to family stuff. 5 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #2 Posted January 28, 2023 One more pic 4 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midpack 864 #3 Posted January 28, 2023 That's a nice looking machine i have a 417-8 And I Love it! If you plan in plowing, some #40 chain wrapped around the front wheels will make a big difference in steering 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #4 Posted January 28, 2023 6 minutes ago, midpack said: That's a nice looking machine i have a 417-8 And I Love it! If you plan in plowing, some #40 chain wrapped around the front wheels will make a big difference in steering Thank you. I do plan on plowing iwth it. Is this a specific kind of chain? Do you have a pdf manual or know where to ge tone for the tractor? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,464 #5 Posted January 28, 2023 27 minutes ago, Dreamcatcher said: Thank you. I do plan on plowing iwth it. Is this a specific kind of chain? Do you have a pdf manual or know where to ge tone for the tractor? Looks like a good solid tractor. A great one to use the list posted on the other thread for a complete rundown. #40 chain ⛓️ is the standard size used on lots of machinery and cycles. Super easy to find online. 👍👍 There's a very good section for manuals here in Redsquare. I'm not exactly amazing at searching out what you need or I'd be happy to link it here. 🙂 In fact when you find it that would be a good idea. Keep a thread going so ALL your thoughts and information are in the same place. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #6 Posted January 28, 2023 51 minutes ago, Dreamcatcher said: Thank you. I do plan on plowing iwth it. Is this a specific kind of chain? Do you have a pdf manual or know where to ge tone for the tractor? Yours has the smooth hood, should be a 1985...?. Tractor Supply, 10', enough for both front wheels....$25.00 7 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #7 Posted January 28, 2023 Yes I found the chain but how is it used on the tires? I apologize....complete rookie here 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyToro Jr. 1,415 #8 Posted January 28, 2023 Very nice tractor you got there 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #9 Posted January 28, 2023 5 minutes ago, Blasterdad said: Yours has the smooth hood, should be a 1985...?. Tractor Supply, 10', enough for both front wheels....$25.00 Yes I see now. How is it fastened to the tire? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,623 #10 Posted January 28, 2023 @Dreamcatcher nice pick up on that ! take advantage of what works ,and enhance it , do a regular check over on it , for anything ,the more familiar you are with it , the easier your use will be . looks like a good unit for a lubrication rub down . feed the paint and make it last , save the patina . give that a thorough baseline maintenance service , love going over a different machine , good luck with it , pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #11 Posted January 28, 2023 Just now, Dreamcatcher said: Yes I see now. How is it fastened to the tire? Wrap it around the center of the tire tight when flat, blow it back up, done. ( about 100 links is a good starting point, if too loose keep removing links till tight ). 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,215 #12 Posted January 28, 2023 I have a 418-C which is the same tractor with a Magnum engine, it is a great snow mover, love it. You may want to cut the bolts on the wheel weights before you hit your shins on them. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #13 Posted January 28, 2023 Anyone have suggestions for a new seat? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297 #14 Posted January 29, 2023 Look in classified section , @richmondred01 has some seats for sale. He is in the Mechanicsville area. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,318 #15 Posted January 29, 2023 (edited) On 1/28/2023 at 6:45 PM, 953 nut said: I have a 418-C which is the same tractor with a Magnum engine, it is a great snow mover, love it. You may want to cut the bolts on the wheel weights before you hit your shins on them. OR.. do as I did.Cut 2 opposite flats in the head of the carriage bolts, reverse them and use a pair of small locking pliers to hold them while you tighten from the back of the rim... no more protrusion isue.. Edited January 31, 2023 by ri702bill 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #16 Posted January 30, 2023 I've been looking up tires and see many suggest to go to 23x8.5 12. Assuming my current research is accurate I have a couple of questions. 1. These DO NOT use a tube correct? 2/ I'll replace the valve stems too; any gotchas here? 3. Vendor suggestions? Amazon? Forum Sponsor? 4. This is a DIY job correct? 5. Any tire suggestions? Or stay away from? I appreciate everyone's help. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #17 Posted January 30, 2023 1 hour ago, Dreamcatcher said: I've been looking up tires and see many suggest to go to 23x8.5 12. Assuming my current research is accurate I have a couple of questions. 1. These DO NOT use a tube correct? 2/ I'll replace the valve stems too; any gotchas here? 3. Vendor suggestions? Amazon? Forum Sponsor? 4. This is a DIY job correct? 5. Any tire suggestions? Or stay away from? I appreciate everyone's help. First off, why do you want new tires? Do yours hold air? if so, just run 'em. Second, you should get the same size tires if you want to run the chains on them so they fit correctly. The size is on the sidewall of the tire. The tire size on my 417-A is 23 x 9.5 x 12. They are tubeless, but you can put tubes in them. As far as DIY, unless you have a tire changer or the correct tire spoons I wouldn't do it. I take mine to a tire shop & make sure they put in new stems & clean up the bead surface. Tractor Supply usually has them if you don't want to order them... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,318 #18 Posted January 30, 2023 (edited) I prefer to run tubes in all my tires. No valve stem to rim leaks, AND you can fill them with either RV antifreeze or winter windshield washer fluid for added weight - takes about 4-1/2 gallons - adds about 32 pounds where it works the best. You do not need tubes if you have RimGard (beet juice) installed - and it is even heavier per gallon. I have the HF Mini Tire Changer - works OK, but a tad tedious if working alone. You really need 3 hands to get the second bead on sometimes! Use plenty of dishwasher liquid on the beads for removal and installation. Use a LOT of baby powder (talcum powder) on the inside of the tire to allow the tube to slide & wiggle into position as you inflate it. Twelve inch tires are the easiest to mount / dismount. Small 4 or 6 inch tires are a PIA all around..... Edited January 30, 2023 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,305 #19 Posted January 30, 2023 2 hours ago, Dreamcatcher said: 1. These DO NOT use a tube correct? 2/ I'll replace the valve stems too; any gotchas here? You can go tubeless, if you do use short TR412 stems. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,743 #20 Posted January 30, 2023 Nice looking tractor. Just a note on tires: today all the aftermarket tires run small to size. If your tractor currently has 23 x 9.5 x 12 tires you may want to buy 23 x 9.5 x 12 tires. Since you already have chains you may want to buy the same brand tire. of course you can remove links from chains to make them smaller. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #21 Posted January 30, 2023 2 hours ago, Blasterdad said: First off, why do you want new tires? Do yours hold air? if so, just run 'em. Second, you should get the same size tires if you want to run the chains on them so they fit correctly. The size is on the sidewall of the tire. The tire size on my 417-A is 23 x 9.5 x 12. They are tubeless, but you can put tubes in them. As far as DIY, unless you have a tire changer or the correct tire spoons I wouldn't do it. I take mine to a tire shop & make sure they put in new stems & clean up the bead surface. Tractor Supply usually has them if you don't want to order them... Well, my donor tractor has 1 dead rear and 1 dead front tire. I figured i'd just use the good but very dry and very worn tire/wheels on the parts tractor and get some nice new rubber and use them on the running tractor. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #22 Posted January 30, 2023 Taking a closer look durin lunch I don't see an motor oil filter. If it had an oil filter where would it be? So far my reading finds the motor oil can be 10w-30 and 30 weight oil for the transmission? Where abouts is the drain plug for teh tranny? I assume I fill the trans using the dipstick under the seat? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stegs 325 #23 Posted January 30, 2023 I loved my 417-a. I should have never sold it. Mine was in similiar shape as yours, ran like a top and had no leaks Dont ever sell it, its a great machine and you will regret it Congrats on your find. Im off to try to find myself one now LOL 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,701 #24 Posted January 31, 2023 There’s no engine oil filter, however there is a transmission oil filter. I believe NAPA1410 is the correct filter. I use 30W in the engine and 10W-30 in the transmission. The drain plug is on the bottom of the transmission just forward of the trailer hitch. It’s a 3/8” or 5/16” Allen key. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreamcatcher 102 #25 Posted January 31, 2023 1 hour ago, c-series don said: There’s no engine oil filter, however there is a transmission oil filter. I believe NAPA1410 is the correct filter. I use 30W in the engine and 10W-30 in the transmission. The drain plug is on the bottom of the transmission just forward of the trailer hitch. It’s a 3/8” or 5/16” Allen key. Thank you for verifying this info! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
