73 18 Automatic

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

What can you guys tell me about these big tractors? My dad is looking at buying this one and I'm not familiar with these. What are some things I should look out for etc. It currently doesn't run and has been sitting since 2001ish. It's in pretty good physical shape, and has a mower deck, plow, and 3pt hitch. The guy wants him to make an offer and I want to be fair.

 

 

 

[Rick3478 428]

These and the D series were WH attempt to break into the larger utility tractor market, which ultimately didn't get far.  They are good tractors, but many implements and parts are incompatible with the mainline Wheel Horses, and may be hard to find and maintain.

[oliver2-44 9,741]

I don’t have a D, but I’ve read many times about the splined coupler between the engine and pump being a weak-failure point and those parts getting harder to find. Also the hydraulic tubing manifold between the front hydraulic pump and rear hydraulic motor being a leakage prone area. The manifold uses O-rings to seal. 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

Hi Mike, I cant remember to much on them. But always wanted one of the Big D's. Parts are hard to find. But from that one picture. She looks solid and straight looking. Keep us posted. Through a few extra pics up when you can.n

[pfrederi 17,734]

Buying a non running hydro is always a  big risk ...a D series is even bigger risk as they are not easy to work on and as indicated above parts are getting harder to find and the implements are unique to the D series...  The engine is an excellent one ...if it is working...but overhauls are very very pricey as parts are not readily available  Getting the hydro unit out and refurbishing it is not a Saturday afternoon driveway project.

 

When presented with a non-running unit I price it as parts value...

 

That said you could sell the 3pt hitch itself for 300+ dollars.

[953 nut 55,197]

As Paul said the part-out value is probably in the $ 500 to $ 800 range if the engine and Sundstrand are not operable. But, I doubt that your dad wants to go into the parts business so that isn't a major consideration.

       I would want to know why the D has been sitting in the shed for twenty years?

If you can negotiate a price range with the seller depending on whether it will run and move or not then you could clean the points, mount a temporary fuel tank and get the engine running to see if it is worth buying.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

Thanks for all the replies! He is asking $400 for it as sitting. It's been sitting 20 years because they used it until he bought a Dixon zero turn back then and they've used zero turns since then. It ran and drove when they put it in there and the way it looks I believe him.

[Pullstart 62,838]

Seems like one couldn’t go wrong for that price with a 3 point!

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

22 hours ago, Pullstart said:

Seems like one couldn’t go wrong for that price with a 3 point!

 

Yea we're gonna go bring it home tonight and they threw in an A-90 for free lol

 

[pacer 3,169]

Yeah, you done good on that!!

 

I am a .... "Big D" nut, have owned some 8-10 of them and currently own 2 - a D200 and a D160

 

Pretty much what the previous posters have said about its 'quirks' is right on. but.... that is a hellofa tractor. All across the horse models you can apply a lot of the ... problems? with parts, accessories, etc, so youre not gonna be much different with the 18 auto than many other horse owners. And, with the help of this forums ... vast knowledge, you'll have plenty of help with any probs that pop up.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

Thanks @pacer he's excited. We get it going he said he'll sell his john deere 300 then, that takes a lot or him to say that! I did tell him to just slow down on that a little though, I do like the john deere he has 

 

[pfrederi 17,734]

You got a good deal!!!  If they drove it in and parked it the tow valve may still be closed.  You will need to open it to tow/push it on  to your trailer.

 

Left side of hood stand  Flat tip screw driver needed

 

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by pfrederi

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

8 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

You got a good deal!!!  If they drove it in and parked it the tow valve may still be closed.  You will need to open it to tow/push it on  to your trailer.

 

Left side of hood stand  Flat tip screw driver needed

 

I'm glad you told me that because I was wondering where that was. I guess I better download a manual.

[pfrederi 17,734]

30 minutes ago, Mike'sHorseBarn said:

 

I'm glad you told me that because I was wondering where that was. I guess I better download a manual.

  A square shank Screwdriver and an adjustable wrench may be a good idea.  These valves can be hard to turn.

[pacer 3,169]

Re the valve - Need to point out that there are/were some models with a square head, a 3/8 socket extension - bout 6" - using the square end fits perfectly with a crescent wrench to loosen.

 

Oh, and dont be surprised if that dang thing is HARD to break loose 

[oliver2-44 9,741]

9 minutes ago, pacer said:

Oh, and dont be surprised if that dang thing is HARD to break loose 

Do you have some Dollie’s you can take along as a backup loading plan? 
OR

Take a nurse gas tank, battery, new plugs and see if it will run enough to load it. 

 

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

I got lucky and the valve came loose! Brought it home along with some more stuff lol

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mike'sHorseBarn

[oliver2-44 9,741]

That’s a sweet looking Cub Original.
When you get a chance post the serial #.   It’s stamped in the side of the transmission housing below the lift lever. Also the Kohler data plate info.  The Cub Originals below #10,000 had some unique things that got changed as production increased and dealers found issues. 

Edited September 21, 2023 by oliver2-44

[953 nut 55,197]

12 hours ago, Mike'sHorseBarn said:

Brought it home along with some more stuff

What the heck is that sitting next to the Cub?             Looks like a four wheeled death trap            could be fun to drive around.           

[Pullstart 62,838]

1 minute ago, 953 nut said:

What the heck is that sitting next to the Cub?             Looks like a four wheeled death trap            could be fun to drive around.           

I was wondering that too… it looks like a go-kart mower mashup!

[pfrederi 17,734]

Great haul!!!

[Mike'sHorseBarn 2,998]

17 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

What the heck is that sitting next to the Cub?             Looks like a four wheeled death trap            could be fun to drive around.           

 

It was a thing that looked so weird I couldn't let it stay there lol I'm trying to find more info on it and an original clinton engine if I can figure out what model.

 

 

 

[23 Reo 229]

Mow Cycles are known for their excellent cornering. You should race it.