justplainkate 51 #1 Posted November 30, 2023 Good afternoon everyone. I'm looking to purchase this lovely old gal. Said to only have about 200 hours on her. She worked in a schools garden until she retired. Been garage kept. So far I don't know the serial number for the tractor, but I took a picture of the motor's. What do you guys think? What have I got and what's it worth? Thanks 4 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,041 #2 Posted November 30, 2023 Welcome to Red Square Beautiful. A 1978 or 1979 C-81 8-speed 6 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,438 #3 Posted November 30, 2023 From the vantage point of over here in Southern Maine that looks to be a right pretty machine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darb1964 1,042 #4 Posted November 30, 2023 That's a very nice tractor, I have the same one with a bucket on it. Amazing what it's capable of, if it runs strong and works as it should $1000.00 - $1500.00 because of the bucket. Darb Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,438 #5 Posted November 30, 2023 2 minutes ago, Darb1964 said: That's a very nice tractor, I have the same one with a bucket on it. Amazing what it's capable of, if it runs strong and works as it should $1000.00 - $1500.00 because of the bucket. Darb Darb old buddy ... the values have been going crazy lately. I've seen Front End Loaders go for over $1,500 just by themselves. Never mind the tractor. The weights. The brackets. All that stuff. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #6 Posted November 30, 2023 1 minute ago, ebinmaine said: Darb old buddy ... the values have been going crazy lately. I've seen Front End Loaders go for over $1,500 just by themselves. Never mind the tractor. The weights. The brackets. All that stuff. Do you think $2,200 is out of the question? She runs, low hours, well kept. New battery, oil change before I pick it up. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,438 #7 Posted November 30, 2023 2 minutes ago, justplainkate said: Do you think $2,200 is out of the question? She runs, low hours, well kept. New battery, oil change before I pick it up. If it runs drives and operates and needs no maintenance I would not hesitate a heartbeat to pay that amount. 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #8 Posted November 30, 2023 Just now, ebinmaine said: If it runs drives and operates and needs no maintenance I would not hesitate a heartbeat to pay that amount. Hooray! That's how I've been feeling about it. I've put a deposit and they're holding it for me cause they want her to have a good home🥹 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,438 #9 Posted November 30, 2023 By the way.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor27 767 #10 Posted November 30, 2023 Nice find. The loader is an ark 550. Is there a wheel horse tag riveted towards the top inside of the left upright? That number in a search will bring up the manual. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,214 #11 Posted November 30, 2023 7 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: If it runs drives and operates and needs no maintenance I would not hesitate a heartbeat to pay that amount. Enjoy! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #12 Posted November 30, 2023 2 minutes ago, Thor27 said: Nice find. The loader is an ark 550. Is there a wheel horse tag riveted towards the top inside of the left upright? That number in a search will bring up the manual. I will check next visit thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #13 Posted November 30, 2023 1 hour ago, gwest_ca said: Welcome to Red Square Beautiful. A 1978 or 1979 C-81 8-speed Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor27 767 #14 Posted November 30, 2023 97-40FL01. Sorry, that's model # but I can't figure out how to post the link from my phone. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #15 Posted November 30, 2023 Just now, Thor27 said: 97-40FL01. Sorry, that's model # but I can't figure out how to post the link from my phone. Wow! Thank you. I'm so excited to have found her. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CCW 1,295 #16 Posted November 30, 2023 Looking at new tractors today $2000 would not get you anything near this beauty. I would not be afraid of going higher if they balk at that offer. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darb1964 1,042 #18 Posted November 30, 2023 1 hour ago, Darb1964 said: That's a very nice tractor, I have the same one with a bucket on it. Amazing what it's capable of, if it runs strong and works as it should $1000.00 - $1500.00 because of the bucket. Darb 1 hour ago, justplainkate said: Do you think $2,200 is out of the question? She runs, low hours, well kept. New battery, oil change before I pick it up. If it's worth that to you and you're happy with it that's what matters. It took me a long time to find one with a bucket, when I did it was in a package deal and on the C81. My plan was to put it on a more HP. Tractor until I used it. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darb1964 1,042 #19 Posted November 30, 2023 1 hour ago, justplainkate said: Do you think $2,200 is out of the question? She runs, low hours, well kept. New battery, oil change before I pick it up. I'm sure you're right, there's so many in my area they still don't seem to go for what they should. The bucket of course is definitely where the $ is. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,729 #20 Posted November 30, 2023 I paid 2500 for a D200 with loader 15+ years ago and she had serious issues. If you don't buy that thing I want it!!! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,739 #21 Posted November 30, 2023 The kohler Serial number 9341875 come up as a 1978 So could be a 78 or 79 tractor That spec number 30700d comes up with this. https://www.partstree.com/models/k181-30700-kohler-k-series-engine-basic-version-8hp-6kw Interesting its not a WH spec number, but that's no big deal. The Ponds were thrifty and make have got a deal on some already built factory engines. Check under the engine red paint to see if there is gray paint. The gray would be a nonspecific factory engine or a replacement engine. Wish one with a loader was closer to me for that price. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,838 #22 Posted November 30, 2023 That C81 will be an awesome worker with all that weight (a good thing) just make sure the transmission oil is in good standing, engine oil is changed regularly and chassis grease jobs happen WITH THE FRONT TIRES OFF THE GROUND by means of the bucket and you’ll be set for a long time! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #23 Posted November 30, 2023 1 minute ago, Pullstart said: That C81 will be an awesome worker with all that weight (a good thing) just make sure the transmission oil is in good standing, engine oil is changed regularly and chassis grease jobs happen WITH THE FRONT TIRES OFF THE GROUND by means of the bucket and you’ll be set for a long time! Thank you. And great tips! I sure do appreciate it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #24 Posted November 30, 2023 57 minutes ago, pfrederi said: I paid 2500 for a D200 with loader 15+ years ago and she had serious issues. If you don't buy that thing I want it!!! Haha. I'm feeling pretty good about my purchase. I did see a fully restored one for 4,000 in MA I think.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justplainkate 51 #25 Posted November 30, 2023 17 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said: The kohler Serial number 9341875 come up as a 1978 So could be a 78 or 79 tractor That spec number 30700d comes up with this. https://www.partstree.com/models/k181-30700-kohler-k-series-engine-basic-version-8hp-6kw Interesting its not a WH spec number, but that's no big deal. The Ponds were thrifty and make have got a deal on some already built factory engines. Check under the engine red paint to see if there is gray paint. The gray would be a nonspecific factory engine or a replacement engine. Wish one with a loader was closer to me for that price. Thanks for all that info. I saw a resto'd beauty in MA for 4,000 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
