(D-200 vs the D-250)

[markslawnmowerworld 4]

Lately i have been learning more and more about the D-series tractors, and this is some info i have come up with, mostly i would like input about the D-200 and the D250......for the reason of future purchase. and is one harder to find than the other.....well this is what i got.

D-200 kohler engine k532s 19.9 hp, hydro transmission, made from 1976-1981

D-250 renault 4 cylinder engine 19.9 hp, transmission 8 forward and 2 reverse,

made from 1976-1981

Other than this i don't know to much about these two except i was told the brakes were a pain in the butt to work-on, and i would like some of you guys to share with me major differences between the two units if you would please.....and is this information i have so far correct? B)

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,300]

Major differences? I dont think these two tractors share any similarities actually(other than both being red ). I know that the attachments are different between them and as you allready know the drivetrain is completely different. None of the sheetmetal(hood/fenders...etc) will interchange.

The D-200 was made by Wheel Horse here in the USA and the D-250 was made FOR Wheel Horse in Germany by a tractor company called Gutbrod.

Mike..........

[markslawnmowerworld 4]

well thanks for the information, like i said i'm still learning about the the D-series

units.....are there many D-250's left in america?

[Torino 14]

I have seen on other sites that parts for the renault engines are getting hard to find.

[rickv1957 72]

There are lots of D250s,Rick

[markslawnmowerworld 4]

That was almost starting to sound top secret on here rick....lol

thanks for the easy reply. B)

[d180man 5]

Major differences? I dont think these two tractors share any similarities actually(other than both being red ). I know that the attachments are different between them and as you allready know the drivetrain is completely different. None of the sheetmetal(hood/fenders...etc) will interchange.

The D-200 was made by Wheel Horse here in the USA and the D-250 was made FOR Wheel Horse in Germany by a tractor company called Gutbrod.

Mike..........

Hi he is right just red and the d in the model and name WHEELHORSE but the 2 are nice tractors ! it is just what you are looking for make one better than the other ! :party:

[CasualObserver 3,408]

If you want to study the D-250, here is a website to look at. Not the be all end all or anything, but it has some good info. http://www.wheelhorseweb.com/

[markslawnmowerworld 4]

Thank you for the information....i will read it over...

lately i have become very interested in the D-series tractors.

[defed 0]

i'd say the D-250 4 cylinder is way more than 19.9 hp. i've read that WH 'fudged' the hp rating because anything over 20hp needed roll over protection, or some such thing. it's probably closer to 30hp...alot more than can fully be used by the tractor due to its relatively light weight, in my opinion. it's heavy as far as garden tractors go, but w/ about as much HP as a ford 8n, it weighs maybe 1/2 as much.

they are neat tho.

[rickv1957 72]

Mark,you would love a good D-series tractor,any model,they are workhorses to say the least,Rick

[wh500special 2,160]

I hadn't seen that D250 site before. Interesting. Thanks Jason.

D250's were only brought over from Germany in 3 batches. 1000 units in 1976, 500 each in 1978 and 1979. They were slow sellers and started at about $5k so many were leftover into later years and WH continued to list them in brochures through '82-ish.

The 1976 models do not have hydraulic couplers sticking out of their "chin" below the grille in front. The '78/'79 models have four ports (2 circuits). The '76's had only a one-way hydraulic system (power up, gravity down). The '78/'79's had two-way hydraulics.

'76's had a DC generator. I think the '78's did too. I believe the '79's had alternators (Charlie? Duane?). There are minor functional and ergonomic improvements on the '78's versus the '76's.

All had the same engine, but the transaxle was slightly modified on the '78/'79's to increase durability. '76's are notorious for blowing their rear ends. Completely.

If you can have your pick, you'd be best served by going for a '78/'79 since they seem to be much more durable with respect to the transaxle. And regardless of which one you get, you absolutely MUST check and maintain the transaxle lube regularly since contaminated and/or low fluid can cause big headaches rapidly. The fill/check plug is strategically located behind the right framerail on the back and is hard to get to, so I am guessing many owners neglected it and their tractors suffered.

As has been said, 250's share nothing with the other D-series. The tires might be the same - as well as the air inside them - but that's about it. They really were 30 years ahead of their time. They were WH's Edsel.

10 years ago it seemed like engine parts for the Renault 4-cylinder were completely obsolete and 250's kept running mostly by divine intervention. More recently engine parts have been sourced from Europe to keep them churning along. Everything else is pretty tough to come by. If you have one, you really ought to find a second one to provide you with non-engine related parts.

They are awesome tractors to run since they are so easy to drive and are extremely quiet. The John Deere 60" deck made for them (yes, the deck was made by JD and is the same unit - sans hangers - as used on the JD 400) is a great mower. You can probably mow at night and not wake any neighbors since they are so silent.

The French engine used in this German tractor with the Italian steering is quite a powerhouse. It also was used in higher power applications (forklifts, tow motors, Toro groundsmasters...) and produced about 50% more power there. But regulations meant all small tractors 20+ engine HP fell under a different set of rules so the carburation was changed to keep them at 19.9. Otherwise they needed ROPS, SMV signs, flashing lights, seatbelts, etc. But they are 19.9 strong horses.

I'm not sure whether I prefer the D250 over the D-autos or not. Kind of depends on the day and the mood I'm in. If I had to rely on one tractor to do all my work it probably wouldn't be a D250. Actually, I probably wouldn't go with any D and would prefer a C . But they are awesome machines.

Steve

[d180man 5]

If you want to study the D-250, here is a website to look at. Not the be all end all or anything, but it has some good info. http://www.wheelhorseweb.com/

HI thanks for posting this a use to have this marked then it was gone? now it know why thanks ! :clap: