truckin88 104 #1 Posted April 12, 2012 I got offered a deal to good to pass by a family member on this 2001 Deere 425. I am doing a full going through, that is why it is in pieces, plus the PO did some spray bombing that needs to be fixed. In the end, the rear fender will be stripped and painted, the wheels & hubs repainted. A New main front seal, oil diptick seal, water pump and gaskets, coolant, oil, fuel filter, tranny filter and tranny oil, and reseal the rear cover of the tranny. Plus a bunch of odds and ends that have been ordered and are on there way. It came with a 4 way 54" plow and a 54" mowing deck, weights and chains. I will most likely be selling it, as I bought it as a project to keep me out of trouble. These liquid cooled Kawi's sure are quiet. Don't pay mind to the brush, was just seeing how wrong the PO's color choice was, as I am using Rustoleum's OEM Matched Farm Equipment paint. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #2 Posted April 12, 2012 looks like a good project Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #3 Posted April 12, 2012 thats a very powerful machine you have there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #4 Posted April 12, 2012 Looks like a fun project. Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hydro 131 #5 Posted April 14, 2012 That 400 series is a very serious tractor! Kawasaki makes an awesome engine too. That looks like great project. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hm12460 53 #6 Posted April 15, 2012 Pretty good and popular tractor. You'll sell it pretty easy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,132 #7 Posted April 15, 2012 You won't have it long...if you do decide to sell it. :popcorn: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,969 #8 Posted April 15, 2012 I had a JD 400 back in the late 90's. It had a front end loader and backhoe attachment on it. Great tractor but too small for what I needed at the time. I'd sure like to have one again with a 60inch mower on it this time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckin88 104 #9 Posted April 17, 2012 Thanks guys, she is a good runner, a lot more complicated than a WH to work on, but pretty heavy duty. I have to say I do prefer my WH's. Hopefully this will be back together sometime this week. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckin88 104 #10 Posted April 22, 2012 while this tractor is heavy duty, I now understand everyones warning about JD's, it takes 5x's longer to work on than a WH. what a pain, after this is gone, I am getting 1 nice WH. I am done trying other brands. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,331 #11 Posted April 22, 2012 :happy-partydance: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1maidenfan 202 #12 Posted April 23, 2012 :text-yeahthat: :text-bravo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,132 #13 Posted April 23, 2012 ...after this is gone, I am getting 1 nice WH. I am done trying other brands. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #14 Posted April 23, 2012 while this tractor is heavy duty, I now understand everyones warning about JD's, it takes 5x's longer to work on than a WH. what a pain, after this is gone, I am getting 1 nice WH. I am done trying other brands. While I haven't played with any of the different brands newer versions I have played quite a bit with their older ones. I have finally come to the same conclusion as you Will. It is much easier to work on the Horse's and much easier to collect one brand. Here is something that is MOST important to me, the fellowship just isn't their with any of the other brands like it is here with the Wheel Horse's. This is bar none the best forum and the best group of guys. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckin88 104 #15 Posted April 23, 2012 while this tractor is heavy duty, I now understand everyones warning about JD's, it takes 5x's longer to work on than a WH. what a pain, after this is gone, I am getting 1 nice WH. I am done trying other brands. While I haven't played with any of the different brands newer versions I have played quite a bit with their older ones. I have finally come to the same conclusion as you Will. It is much easier to work on the Horse's and much easier to collect one brand. Here is something that is MOST important to me, the fellowship just isn't their with any of the other brands like it is here with the Wheel Horse's. This is bar none the best forum and the best group of guys. Ken, over on a JD forum, it took me 8 posts before someone responded how to fix something on the trans. Everyone just says "look at the service manual" which I did first, but the manual skips steps, very annoying.....RedSquare is the best hands down. If I sell this, there is a 520-H or a 315 calling my name locally. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hm12460 53 #16 Posted April 24, 2012 FWIW, my vote is for the 315! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,969 #17 Posted April 24, 2012 while this tractor is heavy duty, I now understand everyones warning about JD's, it takes 5x's longer to work on than a WH. what a pain, after this is gone, I am getting 1 nice WH. I am done trying other brands. While I haven't played with any of the different brands newer versions I have played quite a bit with their older ones. I have finally come to the same conclusion as you Will. It is much easier to work on the Horse's and much easier to collect one brand. Here is something that is MOST important to me, the fellowship just isn't their with any of the other brands like it is here with the Wheel Horse's. This is bar none the best forum and the best group of guys. Ditto here guys. This is a good place to be :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckin88 104 #18 Posted April 26, 2012 Well I may have to keep her, she is insanely complicated, but man, what a hell of a mower. Just did the first mow, now that she is back together. It runs like a ...... Lots of work on this one, all new plastic trim, rear fender painted, new water pump, coolant, all filters, oil, tranny oil, crank shaft seal, various o rings, and tranny seal. Just have to sort the tail light wiring. New blades and bearings. Real PITA to work on, but awesome to drive. If I keep it, I would paint side screens and deck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,507 #19 Posted April 26, 2012 I have a 445 and you're right, they're an awesome mower. I have a 60 inch deck on mine and that deck is heavy. I also have a 54 inch, 4 way front blade and it's real easy to install and remove with the front quick attach design. But they are complicated, especially with the liquid cooling and the hydraulics, and it uses a lot of electronics. My 445 even has fuel injection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh500special 2,188 #20 Posted May 7, 2012 These are awesome tractors. Nice job putting it back together! If you were closer to St. Louis, I'd be trying trying to talk you into a horse trade Steve 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #21 Posted May 8, 2012 Nice job on your JD! Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,555 #22 Posted May 8, 2012 Nice job you did putting it back together and it looks like a really nice tractor! Jake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites