Opinions wanted on this C100

[Jrblanke 857]

Hey guys,

I am interested in your opinions about this C100 that is down the road from me. The owner told me he would not take any less than $200 for it. I'm trying to decide if it is worth the money or not. This would be my first Wheel Horse (and first lawn tractor for that matter). This is also the first tractor I have looked at. My plans for it would be to get it running and use it to push dirt, cut grass, and pull a small trailer. Obviously I would need to get a new deck. 

 

The owner told me that the tractor ran and drove and I could come try it out. He started it before I got there and drove it to the front of the house, but once I arrived he couldn't get it started. He also told me that the front left tie rod popped off.  While he went to get the starter fluid, I pulled the dip stick in the trans and the fluid on the dip stick was a redish chaulky milk color and as very thick (almost disturbing actually). When he got back, he sprayed starter fluid in the carb, but it still wouldn't start so I never did hear it run.

 

 He said it has sat outside for about 25 years outside with little use. It definitely looked worse than he described it over the phone. I knew the deck was shot.

 

Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Austin860 82]

Looks 10 x better than mine when I got it, lol. And mine had a thrown rod. Awesome machine, I would totally take it

[rmaynard 15,424]

I would want to hear the engine run before paying $200.00 for it. Otherwise, it doesn't look too bad for a 38 year old. The transmission is probably full of water from the shifter boot being cracked. A flush and refill should take care of that. Take a look at the axles where they come out of the transmission and see if the seals are leaking. If they are, lift the rear wheels off the ground and check for up and down play in the axle. In and out is fine, but up and down means new bearings are needed. Tie rods are easy to come by, and it looks like you have a mis-matched set of front tires. Looks like the wiring harness needs a little work, and the muffler ($160.00) is rusted out. From what I see, the sheet metal looks pretty straight.

 

If he can't get the engine running, offer him $100.00.

 

My 2 cents worth.

[Hodge71 664]

200 bucks isn't bad but the bigger question is what are your plans and what do you want?. If you're looking for an instant runner then this isn't the machine for you. Milky color tranny fluid would be water, which isn't bad as it sounds and can be taken care of pretty quickly with a flush and fill with diesel fuel. A nice long ride around the yard for about 15 minutes then drain and fill with clean 80W 140 as the manual calls for, then drive it around for a bit longer and drain it and you should be good to go with 2 quarts of clean gear lube. You're also looking at new fuel lines, new fuel filter, spark plug, clean the fuel tank out real good and fill it with hi test and Seafoam. Pull the carb off and treat it to a good rebuild after soaking it in Berrymans carb cleaner in the can. Then it will be time to conquer the deck and all its issues. I guess it all comes down to your mechanical ability and how fast you want a running machine.

Edited July 30, 2013 by hodge71

[leeave96 487]

$200 seems a lot for a non runner. Lots of work to do on that tractor and if there is some major repair, it could get costly in a hurry.

I'd pass unless it's your dream tractor.

[chrisd200(inactive) 55]

Well assuming that the owner did drive the tractor before you got there, that means it will run. Could be something minor like the points needing to simply be cleaned or the carb/fuel system needing to be cleaned. Sitting outside for that length of time can cause all kinds of small and large problems so it may still be a little risky.  $200 does sound a little high but the reality is you would be paying more for it if it didn't have all of these problems. If you are mechanical and don't mind doing some work.... offer the owner $150 (as is) and see what happens. Good luck!

[Fordiesel69 259]

I have paid 150 for one like that with a blown motor, so yes if the engine is good, it is worth $200.

 

If the engine is a knocker, then no it is probably priced a little high.  If you can't get it running, make him get it running even if you need to squirt gas in the carb.

[bean 85]

my

if you are looking for a toy/project, this wouldn't be a bad tractor to get started with, for $100

if you are needing one right away, and are going to be dependent on the tractor to mow, remove snow, etc, I would keep looking.

any mechanical device that has seen weather for 25yrs, is going to be an ongoing process for a while, particularly with all the electrical components.   nothing worse than a dead battery in the middle of a chore, or a switch that works intermittently, etc.

if you are just getting started in wrenching, find a runner.

Edited July 30, 2013 by bean

[Jrblanke 857]

Thanks for all of the replies, they have been very helpful. Also thanks to Jay in NC for the phone conversation about it the other night.

 

I have not wrenched on a lawn mower before, but I work on cars in the drive way, so it is not too intimidating to me (just different). This thread has really helped. I think if I go back to look at it (and to work a deal) I will definitely check the bearings like Bob Maynard suggested. It is also encouraging to hear that the water in the trans does not concern too many people. That was one of my biggest reservations about it because I was thinking that rusted bearings or gears in the transmission would be a bigger concern.

 

Good to know about the muffler being so expensive.

 

It looks like I will need a muffler, seat, tie rod ends, carb kit, probably new belts (just an assumtion), spark plug, and eventually new tires. I'm going to think about it a little bit more before making my decision. I really like the C series tractors, and I also like the 8 speed/Kohler combo. That is why I am having a hard time walking away from this one.

 

Thanks again,

 

James

[stevasaurus 22,701]

If Jay said, "get it."  I would.  And I would bet he is more then willing to help.  Excellent people.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

If he can get it running for you, I would say it is worth the $200. If not, maybe $150 or so.

[dtallon 320]

I'd agree with some of the suggestions of $150 or $100 in current condition, and the $200 if he can get it running.  If you are patient, I think you will find a better deal.  It might cost you more up front, but I think one in a little better condition with a better deck would be a better buy.  If you do go with this one, I would also suggest you check for looseness / play in the steering system. If one tie rod is worn, there may be wear elsewhere too.  Also, I see what looks like a matching tire to the RH front one in the background of the first picture.  I'd see if you can talk him into a wheel swap.  

 

Dave

[jay in nc 210]

not only did i tell him to get it, i told him i would buy it from him if he decided he didnt want it. & offered to sell him the 42 in deck i bought off of craig at the show for what i paid for it+ his roached deck NO BRAINER go get the tractor.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

I agree with Dave. I think you can find something else that might cost a little more money, but will be a better shape and need less repairs, so you would be ahead in the long run. Just depends on how much you want the tractor and how much time and money you are willing to put in it.

[chrisd200(inactive) 55]

So are you confused yet????? LOL

[Jrblanke 857]

Haha,

Confused? I ususaly stay confused, but I do have a better idea about what I am going to do. I have some mechanical experience, and the tractor seems fairly simple, so I am not to worried about getting it running and driving as far as physicly doing the work. 

 

My biggest concern was an unknown hidden problem that would be big bucks to fix. Being new to wheel horses, I do not know what those problems could be. The responses here have helped give me a heads up on how/what to look for.

 

Also, I talked with Jay again tonight and he helped me again with some more questions I had. Thanks Jay! 

 

I'll be going to see the tractor one more time where I will make him an offer. I'll give him the $200 if it runs, but if he cant get it running, ill try to get him to come off the price a little bit. 

 

Thanks for all of the opinions guys, this is exactly what I was looking for!

 

James

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

Sounds like a good plan there James!

[chrisd200(inactive) 55]

Good luck bud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jay in nc 210]

oh and as far as lowballing price wise here in the raleigh area we dont have as big a pool to fish from as horse rustlers up north have! so we have to pay a little more.

[Kelly 1,029]

I've been reading this post, and didn't say anything, but in my area not running that is at best a $100 tractor and it better run good for $200, I can see another $200 put in it in a short time, add it up seat even good used $25-50, tune up $25, batt. $25, tierods $35, ect.........

[Jrblanke 857]

No updates tonight. Got home from work late so I'll give him a call tomorrow.

 

James 

[bean 85]

 we dont have as big a pool to fish from as horse rustlers up north have

Jay,

can't believe no one thought of this. why not let this young man pick out his first tractor from the herd. what could be better than helping out a beginner with a tractor that you knew was mechanically sound, making his new found hobby a positive experience.

[Ken B 3,164]

not only did i tell him to get it, i told him i would buy it from him if he decided he didnt want it. & offered to sell him the 42 in deck i bought off of craig at the show for what i paid for it+ his roached deck NO BRAINER go get the tractor.

I spent a week in the Statesville area a few months ago. Me and my brother know the area pretty well. We hit rhw back roads and country side every day. What did we find? ONE roached out Wheel Horse at an auction house in Harmony for 400 bucks. It was rougher than the C-100 you are looking at. he wouldn't budge off 400.00. He claimed Wheel Horse's are rare in North Carolina and from my findings I'd have to agree with him.

[Austin860 82]

I think you should absolutely buy it. I paid 250 for a c100, no deck and a thrown rod! And I'm in an area where wh are rather common. Excellent tractor, not a lot to go wrong with it. I think you should absolutely buy it. Not everyone can pick up 6 tractors for the price of none like those Indiana boys.

And welcome to the wonderful world of wheelhorse 👌

[Jrblanke 857]

 

 we dont have as big a pool to fish from as horse rustlers up north have

Jay,

can't believe no one thought of this. why not let this young man pick out his first tractor from the herd. what could be better than helping out a beginner with a tractor that you knew was mechanically sound, making his new found hobby a positive experience.

 

 

 

Bean,

Jay AND Van offered excellent tractors to me already (including that C125 that really got me thinking hard). But due to my hardheadedness, lack of common sense, and taste for adventure, I have decided to choose the road that leads to the unknown....I am kind of wanting the challenge of taking the neglected and making it loved. From what I have read here, it seems like there is not too many items that will be really costly, and unless those bearings are shot, I think I could be terrorizing the neighborhood for under 100 bucks (not counting purchase price). 

 

Can y'all sense my confidence growing?