Wheelhorse D180

[indytractors 5]

Hi:

I am a new member and have owned a 1075 Wheel-a-Matic, a great hydo tractor. 

I have my eye on a D180 and need to know what to look for when I inspect it.

 

I own some Simplicities and know what to look for with those machines, but would like some guidance on the D180.

 

Thanks.

Edited February 15, 2017 by indytractors

[pacer 3,174]

There are probably 2 notable issues with the "Big D" line-up -- The Sundstrand hydro drive and the steering box. with the tranny being the biggest. And I'm sure you know about other typical things to check ---

 

The drive is very beefy and is a good unit --- when its not worn! and with the ages of these models they can be just that, worn. If the tractor runs/drives butt it up against a tree and apply power and see if the wheels will throw a rooster tail of dirt - check reverse for good movement. Parts for it are getting more and more scarce for them and repair is quite an undertaking, but there are lots of info and help for that here on the forum.

 

The steering is prone to get a lot of slop in the box and even blow out the steer box (its called a Ross box) While a bit of a pain to remove, the repair is relatively simple.

 

Theres a bit of a love/hate for the D's Some love them (me) and some think they are the ugliest of the horses! I have 3 of them and would fight a bear if somebody tries to take em away!!

[indytractors 5]

Pacer:

 

Thanks for the guidance.  I also think these are good looking tractors and are on a level with the Simplicity Sunstar.

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@indytractors  to

I have a D-200 and it is a beast of a tractor!

[SylvanLakeWH 25,847]

[elliot ness 1,916]

I love the D's I have had all of them and even one with a backhoe. They have a few problems, but what don't?

[Tankman 3,518]

Uncle had a D-250 I believe. He sent it to another relative out-of-state.

I was upset. Needed another Horse.

 

Good luck, go for the Stallion.

[Sarge 3,463]

As said , check the hydro power closely when hot - it should not lose power . Some whine is normal , but not a lot as well . Check the splines on the coupler shaft between the pump and engine - make certain there is no play in it or see if someone has already either added a key or drilled through and installed a bolt - it's common . The slightest alignment in the engine to that pump will destroy the coupler over time , and that will destroy the splines on the pump shaft in short order , there is a lot of play in the engine's mounting holes so take a gander and see if it's sits straight inline to the pump - otherwise that's a red flag . The steering box can get pretty worn but they aren't bad to rebuild , front axle as well and I had to fully bush mine when I upgraded to a full 1" spindle model and added trailer hubs/wheels - I wrote a thread on how to do it in the Resto section .

 

Otherwise -- they are monsters and be prepared to use some room to turn it around , lol .

 

Sarge

[indytractors 5]

On ‎2‎/‎14‎/‎2017 at 8:37 PM, pacer said:

There are probably 2 notable issues with the "Big D" line-up -- The Sundstrand hydro drive and the steering box. with the tranny being the biggest. And I'm sure you know about other typical things to check ---

 

The drive is very beefy and is a good unit --- when its not worn! and with the ages of these models they can be just that, worn. If the tractor runs/drives butt it up against a tree and apply power and see if the wheels will throw a rooster tail of dirt - check reverse for good movement. Parts for it are getting more and more scarce for them and repair is quite an undertaking, but there are lots of info and help for that here on the forum.

 

The steering is prone to get a lot of slop in the box and even blow out the steer box (its called a Ross box) While a bit of a pain to remove, the repair is relatively simple.

 

Theres a bit of a love/hate for the D's Some love them (me) and some think they are the ugliest of the horses! I have 3 of them and would fight a bear if somebody tries to take em away!!

Thanks to Pacer and Sarge for their insights, I have found this tractor to be an '18 automatic' and not a D180, still negotiating!!!