What is this worth

[Colbyl 3]

Hi all! I’m new here. Loved wheel horse for a long time. I have a kubota zero turn but have never had a tractor. I want something to tow a cart but not mow. Can anyone tell me anything about this tractor. The seller says it’s a 1973, has a 12hp Briggs and all work is done (whatever that means.) I want it to carry top soil and wood around the yard. Can anyone tell me what this is worth and if it’s any good! 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

  That’s a lawn tractor…not a garden tractor.
 Personally I would keep looking for a garden tractor…it’s gets you a heavier machine and bigger and better brakes (a must if your using it as a tow rig). 
  

[Handy Don 12,217]

It looks like one of the 200 series vertical shaft lawn tractor models. Maybe a "tweaked" Lawn Ranger or Raider 700 or 800 that's been re-powered. If so, the horsepower sounds great but the trans wasn't designed for engines over 8 hp.

Not enough detail in the image to see much more. 

This one would do for light towing, but I agree with @Sparky, keep looking for a garden tractor that'll be more versatile and sturdier.

[Colbyl 3]

8 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

Yeah It’s definitely small and that’s okay because I have no use to mow for it just some light towing. Here are some more close up photos. What do you think it might be worth with the trailer?

[Handy Don 12,217]

I'd be concerned that the owner put in an engine that is at least 50% larger than the transmission was made for. What was it used for? How was it used? What is "everything done"? Why did it need work? What level of skill do you have for diagnostics and maintenance going forward? How much do you trust the seller and their answers?

Frankly, I don't know a lot about the market for this range of machines. Guessing? More than $100 and less than $500. Ultimately the fairest price is one both the buyer and seller agree to.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Handy Don

[Colbyl 3]

26 minutes ago, Sparky said:

  That’s a lawn tractor…not a garden tractor.
 Personally I would keep looking for a garden tractor…it’s gets you a heavier machine and bigger and better brakes (a must if your using it as a tow rig). 
  

Sparky could you recommend the smallest garden tractor they make? Thank you 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

11 minutes ago, Colbyl said:

Sparky could you recommend the smallest garden tractor they make? Thank you 

  Sure…so the WH garden tractors are all generally about the same size and have the same braking setup. Only way to get a “smaller” one is to get a lower HP machine such as a B-80 or a C-81 or a C-85. All have a cast iron Kohler 8HP that will tow better than the tractor you are showing us pics of. They also all have a manual transmission. I can’t say for sure but the one in your pics appears to be a hydro lawn tractor which in my opinion makes it an even worse tow rig than I originally thought.

  Sorry to come off so negative, just trying to be straight with you about the one you’ve shown us. 
  And where are my manners….

 

[JCM 9,163]

to  @Colbyl

Edited September 5, 2022 by JCM

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

Colbyl.    What sparky said a nice B80 -8 speed or 4speed would work well for you. Great on fuel heavy duty little tractor. You would be happy with that. Also very easy to find. $300 to $500 range in good shape.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Retired Wrencher

[953 nut 55,223]

10 hours ago, Colbyl said:

What do you think it might be worth with the trailer?

I would suggest you go take it for a test drive and assure yourself that it is what you want and is in good condition. With a nicely done cart that little Lawn Ranger should be worth $ 600 to $ 700 if it will fit your needs and runs as well as it looks. As has been said by others the transaxle and brakes are no where near the quality of the garden tractors but lots of Lawn Rangers are still out there being used every day.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

[Colbyl 3]

11 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Colbyl.    What sparky said a nice B80 -8 speed or 4speed would work well for you. Great on fuel heavy duty little tractor. You would be happy with that. Also very easy to find. $300 to $500 range in good shape.

Thank you ! @Retired Wrencher if you know any good place to find one or where to search around MA. Please let me know  

[Handy Don 12,217]

2 hours ago, Colbyl said:

Thank you ! @Retired Wrencher if you know any good place to find one or where to search around MA. Please let me know  

I have had good luck with Craigslist. If I'm willing to travel a bit for something, I look in neighboring areas as well.

Many folks like FB Marketplace, but I don't do FB.

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

12 hours ago, Colbyl said:

Thank you ! @Retired Wrencher if you know any good place to find one or where to search around MA. Please let me know  

Colbyl, I know some. I will ask. Would you like a 4 speed or 8 speed. 8speeds are handy and more flexible working tractor. I will see what he has. Where you in Ma? Send me a p/m.

Edited September 6, 2022 by Retired Wrencher

[Retired Wrencher 5,454]

9 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I have had good luck with Craigslist. If I'm willing to travel a bit for something, I look in neighboring areas as well.

Many folks like FB Marketplace, but I don't do FB.

I agree with you on that. But the world is on FB. I have bought many tractors on C/L. To me it`s like home and easy to use.

 

[WHGuy413 2,683]

I’m from mass also. Not sure if you are near belchertown but there is a decent looking 1973 “no name” 8hp with a 4 speed transmission and dump cart for sale on market place

[23 Reo 229]

Lots of Wheel Horses in Massachusetts, where are you located?

[Colbyl 3]

14 minutes ago, 23 Reo said:

Lots of Wheel Horses in Massachusetts, where are you located?

I’m located down by Rehobeth. I’m looking for something turn key, no rust ready to go. Willing to pay more, but just need it work ready!

[Colbyl 3]

5 hours ago, WHGuy413 said:

I’m from mass also. Not sure if you are near belchertown but there is a decent looking 1973 “no name” 8hp with a 4 speed transmission and dump cart for sale on market place

I’ll check it out! Thank you. 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

15 minutes ago, Colbyl said:

I’m located down by Rehobeth. I’m looking for something turn key, no rust ready to go. Willing to pay more, but just need it work ready!

Are you on FB? There’s a guy in New Hampshire with a nice C-85 for $350. 
  I don’t think he’s a member here though. 
  Mark Godzik
  

[Handy Don 12,217]

14 hours ago, Colbyl said:

I’m located down by Rehobeth. I’m looking for something turn key, no rust ready to go. Willing to pay more, but just need it work ready!

@Bens vintage tractors is a member here, is in Rehobeth, and deals in used tractors of all kinds. You guys should connect.

[Bens vintage tractors 1,542]

On 9/6/2022 at 7:16 PM, Colbyl said:

I’m located down by Rehobeth. I’m looking for something turn key, no rust ready to go. Willing to pay more, but just need it work ready!

I’m in Rehoboth. I have about 60 machines in stock this 312-8 is one of them. Turn key runs drives and mows. I just serviced it. I have many more to choose from aswell. Here’s my number shoot me a message or call me 774-225-9111. 

[Pullstart 62,851]

 @Colbyl!  That 312-8 is a great machine!  The horizontal shaft engine and cast iron transmission, together with the heavy steel welded frame will do any duty you ask of it!  If you ever decide to expand into gardening, snow removal, etc, there are plenty of attachments to fit!

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

I would start with "What is your budget?".