15 replies to this topic

[Utah Smitty]

I have a chance to buy a Steiner articulated tractor with 72" mower, snowblower and tiller.  It had a 24 hp Onan twin--the engine lost a valve seat, and the repair shop "lost" the engine, so the owner wants to get rid of it.

 

I think it's a model 430, but it's out of state--about 3 1/2 hours away so I won't know until the owner sends me pictures this evening...

 

I've always wanted an articulated tractor, and have an 18 hp Onan I could put in it, or repower with a Honda GC610 or a Kohler Command CH1, or even a Ruggerini 2 cyl diesel or a Mitsubishi L3E diesel.

 

So, are there any chronic problems with this machine?  I won't be able to run it, etc., what do I need to look for?

 

How suitable would it be for plowing gardens, snow removal, etc?

 

Thanks,

 

Utah Smitty

 

 

[glgrumpy]

First, thought this was going to be about the parts catalog!  It's pretty good, in case you wanted to know, heh!  I see those for sale in Auto-RV at times and they aren't cheap, even for used ones. I think attachments are kinda special for it, not sure. They look well built, but I can't really offer anything as not seen or looked over one in real time. I would try to get it cheap, not sure parts too available, other than new and bet YOU would have to order long distance being out west. Send us some pictures if you get.

[truck21]

 The company I work for is on our second 430 and I can`t say enough good things about them. I put in many miles of irrigation pipe using the front mounted trencher. Filled all the miles of ditch with the front mounted blade. We also have the tree farm mower for the evergreen tree fields. This little tractor pushes a lot of snow in the winter and cuts a lot of grass all summer. If I have one thing that I can say on  the down side it would have to be if you have long legs you need to sit with your legs apart or you hit your knees when you turn. Very strong, two or four wheel drive lots of uses.

 

    Don

[Cat385B]

No downside, one hell of a machine.

[Utah Smitty]

Okay, some more info--

 

It's a Steiner 425, s/n C1192, 0490 hour showing on meter.

 

Smitty

[Utah Smitty]

First, thought this was going to be about the parts catalog!  It's pretty good, in case you wanted to know, heh!  I see those for sale in Auto-RV at times and they aren't cheap, even for used ones. I think attachments are kinda special for it, not sure. They look well built, but I can't really offer anything as not seen or looked over one in real time. I would try to get it cheap, not sure parts too available, other than new and bet YOU would have to order long distance being out west. Send us some pictures if you get.

LOL!!

 

Yeah, Steiner Tractor Parts is a good resource--I've used them in the past.  When I did a Google Search on this, I got more hits on the tractor parts company than the tractor.

 

Owner says he wants scrap price... it is 165 miles away, so  a bit of a haul to go get it... has a 72" (!!!) mower, snow blower, and 54" snow blade... I've seen pictures on the 'Net of cabs, front end loaders, etc. for them as well.

 

Smitty

[Utah Smitty]

 The company I work for is on our second 430 and I can`t say enough good things about them. I put in many miles of irrigation pipe using the front mounted trencher. Filled all the miles of ditch with the front mounted blade. We also have the tree farm mower for the evergreen tree fields. This little tractor pushes a lot of snow in the winter and cuts a lot of grass all summer. If I have one thing that I can say on  the down side it would have to be if you have long legs you need to sit with your legs apart or you hit your knees when you turn. Very strong, two or four wheel drive lots of uses.

 

    Don

Thanks, Don

 

Turns out this machine is a 425--a little bit larger than the 430 (I think) and some were available with a 3 cylinder Kubota engine.  I have a 2 cylinder Ruggerini air-cooled diesel, and a 3 cylinder Mitsubishi L3E so I'm hoping I can repower it with one of them...

 

Smitty

[Utah Smitty]

No downside, one hell of a machine.

Thanks!! That's good to know...

 

I'm kind of excited.  There's even a FEL on eBay right now--for $4,000...

 

Smitty

[Utah Smitty]

Here's some pictures:

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Edited by Utah Smitty, May 16, 2015 - 11:03 PM.

[jd.rasentrac]

Looks solid!

[KennyP]

Sounds like a fun toy to get.

[Utah Smitty]

In further research, I've learned that the Steiner 425 uses the same transmission and 2 speed axle as the Ford LGTs and the old MTDs--2500 series?

 

One problem with them is that the front half of the tractor is mounted to 3 of the bolts that hold the axle housings to the center housing, and are prone to working loose, or tearing out of the aluminum housing...

 

A 3 point hitch was offered, but this one doesn't have it.  Also, the tiller is used by operating the tractor in reverse... a pain for me since I have a hard time turning around, and though I have a good range of peripheral vision, my eyes are 20/400 w/o glasses so I can't see things very clearly...

 

It uses a Sundstrand hydro, which is driven by a drive shaft from the flywheel side of the engine.

 

They use 13" wide turf tires and have an overall width of 60 inches-- a little hard to get through a standard 48" gate.

 

The front end loader is only rated at 200 lbs carry--little more than a wheelbarrow, actually.

 

The newer 420 and 430 models appear to be better designed... 

 

Does anyone have a 425???

 

Thanks,

 

Smitty

Edited by Utah Smitty, May 17, 2015 - 10:23 AM.

[olcowhand]

At scrap price, I wouldn't care what a FEL rating was.  I'd go drive & get that thing NOW! 

[glgrumpy]

I see in pix a V-8 engine laying amongst the stuff. Zat go with and there is your power! Ha!   You can always make bigger Gates. Maybe this is the "economy" version of series and not as nice?  Size matters! 

[KennyP]

I'd like to see pics of the Sundstrand to the 2500 rear. Most i have been around had Eatons.