1988 John Deere 165 Hydro, This was given to me by a Commander at Waco Police Department. It had some serious wiring problems but over all was in good shape. We did a complete teardown, and frame up restore which took about nine months. This was also the first "Green Machine" for me as all my previous restores were Sears or AYP's with a Ford thrown in.
Haven't mowed yet, but did ride it to town for a maiden voyage and had a fun trip.
Happy New Year and thank you for starting the year off right! I once owned a JD 165...a great tractor! Mowed golf course smooth, it had no problem pushing snow or dirt with the dozer blade.
Reason I ask is that this month's theme is Original. As in unrestored survivor level condition.
Historically, if we don't get enough Theme tractors, we open it up to no theme.
It doesn't cost anything but a little time to try. Both of yours have been close races. We need entries to make it interesting, otherwise we might as well give it up.
Hey guys. Sorry about that post, feeling down at the time. A lot of personal issues of late, back as you know plus many others. No need to go there now. I have two machines that fit rules, the 1967 Sears Suburban 10, and Wheelhorse C-85. When on computer I'll enter one.
Thats a neat tractor, HANKG. I like the spring suspension on the front end, and like you say, the thrower looks to be in perfect condition. Looks the same as an early MF 10/12 thrower. Great entry.
Into the mix I will submit my Bolens 1886-04, I purchased it York PA. in 2001, it came with the mowing deck,a sno-caster and a tiller. Purchased from the original owner and had all the manuals. All original but the seat which really wasn't in to bad of shape, a couple of small tears so i took it off to save it from getting worse.
It was my first real exposure to using a Large Frame, I mowed and casted snow with it for several seasons and it was the one that started my Large Frame affliction.
My intentions were to restore it but has the years have gone by I think i'll probably leave it as is. I found an NOS power steering unit for it and my plan is to install it ... someday. These pics are from the last season I really used it, I fire it up still once or twice a year, let it out for some yard exercise now and again. My HT 23's have taken over snow removal and for the foreseeable future it will remain that way.
It's still enjoyable to saddle the old boy, listen to the Eaton rear end rumble and growl, the throaty tone of the stout Kohler K twin as it winds up towards full throttle and the enjoyment of operating what was such a solid piece of machinery sent out of Port Washington all those years ago... yup grinnin.
Looks like a good group of survivor tractors this month. I have a couple I would enter but still can't post pictures from the computer and I don't have a smart phone. Good luck to all that try. Let's see some more. Roger
Looks like a good group of survivor tractors this month. I have a couple I would enter but still can't post pictures from the computer and I don't have a smart phone. Good luck to all that try. Let's see some more. Roger
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