My 180D

Did not wish to take up space on the Equipment page as this is a question as to what I consider a reality shock.

Sometimes a used replacement tractor come with their own problems.

Keep it

I see more farmers in our area putting a lot of money into some of these old tractors. I recently asked a neighbor (that milks about 400 cows) why he would spend so much on old tractors. His answer was that keeping these old tractors doing all they can, saves on his big tractors (280 and 325 hp.). He recently had a $40,000 repair on one of the big tractors. He recently went completely through a 190XT (engine, transmission, hydraulics, tires and paint). He said he plans to do the same with a 70 series (I believe it's a 7030) next year. He said these old tractors will still do a lot of work and do it a lot cheaper than a new 100 hp. tractor.

Some days wish my own had been a 190, my 180 should have new shoes on rear but least expensive were $712 EACH no tube. 18.4x28. Other option also not located was five rail spinout centers for 180/185, Unobtanium unless buy another tractor, Whole.

Trans stays in any gear, PTO is the bugger jumping out right now. As noted engine, some electrical some well needed body work. Entire seat and riser are pitiful. ALL 7 hydraulic cylinders leak, control valve started last fall.

Know brakes decent, had those repairs done some eight years back. Aftermarket tie rod ends or the kingpin arm bores are wearing as continually loosen up.
Power director could use clutches, control valve resealed.

Afraid cylinder head will be a problem once off. Under a hard load coolant pressure lifts cap blowoff in pulses.

Lift arms wobble a lot, will be considerable work on those and Rock Shaft.

Morning D. Miller- Hope all is well your way!  Regarding your 180, I'd fall in with D Series assessment.  I think the 180 you have can be very helpful to you as a long term decision tool and its possible remaining life - in this way.  The 180 as worn as it is is telling you where the long term wear areas are on the machine.  If it were me, and there was not an immediate need for the tractor as a daily runner, I would look at a used machine and pay particular attention to the major wear area's and select one that doesn't exhibit those wear areas.  

Edited by orangeman - 02 Oct 2023 at 12:21pm

A update since my mouth is so involved.  The 180 is inside my shop, been aligning to where need to go to get on that once weather turns to crap.  Been looking around for pieces, many are still available new and will begin with halving that then dropping the torque tube off, PTO parts have to be inspected and figure how to keep this from recurrence.  Then will strip engine off front frame, Once out and stripped will car wash the block and head, get them to machine shop with flywheel, Cam Bearings, cracks inspections, find out if head is even any good.  After which I will order the Overhaul parts and take the nozzles to Capital Diesel near here for reman.  Really want to replace all the head and rod bolts, uncertain if those are attainable any more, but will check into at that time.

Edited by DMiller - 14 Oct 2023 at 1:26pm

Been hearing so many horror stories on new or newer stuff, may just stay well away from that.