5 Reasons Why to Restore a Vintage Garden Tractor

[@jhitt79]

A couple reasons I could add. *Meeting cool people! We go to antique tractor/machinery shows almost every weekend from spring to fall, mostly in southern Michigan, northern Indiana, and Ohio. I like to meet other people that share my interests. *Great way to make some extra cash. I don't sell parts like Norm here, but I do a ton of small engine work on the side. I find these tractors all the time around me sitting in people's yards. (Rural area) often times I can pick them up for $100-$200, do a little tuneup work, get them running, and make a couple hundred bucks. Not getting rich off it but I use that money to support my personal garden tractor habit. Once people know your into these older machines, you'll be surprised how many times someone will say something like "I've got an old Cub cadet sitting behind the shed, you can have it if you want it."

[@louislamarche-hunderup4975]

jhitt79 hi would you be able to give me some advice on where I could find vintage garden tractor

[@russellwaite2343]

Can you tell me what year my model 7116 simpicity tractor was made thank you

[@jordanwright9780]

He included a Bolens photo in the mix, Finally, Norman!

[@paulhare662]

Just built a 1970 Wheel Horse Raider 10 for my Dad to ride around his yard, run out to get his mail and to visit neighbors. He's 88 and don't get around well. Delivered it yesterday, cool seeing my old man pulling wheelies in his driveway, grinning ear to ear.

[@SlowRiderDucati]

I agree I found a 416-8 wheel horse left for 30 years in a field. I rebuilt with my boys. Runs great now.

[@chuckstewart7331]

It was great to find your channel ( and website) love old garden tractors . Bought a club cadet ( broken steering ) $25, John deer 214 in great shape $50 , Husqvarna 26 hp ( throws belts ) $50 wrong sized belt …it’s a ridiculously fun way to make money & now I have my grandson hooked !

[@curtnicholson7771]

Norman you are a great guy, a great dad to get your children so much, and I think you have a great business that you have developed. You got it all going on so keep up the good work!

[@heru-deshet359]

You would be a great and fun neighbor to have.

[@officialdieselstudios2251]

I am with you Norman. Old garden tractor lover forever. While they are 30-40 years old they can still run and drive like a dream. Love your channel. Thanks for saving the tractors!

[@matthewheeke4377]

Love it brother, just found your channel and I must say you’re a man after my own heart.

[@karldawnlang8936]

Totally agree. Love them Horses!

[@pureblood3127]

Bought a engine rebuild kit from this guy on ebay , price was great and great products ! The kits also include a couple small parts other companies don't offer in there's 👍 Like no shit this guy sells it all same parts as other companies but at a better price , and also offers small hard to find parts others don't ! I honestly believe not only is he in it for the money ( of course ) but he really loves garden tractors and honestly wants to help other people rebuild there's and no he doesn't know me and I am not being paid to advertise for him .

[@dakotakelly9371]

Just picked up a 1973 wheel horse 8hp 4 speed for $100 bucks a few weeks ago. Traded for a wheel horse parts tractor about 2 weeks later. And now I have a nice little tractor with parts easily accessible that is way more capable than my jd mower.

[@atractorkid7]

Great video! I definitely agree it's a really good way to learn mechanical things and small engines, that's how I started about 13 years ago with a old massey ferguson 7 tractor

[@TheSaks40]

Nice video. Very true about how the old tractors were built and how durable they are. Good to know you have parts for them.

[@rickb5158]

Alot better than the junk today....!

[@willyck948]

I don't know how much snow falls in Maine but when 20" or more falls in one day a garden tractor is most valuable tool. Earlyer this year last winter got 36" of snow in 1.5 days in North East Pennsylvania, the only tool that had power to move all the snow was my 1967 restored Simplicity Landlord 2012. As a side note the first year simplicity to be equipped with my favorite engine, the Cast Iron Briggs & Stratton duel synchro balanced 30c.i. 12 horse power engine. Equipped with Snow Blower, rear sleeve hitch 45 pound lift counter weight, hand made 160 pound center weightbar, rear wheel weight, agricultural tires, and tire chains. Loved it👍 Love your videos as well😉

[@Isavetractors]

Right on! thanks for sharing. We are expecting 3 feet of snow this coming Thursday!! I hope it hits us with full power!

[@thepatriot4355]

I love the vintage Craftsman lawn and garden tractors

[@Isavetractors]

Yea the old GT II reminds me of an old Nintendo

[@matthewheeke4377]

Thanks for your help Norman. I just bought a carb off of you for my Cub 107. I have been looking for the right mower for about a year and found the perfect machine. Your videos have helped a ton!

[@paulmoldenschardt2728]

I have a 1984 / 782 diesel cub cadet it mowes great and run great and loving it

[@PeckerwoodIndustries]

All true! 1974 Jacobsen GT14, snowblower, loader, mowing deck

[@robertjordan9075]

I like the way you keep it real. Thanks for sharing friend.😎👌🏾👍🏽

[@steiger256]

Love your channel. I love big tractors, But your right I can own 30 garden tractors for the space that 3 farm tractors would take up. Plus garden tractors pretty much all have around same engines like you said so I can keep parts on hand. I love saving old machines, And keeping them from the scrap pile. It's a great hobby, especially for kids to get involved.

[@cunninghamscadets8924]

They don't​ take up a lot of space until you get about 25 of them Hahaha

[@Isavetractors]

lol.

[@jhitt79]

That's funny you say that, because I got rid of my '46 case because it took up too much space and got into garden tractors. Fast forward a few years and between my 9yr old son and I we have about 25 and many more have come and gone. My wife thinks garden tractors breed in the garage.

[@darrellashby6788]

@@jhitt79 my wife does too lol, I have 9 at this point, in the past I'd have maybe 12-18 at a time and a few days later I'd have 20 or more she'd stop and say where the heck did those come from lol

[@C-M-E]

Up until recently, the oldest tractor I had was an '86 Toro 11-38. It's not exactly a featherweight (about 540lbs) but it rolls around well enough outside of our hilly terrain sections that you don't feel like you're going to pass a stone if you have to move it unpowered. Today we brought home a '77 214, and my god, it's like pushing a cast iron potbelly stove around on a wooden pallet. I'm not entirely convinced the brakes aren't seized with rust (the engine sure is!), but it was a massive battle just to get it on the trailer, tow it home and then break out the Toro to tow it to my patio; it was pouring down rain, and even though my back hurts like a mofo, I got soaked and slipped in the mud, I had a smile on my face the whole time in the effort to get it to my work area. It's now a focal point of pride to bring it back to a state it deserves for being a mighty survivor. But (!) it does speak volumes to build quality. It's been someone's work horse for 40+ years, and after I get done with it, hopefully my kids will be able to drive it at their house one day as grown adults. (presuming gasoline will still be a thing by then) I very much doubt it was envisioned that these tractors would ever see that kind of lifetime, but I guarantee the garbage they build today will return to their elemental states long before these two will!

[@joshuathewelder24]

Vintage garden tractors are very valuable in the long run

[@joshuathewelder24]

I am hoping to get a Ford garden tractor here in the near future

[@j.w.3345]

Hi Norman, After being away from messing around with a few old garden tractors for 15 years, I'm getting back into it. Just bought two Sears Suburbans, 12 + 16. I also picked up a BEAUTIFUL 68 Cub Cadet 125 in Great shape, from my friends father. He washed it after each use and kept it in his barn. Not much to restore on that one, but I couldn't pass it up. I'm taking the SS-16 down to the frame, so I'm sure I'll be looking into parts from you. Thanks for the great videos! Jon W.

[@Nighthawkrun]

I agree, the problem I am having now is finding one, I like Fords, Simplicity or maybe one I don't know about yet. Thanks for the inspiration, Jim

[@Isavetractors]

You're welcome! The best first garden tractor to get is an International Harvester Cub Cadet Wide Frame. Like a Cub Cadet 129, 149, 169. Plenty of parts, robust, very common, and easy to restore.

[@brianphilbrook5262]

They are great. I love my 69 JD 112 it’s my main work horse on our farm. I built a three point hitch for it and all its attachments. Love your videos

[@Isavetractors]

Thanks!

[@The5upermann1]

I couldn't agree with you more! Thanks for posting videos and helping people get started in the garden tractor hobby!

[@Isavetractors]

Absolutely! It's time to push this popular hobby to the next generation.

[@mitchealwisniewski9672]

I’m 15 and I repair mowers and I have a 1991 cub cadet and it is the best running mower I ever heard

[@bartjuhhh6416]

All of that reasons are true and 5 completely my grandpa bought a old zetor 2011 and I was working evry friday on it and its now a fast and strong beast

[@stuffyoucando2]

Great video. I got into these old tractors because for the amount of work these old GT's can do for what you pay for them, you can't beat them. The amount of money you'd pay today for a machine and attachments to do what my 214 will do it would be way more than I paid for my tractor and its attachments. The only drawback there seems to be at all is that sometimes parts can be harder to get with these old machines, but you help us out with that!

[@michaelcook768]

I have a 1989 Wheel Horse 312-8 and a 2000 314-8. However, when we sold properly in VA to move south..I sold a 1964 Craftsman garden tractor...was Roper built, 7 hp (originally 6), a 1974 ST-10 Sears, I speed, a 1951 David Bradley, and a well worn 1957 Sears (mfg by Jackson MFG) 21" self propelled mower. The engine sit on a pedestal and had a foot pedal to tighten the belt for the drive and blade. It used a Briggs 8BH engine. I do so much hate not having the Bradley now. Keep up the good work!

[@turbooutlaw1976]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! I am just as into these old tractors!

[@Isavetractors]

Thanks for watching! This was my first "vlog" style video, but if viewers like it, I will keep doing more of these more often. I have several project videos coming too, but they take much longer to film and put together.

[@jankotze1959]

Good video and agree, save these old machines and it back to life

[@rkelly5803]

My son is a little over 1 and he says TRACTOR more than mama or dada. So I bought a simplicity 7112 with the mower, tiller and snow thrower for a 100 the other day. I can't wait to fix her up for him.

[@Isavetractors]

Awesome! Let us know if you have any questions. Be sure to check out our website you can email me direct from. There

[@laverncarroll]

Wow very nice video direct and to the point

[@edhatfield9487]

My wife didn’t understand why I wouldn’t get rid of my broken Cub Cadet. I bought a Deere and the ended up reseated the valve seat on the Cub with an old socket and a hammer. I agree with you, collect and repair.

[@ericouellette5293]

I love seeing your Ford tractors. I am a die hard ford guy. I so want to get a Ford tractor. The tractor I have now isn't that old but I love it. It's a 92 Craftsman gt and it's been a great tractor. I paid 350 for it in 06 and I am still using it. I haven't done much to it in repairs. It has a 18 horsepower Brigg's with a 6 speed. I like it better then the other Craftsman I have witch is a 08 model. The 08 has my snowblower attachment on it. I use the 92 to mow the lawn. I want to put the snowblower on the 92 and the mower on the 08. Hopefully next summer I will get that done.

[@richschafer3354]

I'm rebuilding a John Deere 68 riding mower it's turning out great

[@anthonytriolo3643]

I have one ,who knows when i will get to it,i don’t want to get rid of.they don’t make them Like they used to.great work .

[@saltsalt5963]

Great video so true.

[@davids3563]

Great job in restoring these tractors! I’m on board.

[@w6p7a]

Thanks Norman

[@newstuffsucks...5754]

Great video and all true, the kids do love the tractors

[@louislamarche-hunderup4975]

I’m 11-year-old kid I live on a farm I saw your videos and was delighted because I really love tractors since I was 4 all I wanted is to be able to drive a tractor so I set out on a search Kijiji craigslist everywhere nothing no tractors I live in Canada and I’m in the country so would be really useful to have a tractor around I just would like to know where I can find a tractor

[@F8lastcallcharger345]

I just bought a 1972 Sears Suburban 15 that my son and I are going to restore

[@Isavetractors]

Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions while you do it.

[@EKEACRES]

Hey buddy,...I have an old 1960's Craftsman garden tractor. I am looking for tires for it. Size 16x5.50x8...and 4.10/3.50-6 Thanks for any help you may be able to offer. I prefer bar tread if possible. ~Kevin

[@Isavetractors]

Check out millertire.com

[@AnthemBassMan]

Love the video! You can definitely find good deals. There’s a local guy selling a 1973 John Deere 110 minus the deck and front grill, and the engine is missing the starter for $200. All the sheet metal and paint is in pretty good condition as are the tires. A new starter can be had for around $50, and a used one even cheaper. Keep up the great videos. This ol’ Ohio country boy loves old iron regardless of size.

[@mrfrog3350]

Kids love em because they are "just their size" and get to drive them when they can reach the pedals.

[@Nickadoo500]

I'm currently restoring an old Snapper Comet (Model 3080 rear engine rider) for my grandpa and I'm almost done with the painting process so I will be reassembling things soon. However, I haven't planned on restoring the engine along with the mower, it's a good-running 12hp Briggs L-head, not the original motor unfortunately, but I also have another motor of the same type that has broken down and needs a rebuild. Do you think I should try to restore and paint the bad motor to replace the mower's current engine, or just stick with the engine it had on it when I found it? Thanks.

[@BubbaDad315]

Excellent video and great info! Keep the videos coming Norman, nice job!

[@Isavetractors]

Thank you! With your support I will! Happy New Year

[@papaddeanbovee186]

Very good reasons, I have 3 of them.

[@eclipsegst9419]

I'm more a fan of small farm/ultility tractors, but I would love to have a little Ford like your 120 to be my 3000s little brother. I have a Ford 3000 and a John Deere 530 which are almost fully restored, and a Farmall 300u, which is still in the early stages. It sat for over 20 years so it's going to be quite the project!

[@coltonhurley2525]

Got a point. I picked my first classic gt this spring. A 1973 john deere 112. Bought it for 200 bucks and the old farmer was absolutely shocked when i told him i was gonna do a full restoration on the ol girl. Not many 25 year old kids that want to restore old mowers

[@lukebecker1959]

Hey im 13 and i am restoring an old garden tractor

[@Drckarvo]

@@lukebecker1959 I'm 3 and I'm restoring a spaceship.

[@67robb]

I have a old John Deere 110 with a 8hp Briggs motor, need a new motor, what do you recommend?

[@chucka53]

#6 It gives old retired guys sumthin to do!

[@RustyZipper]

And they will be around for another 40+ years compared to today’s junk mowers.

[@ohyikes1]

Right On Brother!

[@shesmint3162]

I’m 13 and am in the beginning of restoring a old Alice b110 and have bought many parts from you company already, and I’m wondering where low gear is on these? Mine was rough when I got it

[@357bullfrog2]

Where can I find one is my question ? Here in my area during the big steel scrapping craze people sold everything.

[@kingtut5923]

THat's right cool even at 72 years old

[@sourcelee3539]

dude, awesome video!

[@bigray2859]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Awesome video

[@iainmel1]

Can you offer any help with the carburettor on a 1972 Lombardini (intermotor) LA490? my Belos 272 (Swedish made) walk behind has this motor, and will stars, although with difficulty, but immediately begins to leak fuel out of the hrizontal where the carburettor comes apart. It will almost die as soon as I give it some work to do. It's a nice big heavy walk behind which I like to use as a snow plough or snow blower, depending on the snow. I love your enthusiasm, by the way!

[@Improvisebydesign]

I picked up a 1978 john deere 312 w while back from a family member. It's got a 3pt. And other options I love my tractor.

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Thank you for information on the tires ! Two thumbs up ! Next question, my ignition switch has 4 tabs , b , battery, s, start , d ? and c ,?coil ? Will appreciate any information ! New at this , want to learn for a retirement hobby ! Btw , its a simplicity 3112v i believe ! Thanks !

[@Goatguy2021]

I have a John Deere 112L lawn tractor I’m going to restoring this year so anything you recommend should I do to make it go faster and easier

[@pre1980cars]

I had a Hahn Eclipse my grandfather bought in 1969. Many people never heard of them.

[@tomr3074]

Just picked up a sears suburban 18hp onan . First gt restore .

[@kyleburrows5716]

You know I'm not big into getting help from youtubers as I like figuring stuff out myself. However I feel like ur the only exception I could trust u, u sold your channel to me quite easily with this video. I picked up a 1986 white yard boss lt-112 and I cannot find anything on it except a parts list. Idk if u know anything in white lawn tractors but if u do let me know

[@Isavetractors]

I don't really work with the 80's lawn class tractors, because that class was not built robust enough for what I like to do for them. There still can be cool examples of them, but regarding parts support, unfortunately many people scrap those.

[@chevy9599]

One from the 80s or not much better than the ones now of days

[@JuliaCV9]

I own an old Montgomery-Ward garden tractor, a Roper Rally mower, a 1969 J.I. Case 442 PK, a 19?? Case 80 vari driv RE garden tractor, an 86' MTD Coast to Coast garden tractor, an 1987? Craftsman 12hp OHV lawnrider, and a 1970's TORO RE riding mower (possibly a whirlwind). lets just say I got quite the diverse collection.

[@prophetleejames]

I’m turning one into my a to b for work I will be in touch

[@NilsKall]

I wish we had more old GT here in Sweden 🇸🇪. They were very expensive so didn’t sell well when compared to larger tractors. But large tractors are not for the average homeowner. One thing to be happy about here in Sweden though are all the old and cool front cutting deck riding mowers like Stiga Park and Husqvarna riders. So how much snow do U have now? Heard you were hit pretty hard. Not much snow here in Sweden 😢

[@Isavetractors]

Awesome. I love those front deck cutters too. We have about 2 feet of snow on the ground now. We have a big storm coming this thursday that is threatening to bring 3 feet of snow!

[@NilsKall]

Wow that’s a lot of snow! Could give some great videos. Keep safe out there and keep these great videos coming!

[@owen1246]

100% agreed

[@simulatorman]

I have a 1967 Cub Cadet 123 Hydrostatic with a dozer blade on front.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Great! I agree 100% !

[@jayalt2176]

Great video

[@biblewaybaptistauburnma7140]

Norman a number of years I was gifted I believe its 68 Sears Suburban 12. It has a hydro trac solid state ignition. It was off the machine when I got it and never got around to searching for a replacement. I would like to wire this one to make sure it is in fact bad and then go from there. Do you have a wiring schematic for this type of ignition system. Thanks

[@maxwellchatman4800]

I have an old John Deere 214 and the engine bay is coated in this thick grassy muck. How would you clean it? I thought About taking out the battery and using a pressure washer but I wasn’t sure that it wouldn’t damage any thing, like the hydraulic lines or electrical cables

[@Isavetractors]

I don't like using pressure washers. I suggest simply using a plastic scraper and several cans of engine cleaner.. Also use a lot of paper towels. It will come off!

[@matthewheeke4377]

Love your videos brother. I would love to see some more power max videos!

[@Isavetractors]

We just uploaded Part 2 of a powermax project. Part 3 to come out on Sunday! Thanks for watching!

[@bobpaterson1845]

Great video ty I turned an old Westwood 1200 ride on lawn mower into a ploughing tractor don't know if u have Westwood tractor over in the states but in Scotland here were quite common at on time and it has a 12hp Briggs engine that never gives up 🙂 keep up the good work...

[@chriswalker4272]

I too have a Westwood t1400 I'm restoring, they also are great machines with a peerless 5 speed gearbox and very robust c frame chassis. It would be great if you did one of these, as mine was exported to the USA and brought back to Scotland.

[@Building_Bluebird]

Hi Norman, I'm about to close on 10 acres of brushy land down east. I want a midsize affordable vintage tractor... With loader bucket, backhoe attachment, and post hole digger attachment. What are the best models and years to seek for this need? We'll be clearing, adding driveway and foot paths, digging for construction of outbuildings, and building a small home, and we'll have a small number of farm animals. It would be nice if it had enough power/ torque to move boat trailers and loaded carts of compost around the property.

[@Isavetractors]

For you, you would want to consider a larger tractor than a garden tractor. Something around 2 tons (4,000 lbs) would be great for you. And then get a smaller garden tractor for the smaller areas.

[@Building_Bluebird]

@@Isavetractors thanks Norman. After learning more, I'm thinking a Ford 3000 or 4000 or a Allis D14 or D15 might be the right size. Is that the size you're thinking of?

[@chopmusic1]

Thanks!

[@indianatone218]

I'm sold on them I want one ! Thanks for doing the vids wish you were my neighbour lol I've got some old fergusons and dextas wish I'd seen these first but hey ho ! I'm on the look out now .

[@Isavetractors]

Nice! Let us know if you ever need any assistance. Parts or otherwise.

[@PaulieDetmurds]

5 great reasons!

[@davidshowalter5808]

I have 24 wheel horses and one speedx and two case love them and it doesn't take a lot of cash to restore them

[@Isavetractors]

Right on! Thanks for sharing!

[@jtman04401]

Did not realize you were in Maine.. cool cool

[@dariushicks8243]

Thank you

[@michaelvrooman5681]

sears suburban is my tractor addiction of choice. rebuild most of it out of TSC and ace hardware

[@DKTractors]

Great Vid Norman Happy New Year!

[@Isavetractors]

Thank you. Happy New Year!

[@frios011]

GREAT VIDEO, AND YOU DO GREAT WORK!

[@Isavetractors]

Thanks!

[@jbshomestead7694]

I got a Ford LGT 145 and she is a coil fryer, along with killing the points @ condenser what do you think is the matter she will run until she gets hot and thats it gotta replace coil points @ condenser costing me a small fortune

[@Isavetractors]

Wiring. The leading cause of burned out components is shorts and excess resistance from corrosion. Also make sure you're using the correct internally resisted coils, replace your spark plug cables and check your spark plugs to make sure they're correct. We have it all if you need anything. www.isavetractors.com

[@jackolson6479]

Hey norman I want to restore a classic Garden Tractor for a project in the winter, got any recomendations what kind of tractor I should look for like in brand

[@Isavetractors]

Wheelhorse and IH Cub Cadet are good first projects! As are John Deere 140 and 314

[@jackolson6479]

Okay thanks, what was your first garden tractor project

[@jimmyelks6670]

I have a GT6000 Craftsman from the 80s it has a high and low 3 speed and I take it mudding and it's built to last

[@Isavetractors]

Yea those ones had the classic 80's styling! That's the decade I grew up in, so I have a affinity to those too.

[@masamainio5459]

hi, i have a question for you, do you know or do you have experience about does little garden tractors, like murray, rally, partner, rear end/ gearbox tolerate pulling trailer, or pulling snow if i weld differential lock and put on tirechains...? thank you

[@Isavetractors]

Do you mean the modern Lawn Tractors? Murray, Craftsman, MTD, etc from the 1990's to today, can pull trailers, but they won't pull as well as an old garden tractor. But they will do the job. If you want to plow snow with them, you would have to add a lot of weight, and their rear ends, front axles, and frame won't hold it as well.

[@whittledoes5230]

What are the best makes of garden tractor in the UK because would love one but can’t find a good make

[@Isavetractors]

Wheel Horse was popular in the UK, and are a great machine.

[@mowerkingedmowingandvacuum7995]

Do YOU like old vintage lawn tractors anyone in here ???? I gotta 1987 jc Penney lawn tractor grass handler 32inch cut