John Deere 111 purchase and repairs (1984 model)

Picked up a 1984 John Deere model 111. Had a couple items to address. Change a few things that needed to be a be fixed.
there will be a part 2 at some point. Need to source a few parts. Part two will hopefully cover the clutch swap, valve job, carb kit, brakes, front tires, and any other misc.

[@bretthibbs6083]

I had pretty much the same mower 20 years ago and I've had to replace the spindles for the deck, the ignition coil, belts, and among other misc stuff to repair but it was a great little mower considering I had to mower at least close to 2 acres back then. It took me almost 2 hours to mow with this mower. I also had the same 11hp briggs on mine and it was awesome. Like I said earlier the only thing I had to do to it was replace the coil and change the oil on it every spring and it ran flawless.

[@blakdeth77]

I rebuilt the motor. Everything worked fine as far as the motor goes. But I can't seem to get the deck to go back on and the lift / lower lever to work right. Can you show step by step how to reinstall the deck? My jack sheave bearings just went out and Im not finding any good videos on that either. The bearing / post piece is JD part number M74707 . Its like a steel rod with two bearings mounted on it. I can see in the illustration the bearing end installs upward but there's a pin hole in the bottom where a cotter pin goes through the shaft... and I guess I need to dig more where to find that... wish me luck! Thanks for the video you've already done!

[@robchamberlin4900]

Just got a 1983 111 and I currently own a 1979 111. The 83 needs some attention and love. Also got a 212 too

[@suburbanhomesteadprojects]

Nice. Can’t have to many 111’s. I’ve got a few more items to address on my 111 then I plan to hunt down a 318.

[@okjd159]

I had one of those. You can shift the trans with using the clutch.

[@badvibes1337]

do you have any tips for tuning these older carburators? the guy u got it from rebuilt the carb and i dont know where to start on tuning the air/fuel and the needle on the bottom of the carb.

[@uawsux]

I took my deck stripped it took it to a sandblaster had it all sandblasted painted it red rust primer and then painted it yellow on top....

[@minibikesandmowers]

I flip newer style john deere mowers and a couple weeks ago I sold a real nice la115 with a plow to a guy and he was telling me about his old john deere and that if I wanted it I could come pick it up so he didn't have to set it out by the curb. I'm a sucker for free stuff so I picked it up even tho I wasn't super interested but it runs, has a plow and new tire chains so I couldn't pass it up. I hadn't even looked this thing over until this evening and the date code on the engine is 79. The tractor looks amazing, it's a 111 and somebody has done a budget restoration on it already. I was planning on making a toy out of it but this thing it just to cool to tear up so now I think I want to do a proper restoration and have a cool vintage mower. It doesn't have a deck so I need to find one of those but I was wondering if you had an idea of what it might be worth in good running shape since you seem to have a lot of knowledge about these old models

[@uawsux]

what are you talking about clutch are you talking about the electromagnet that starts the mower deck you don't have to take the motor off for that?? I paid $300 for mine and it was in great shape except for the seat I would like you to rebuild the seat ... a new one 100 bucks

[@jhulbe]

Do you still have this 111? I have the same one, and I can't find a diagram of the drive belt routing. Curious if you have a video/photo of the underside

[@alexisilacqua128]

does any fellow 111 owners have pictures of their wiring under the dash? Im trying to figure out what kind of alternator/stator i need... thanks

[@andrewheinen9185]

Where did you get the foam price for the top of the air cleaner? I can't seem to find it available.

[@wyattgrover8542]

Anybody know why one of these would short out?

[@uawsux]

my John Deere 111 those spindles are not the same mine are taller and the both holes are I believe are smaller radius and I don't think I have that spacer....... but I do have zerk fittings I don't know who did that that's stupid..... but they are difficult they are difficult to take apart.........

[@toddjohnston4788]

I have the same model and year...my 11hp is bad. If I replace with a 17hp will the wiring be hard..especially the pto wiring?

[@blakdeth77]

I wouldn't think the wiring would be hard on the PTO... it's just an On/Off switch, which is nomally open / not powered. If I recall correctly, looking at my service manual, there is a relay that is controlled by the switch on the dash. But that doesn't add much complexity. I see the comment is pretty old, but if you want info from the manual just post a way I can contact you.

[@uawsux]

do not be stupid and try to use the zerk fitting for filling the tubes of the spindles with grease pack the bearings with grease put the shields back on and leave it alone if your bearings have no Shields be a good idea to put them on there