Latest Restoration Project

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:50 am

Thought some of you might be interested in seeing my latest restoration project. It may not be a snowmobile but it's still a Horicon built Deere. Besides, I needed a summer toy...

It's a 1981 John Deere 212 lawn and garden tractor. It was completely disassembled, sandblasted, and painted with Dupont Imron paint. The rebuild included the mower deck and 12 hp Kohler engine. Also have the mower deck vacuum and bagger attachment, so it will be put to work this summer.

" We don't need no stinkin' snow!"

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:52 am

Another photo...

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:56 am

Last one...

Post by **Matt** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:25 am

Jim,
Are restorations of the tractors in this era common? I just find it funny since so many of them are still in use.

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:42 am

Looks sharp Jim! Where do you live that the grass is that green already?

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:19 am

Is there any websites like this that are dedicated to jd lanw tractors? I have a pitchure of my father who is now passed on giving me a ride on a old john deere lawn tractor. I always wanted to find the same model and restore it.

Bob

deere memorabilia · Post by **deere memorabilia** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:06 am

Here is a good web site for the lawn and garden stuff
www.weekendfreedommachines.com

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:25 am

jdmatt - "Are restorations of the tractors in this era common? I just find it funny since so many of them are still in use."

As Rich said, they are commonly done. I chose this model because there are a lot of them around, relatively cheap, and parts are still easy to find. The earlier models are becoming quite collectable (read: expensive), besides I wanted one that could be used when finished. Deere used this basic style for many years, so it really doesn't look that old.

Horicon Joe - "Looks sharp Jim! Where do you live that the grass is that green already?"

Thanks Joe! Good eye, the photo was actually taken last fall, however I hope to start using it soon.

TakeItToTheLimit - "OH...and I don't see the WARNING safety decal on the hood. It was installed during a PIP that was intended to keep the manual PTO from sticking."

Rich, I never liked that warning sticker on the hood....

WatertownBob - "Is there any websites like this that are dedicated to jd lanw tractors?"

Yes, try this one: http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/

Edit: Look's like Jesse beat me to it....I'll have to learn to type faster.

Deere John · Post by **Deere John** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:13 am

Not to go on with the "non-sled" topic ... but for years, my dad has been getting a monthly magazine called Green Magazine printed/published out of Bee, NE. It is said to be committed to the Johnny Poppers, but it has awesome articles from 6600 combines to 7520's to 6030s to lawn & garden -- and yes -- even JD snowmobiles! It is worth a subscription to JD enthusiasts. Matter of fact, last month they had a special on the new 1/16th scale sleds that are being released. Very well written. The most recent article on JD snowmobiles was in May of 2003; also in March of 2002; and also in April of 1996. I'm going to dig through my dad's stash some day to see if I can find the articles and pass them along.

Their website is www.greenmagazine.com

Sorry to get of the sled topic ...

B)

RSplash40 · Post by **RSplash40** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:05 pm

While we are on this topic - how does one find out the year of a JD tractor? I've got a 425 but no idea how old.

thanks

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:28 pm

RSplash,

My guess is that's it's probably an early 90's model, but you really need to check the serial number to be sure.

Check on the "Weekend Freedom Machines" website, they should be able to help...
http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/

Jim

afponiky · Post by **afponiky** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:14 pm

Hey guys, WFM is the best web site you can ever find.

I've been a member there for a long time (I am GRP on there).

If you ever have any questions please get a hold of me or go on the site, join and enjoy!

JDRAT, I can help you out on any of your questions, just email me and I can help you out!

They have as much if not more help there that we have here!

I'm Green all the way.

Gary (GRP)

DeereHunter78 · Post by **DeereHunter78** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:56 pm

Jim,

I didn't know that you had the lawn tractor sickness too!!! Watch out it is very contageous. I injected Jesse with the virus last year when I persuded him to buy 112 at Princton. I started with a 64 110, which led to a 65, which led to a 67 and 66. Then you have to have attachments to play with, snowblowers, tillers, front end loaders, brinly attachments. Then you get into 140's and hold on. If you guys think the sled hobby drives girlfriends and wives crazy, get into lawn and garden too!!!!! At least you can use the excuse "but honey I bought it use around the yard and mow the lawn" unfortunately it looses its effectiveness after the 9th or 10th time. Something you guys should check out is lawn and garden tractor plow days. Hard to explain, but it is fun. 150-200 tractors with 1 bottom plows can turn under 40 acres in 3 to 4 hours! Hope this link works. If not go to weekendfreedommachines-forums- upcoming events- spring plow day 2007 update

spring plow day 07

This takes place about 20 minutes from my place, at a farm near Rockford Ia. Last year guys came Ohio, Indianna, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and get this, Alaska!!

Rich, I am getting a 68 side tag H3 140 delivered to plow day that I bought, I might need a few things, have any access to 68 parts

Ramon

DeereHunter78 · Post by **DeereHunter78** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:24 pm

I'll attempt to post a pic or 2 from last year

DeereHunter78 · Post by **DeereHunter78** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:26 pm

another of the "competition"