jd300

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:36 am

I have an opportunity to buy an awfully nice 76 300 Green Machine. While I realize it's not one of the most collectible JD sleds, the shape it's in makes me awfully tempted to cough up the $1100 asking price. Also, it's awfully close to my first JD sled...a 76 400, so it'd kinda bring back some fond memories, most of which were of walking home for more spark plugs. I really would like to post some pics of it in order to get your opinions, however all the pics I have of it are in the 300-370 kb range and I can't post them in here. Perhaps, Matt, if you notice this, you'd allow me to email them direct to you. I know I have your email somewhere, but I'm not very organized when it comes to finding stuff in my office

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:17 am

For $1100 it better be like new!

:blink:

Post by **Matt** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:17 am

Send them over, jdsleds66@nac.net

Post by **Matt** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:32 am

It is like new:

Post by **Matt** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:33 am

Post by **Matt** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:33 am

smitfire · Post by **smitfire** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:02 am

do it if thats what you enjoy just like me (the old deeres) then get it
it will only go up in value right?

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:16 am

I also have a special place in my heart for this one since this exact sled was my first sled. It looks to be in perfect condition. I was 11 when dad brought it home Kuhl Implement for a surprize one winter afternoon. Haven't stopped riding since. Duane

Maj_hazard · Post by **Maj_hazard** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:36 am

To be honest the question would be do you want this sled bad enough to pay the asking price. If so then at least the sled is worth $1100.00 to you.

I have a 74 300 and it has a special bond to me as I break it and it lets me fix it. Over and over again... Not the sleds fault BTW.. Just me and the learning curve.

Over the last year I've been finding it harder and harder to find parts for my 300. That would be a nagging voice in my head if I spent this kind of money on the machine you have found. As a "show piece" sled I'd take the plundge and pay up but if it's a daily driver for the cottage I'd pass..

Just my thoughts

Mike

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:21 am

It's a very good looking 300. Looks to be in great shape. From the pics I noticed was the tool box lid looks broken at the handle also one of the foot pads is missing . My personal opinion is the price is too steep. I would think more realistic would be about half of what they are asking considering the shape its in. You are right on this not being the most desired. It doesn't have options either. Its bare bones. No speedo, tach, shocks, elec. start, or backrest. Any manuals, cover, or spare parts come with this?

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:44 am

Yes, the tool box lid is broken, but I do have a good used lid to install on it if I buy it and I likely have a useble footrest pad somewhere in the back 40. I'll likely make him an offer somewhat lower than the asking price and see what happens. My plan would be to take it on one or two vintage derbies a year and treat it very gently to keep it in good shape. I'm hoping that in ten years time, it'll be worth at least what I paid for it if I keep it well preserved. It is a stripper, for sure with no instruments or ski shocks. I have used accessories that I could install, however I'm not sure if that would be the thing to do. Maybe just best to leave it the way it came from the dealership. I'm not sure what it has for miles, but judging from the tunnel paint, it can't be much. There's a bit of paint flaking, but almost none. I know my the paint on the tunnel of my 400 had huge areas peeling where your feet sit after the first winter. The guy who owns it purchased it from the original owner a couple weeks ago and I think he paid too much for it thinking it was worth big bucks, based on it's condition, and I think he's only wanting to recoupe his money. I'd sure like to snag it for old times sake, however I don't have a money tree growing in my backyard so I don't know if I'll be able to add it to my collection. If I don't buy it, I'll provide some contact info if anyone else is interested and pm's me. Thanks to everybody for your input.

DeereKid9 · Post by **DeereKid9** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:57 pm

First of all, I'm at son Bob's house babysitting so this post looks like it is from him. Pete, that 300 is a SSSSWWWWEEEEEETTTT looking sled but I'm kind of like the others. $1,100.00 is too much regardless of Canadian or US! That said, if you want it....buy it! Don't let any of us sway you. Maybe you can just let the man know your interested and make him an offer you can live with. At least tell him you want first dibbs if someone else comes along. Hope it works out for you. Don

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:19 pm

I just realized this might be a 75 instead of a 76. My 76 400 didn't have a chrome rear grab handle....it had black plastic handles. Yet, I thought that 76 was the first year Deere used the dark metallic green? Did the 300 have different grab hadles than the 400? I didn't look at the build date and it's a couple hours away from me.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:00 pm

That's a dandy!

Sleds in this condition ARE hard to find.

You'll have to decide how much it is worth to you, and make your best deal.

Mean Green was the only green used on sleds with that hood style, does everyone agree with that?

Good luck!

B)

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:30 pm

Brian,

I'm with you on the paint. Mean Green was used on 300's, 400's, 600's, 800's, 295S's in '74 and the 340S models. That would cover the years '75 thru '77. The only 00 series sled made in '77 was the 300.

The Mean Green sleds came with the hard rubber grab handles that attached to each side of the tunnel. They were more for looks than for use as most broke easily. Most people replaced them with the chrome grab bars because they were more durable.

D=75 Serial # 30,001-55,000
E=76 Serial # 55,001-70,000
F=77 Serial # 70,001-80,000

Good Luck on trying to land this thing.