jd300

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:55 pm

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.

If you look at the side view, it appppears to have the three holes drilled in the side of the tunnel.

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:02 pm

"The only 00 series sled made in '77 was the 300."

I show they made 2,401 400's and 2,300 300's for the 77 model year.

Joe

kwc · Post by **kwc** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:23 pm

Interesting Joe....I am with Troy on this one, I didn't think there was a 400 in 77.

Matt, the serial number page needs updating, I see there are no 77 400's listed.

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:59 pm

Hey Guys,

I agree with Horicon Joe, the 300 and 400 are both in the 77 brochure. I have a 77 300, but not a 400 to prove it though.

-Rainville

PS: Nice looking sled, but the price tag ain't cheap!

jdcrzy · Post by **jdcrzy** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:00 pm

hi guys, i just have to add my 2 cents. I bought a new 1975 300 for $800.00 brand new in 1976 and being a tight wad i think the price is rather steep. I agree the sled is sweet but not what i would pay. But i don't pay much for my sleds anyway. I have bought my last three for less than $200.00 total. 1972 500, 1975 JDX8, 1980 trailfire.
good luck with your decision.
joel

kwc · Post by **kwc** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:58 pm

Absolutely no question on their Deere knowledge Rich, I have learned a lot from both of the Joe's and you on this site. Add one more item to that list.....Deere made a 77 400!

Rich, what was the engine used in these sleds, was it a 340cc?

Thanks guys.

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:40 pm

Hey Kevin,

Don't worry, I learn something new about these darn sleds everyday. And I will never live down the day Tim Kudla corrected me once :rolleyes:

The 76-77 400 used a Kiortz KEC 340/22 case reed motor. The first Deere with that motor was the 75 JDX-4, then the 400 and Cyclone in 76. However, the JDX-4 still had points I believe.

Have fun guys!
-Rainville

PS: Thanks for the complement Rich!

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:56 pm

I guess I don't know my Green Machines very well. I thought 76 was the first year for the Mean Green color. Is touch up paint still available? I got another pic that's under 200 kb, so I'll try posting it. Looks like the pan is nice and straight. It does look like it originally had the black rubber/plastic handles and the grab bar was installed later. I have some nice used handles, but I think I'd leave the chrome bar on because it seems more practical .....maybe put the original style ones on in a few years if I ever decided to sell it.....Geez, I'm talkin like it's mine already. I'll call him up tomorrow and make him an offer.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 12:17 am

I have some nice used handles, but I think I'd leave the chrome bar on because it seems more practical .....maybe put the original style ones on in a few years if I ever decided to sell it..

On a deal like this ( depending on what you wind up paying for it ) I cringe when I hear you even mention selling. The old: "buy low - sell high" adage comes into play. If you are even thinking of selling, you often make your money when you buy, or put yourself in a box.

Myself, I never much think about selling, so I just have to ask myself: is it worth it to me.

good luck

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 12:34 am

Yeah Brian, I know that if I was to sell it within 4-5 years, I'd likely take a loss on it considering the price I'll end up paying. Still, being able to enjoy it for a few years has some value in itself. Up until this deal came along, I never had any great desire to buy an 00 series sled (though I do admit to having about a dozen rough condition ones in my backyard that I got for a song). The Fire series sleds are just way more fun to rip around on. But, I'm kind of thinking that if JD sleds ever start to gain more respect among the vintage snowmobile community (and it looks as though they are beginning to), perhaps the 00 and JDX series might be more collectible than the Fire/Cyclone series of sleds just because of their age and distinctly John Deere appearance (they have that look that says, "my daddy was a 4020", moreso than does a 1981 Liquifire ). Aside from the sought after racing Deeres, what models of JD sleds does everyone think will be the most collectible in ten years time?

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:45 am

Well, looks like it's mine. I got it for a bit less than a grand and I'm probably nuts to have paid that much, but it was just too nice to resist. I'm going to pick it up tonight and look forward to taking it for a spin when the snow flies.

afponiky · Post by **afponiky** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:53 am

Good deal Liquifire 4/6,

I would have gotten that also. I'm looking at a 300 that I might have a line on that is in very good shape (not like yours though)

I hope it is everything you think it is. It is nice to find a real good sled now and then. I'm so sick of the crap that I find around here.

I just wish I could find one real nice sled and not have to worry about it breaking down, or finding parts etc...

anyone got one they want to get rid of?

GRP

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 8:34 pm

I just got back home with the 300 and it is everything the guy claimed and more. Original seat with not one mark anywhere (I'm scared to sit on it), not a ding on the belly pan (unbelievably, not even on the chaincase bulge). He said the guy ran it only one season and only on a lake which might explain the lack of rock bangs on the pan. So why didn't any of you warn me not to drive 80 mph on the way home with it? Seems a 32 year old original windshield (which was perfect when I loaded the sled) gets a bit brittle with time and doesn't like a big blast of wind coming at it for 185 miles. Man, I was disgusted with myself when I saw only broken shards of plastic bolted to the console when I got home. Thank God that none of them punctured the seat when they blew off. I know I have one good windshield somewhere in my loft (not sure if it is OEM or aftermarket). The engine runs perfectly and I really doubt the sled has a hundred miles on it. I'll post some pics when I get the windshield replaced.

Pete

LiquidFire · Post by **LiquidFire** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 10:26 pm

Hey Pete,

Nice find! I saw this advertised a little while ago and thought it looked pretty nice. I'll have to look it over next time were in town. I was kind of hunting around for a 340 Trailfire for Liam to replace his Yammy. Not much luck yet...... kind of want the all Deere family thing.

Cheers,
D.

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:49 pm

Hiya D. Haven't seen you on here for awhile. Forget what I said bout the 80 mph thing, k?.....lol. I know of a couple Trailfires just south of town that are probably still for sale. Engines seized in one, but likely just from sitting. I'm sure you can pick them up for cheap and get em going easily. Liam would look good on a Deere. We're makin good progress on the vintage trail.......hacked out another three miles yesterday nice and wide with not a twig left to scratch anybodys sled. It's on Ground Hog day this year.