John Deere 400

[SHOOT DEERE IT IS]

Going to look a 73 400 tomorrow. This will be my first John Deere snowmobile. I am familiar with newer sleds(i have a 2012 Arctic Cat) but have never had any experience with Deere snowmobiles. I love the older look with the all green color, with is why I like the hundred series. I farm and have all John Deere equiptment, so when it comes to antique snowmobiles, its gotta be a Deere. What are some of the main things i should look for on this sled? It is supposed to have a recently recovered seat, newer track, newer widshield, and overall good shape. Any mechanical things to look at? What is something like this worth?

TIA

[400brian]

Condition is everything! Its easier ( and cheaper ) to buy them nice, than make them that way.
The sled has been kicking around for 40 years, who knows what all has happened to it. If its in running condition that is a plus, but it guarantees nothing. To a large degree, a 40 year old sled has to be refurbished a bit to be a reliable rider. 40 years is just too long to just change the plugs and go.

Unless the sled has been refurbished, or kept in climate controlled conditions, all the bearings are likely to need replacing, the fuel system completely cleaned and carb rebuilt...you get the picture.

Early 400s do not command big dollars, think low hundreds. 400s were built in numbers second only to the Spitfire.
Not trying to scare you off, just keep things in perspective.

[Jimmy]

I always take a compression tester and check to see what it has. Should be around 120 psi in each cylinder, and should not vary more than 10 psi between the two.( Hold throttle wide open and pull rope three times) If not you'll have to over haul the motor. Check inside gas tank, if old gas has been sitting in there a long time the tank is probably solid rust. Lay it on its side and check the track for rips or cracks, general overall condition. Like Brian said its "easier to buy them nice, than to make them that way".

[jdrob]

If you need parts just contact me I have a bunch of stuff for mid mounts and even have a 73 400 forsale CHEAP great compression but no spark ! I will leave the old points and condensor ignitions to the "smarter"guys to mess with !

Something else to consider is the mid mounts are very tippy. if you have never rode one before you may wanna find someone that has a mid mount sled and take it for a spin before deciding to buy one ! Depending on what your plans are for this sled plan on spending some money on it ! These are not sleds you can go to the local deere dealership to pick up all your parts needs. I hope this helps ! Remember this "If it too good to be true it probabley IS" ! Just my .00235 cents .

Jdrob

[daisydukers]

If it is any consolation I have a JD 300 and absolutely love mine. It has just enough snap to make it fun on the trails, yet at the same time I can haul 1/4 of a cord of wood in my sleigh and it can handle it with ease. The biggest bonus for me is that I get out in the ditches way way earlier than the guys with new sleds. I just wish I had checked the compression on mine prior to purchase as a ripped head gasket can sure ruin your day and cost weeks of valuable sledding time

[SHOOT DEERE IT IS]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up with a 75 400 and a 71 Skiroule 400r. Picked up both up for $440. Guy had them sitting in his barn. Hasnt ran them this year. Both in very good condition. I was very surprised. They bought both of the sleds new. Both fired right up and run and drive pretty well. Again, very surprised. I like that deere, but that skiroule is pretty darn cool. Dont know a thing about them though. Only problem with the deere is the seat has one crack in it, where is a good place for a replacement or to get it recovered?

[400brian]

A good number of us have used John's Upholstery, a advertiser on this site.http://www.johnsupholstery.com/

I personally have had John re-cover at least 4 seats, they look nice.

[jdrob]

shoot deere! If you need info on the Skiroule let me know !!