Just wanted to say hello to everyone.
I am taking possession of a 1974 1450 today. Went to look at it yesterday, and while it needs a little TLC, it looks like a solid tractor.
The gentleman stated it ran 3 years ago when it was parked, and my first thought was, yeah, so what. 3 years is a long time to leave something sitting for no reason, so something has to be wrong. I was hoping it wouldn't be serious.
Got there, hooked up some cables and cranked it over. turned over with no issue, but would not quite start. Checked the spark, and it would arc a half inch, so it seems hot enough. It had fresh gas in the tank, but that really doesn't mean much if it has 3 year old gas in the carb, so I dropped the bowl for a look. It was very clean, and bone dry. Pulled the float, and got the needle freed up so gas would run, and replaced the bowl.
Turned it over again, and it fired right up. No smoke, no hesitation, and a great relief.
Aired up the tires, and started the test ride. The speed control was a bit stiff, and initially it would only go about half way, but it moved forward and reverse with no issues. Kept manipulating the speed control and eventually, it went full forward, and the thing jumped out at full speed.
You have to love it when you start out expecting to walk away, and the initial results are a disappointment, but it turns out good in the end.
The only attachments are a beat up 44" deck(all three spindles turn smoothly, so only cosmetic issues) and a front snow blade.
In any case, glad to be here. I have been searching for a good vintage tractor for a couple of months now, so I have spent a lot of time on here as well as other sites. This site was very influential in convincing me that the 1450 was worth going and taking a look at, so you all have already been a great help to me. I figure that you will have an opportunity to help me out a lot more in the near future
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I have been wrenching for about 4 decades now, so I'm pretty good with the standard maintenance items, but there has got to be a whole lot that isn't in the factory manual, that you folks have figured out.