evaluating a hydro

Wayne · #1 08-09-2010, 10:26 AM

I've had a 108 for a half dozen years and have gotten to know it's quirks and strengths pretty well. Thinking of getting a 14 horse hydro so I have more options for plowing, blowing and tilling. What/how do I need to know and look at when evaluating one? I've got an ugly but functional 149 locally for $350, which seems like a good deal to me if it all works and isnt about to go belly up.
But I know nothing about these hydros so maybe you can help me out...

gcbailey · #2 08-09-2010, 11:14 AM

hydro creep... See how it does in neutral. Is there a neutral or does it "creep" forward or reverse... Apparently every old hydro out there needs shimmed up, trunnion welded and a few small things. My 127 "fell" out of neutral into reverse and after following everyone's advice on here it's like brand new. It's not hard work. But that's probably the biggest thing to look for.

Yosemite Sam · #3 08-09-2010, 05:43 PM

When you drive it, set the ground speed lever about half way between "N" and wide open, as you drive along see if the ground speed increases. If it does it's something to "*complain" about, but the guys here can tell you how to fix it.

*complain=bargaining power

Wayne · #4 08-10-2010, 12:43 AM

Thanks for the tips so far.

This should probably be a separate thread but how much real difference in power (especially for snow plowing) can I expect from a 149 versus my 108? Will it be "significant", whatever that means? My 108 does alright unless we have a heavy snow, then I can still move it but it takes a long time. I have to use it as a battering ram to push walls of snow inches at a time.

Yosemite Sam · #5 08-10-2010, 03:23 AM

Providing it runs properly, it will have TONS more power, however there is no difference between this and anything else, you're gonna run out of traction long before you run out of power.

gcbailey · #6 08-10-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne

Thanks for the tips so far.

This should probably be a separate thread but how much real difference in power (especially for snow plowing) can I expect from a 149 versus my 108? Will it be "significant", whatever that means? My 108 does alright unless we have a heavy snow, then I can still move it but it takes a long time. I have to use it as a battering ram to push walls of snow inches at a time.

What little bit I've played with my 127 before disassembling it, honestly it felt like it had as much power as my new GT2544 w/22HP Kohler Command... It never even started to bog down coming up some of my steep hills. My wife's grandfather has a 149. I've had to pleasure of playing on it some when we visit and it's a beast!!! I'd love to have it.

Wayne · #7 08-10-2010, 10:30 AM

"Tons more power".... "It's a beast".

You know exactly what I want to hear!:biggrin2.gif: