Should I save my 1450? At a crossroads :(

[bocephus1991]

Another thing pretty much all the parts interchange between 1250,1450,1650. Engines are a little different.

[Billy-O]

Go ahead and buy that other tractor to replace your 1450. Pretty soon....very soon, that other tractor you buy will be needing "this" and "that" that you wondered why the PO was so cheap and sloppy. You'd be wondering why you didn't fix the 1450 in the first place. And she'd be fixed up right and nicely if had fixed that 1450 up in the first place.

Keep 1450 and get it done right once and for all!

[Sam Mac]

$1600 and you can own this 1641. I built it last year for my daughter and SIL. It had a brand new Vanguard, all the seals in the rear where replaced. It has a decent 48" deck. and on and on. I bought them a new Kubota BX so I'll be getting this one back in a week or two.

[snoel]

Feeling a bit overwhelmed yet? Wondering why you ever asked that question in the first place? NO? OK, I'll add my . Keep it! Or, you'll be sorry. Because the folks here will never quit moaning on your shoulder. And, you will personally regret letting a close friend go. Go ahead, and ask me how I got so smart, after the deed was done.

I bought a 782 (for $550), to use while I'm building the 169. It's a bit rough, and needed a seat, and some sort of hitch. So, I bought a $100 one from TSC, and a bolt on receiver hitch for $52, and the old red beast is growing on me, but, I still plug away on the 169.
Drive line going in this week.

[cadzag72]

Just going to share a little story about cost. I bought my first 125 without telling my wife first, got it for 250. Over 2 years, I worked on it bit by bit, and though i didn't track costs, I probably put between 1200-1500 into it. My wife was seeing it as a "money pit," not understanding how the resto process works when you have not much budget, as none of my costs were due to surprise failures, just planned repairs when money was available. Anyways, it's been 2 years and no new costs, still working great. My daughter loves tractors, and was climbing all over a new craftsman one day while we were at Sears picking up a wedding tool kit for a buddy of mine. My wife was standing watching her climb on the tractor and her eyes drifted to the price tag. I used that chance to point out that I'd spent half that on a tougher machine that will last a whole lot longer, and I actually got a "I get it now" grin from her.

Post your parts list, we might be able to help you find good prices for what you need. You can always post ads for things in the wanted section too.

[bkw3614]

I think the best investment you can make for your 1450 is a service manual, along with that for a Kohler k-321.

It appears as if you have ample mechanical skills to repair that tractor, and do it properly. I agree with others here, that the parts price that you received may be a bit on the high side.

Repairing the tractor, at times, can be frustrating. Four years ago, I bought a 1250 in about the same condition that you describe. At times, it became a nightmare. I was advised here to just keep working on it. If I did, and took my time, I would have a tractor that I would cherish for as along as I could sit on it. There could not have been more sound advice. I have a great tractor, and it has an unique name, the 1250 Nightmare.

I learned a lot about that tractor, and I encourage you to take on this restoration project. You will have a better tractor and a source of pride when it is finished. Everyone here will help you when you have a question.

All the best to you and your project.

Brian Wittman

[USMC_SGT]

You guys kill me! My handle is mostly "legit" (my rank is from a few years ago). I am still active duty, and I would venture to guess one of the younger members perhaps, at the ripe age of 30. I have been around anything mechanical my entire life, I am a diesel mechanic by trade, and build high performance cars in my spare time for myself and others. My current project is a 2006 GTO with a twin turbo setup that should put around 1200hp to the tires.....I have more than enough expertise to get this tractor going.

In any case I am not upset for the onslaught of advice, it is much appreciated in fact.

I went to go look at the 1863 that I mentioned earlier and came to a conclusion for sure.





The 1450 will stay....



It operates much the same, doesn't have that vintage look, but just seemed....cheap? I looked at a brand new XT3 with fabbed deck, and it was sweet in a "new" way...but missed the brutness the 1450 has, the noise, the ride. Etc....

[jaynjeep]

...and that's how we all got hooked on these old yellow machines... the noise, the feel, the ride, the sheer ruggedness... you have yellow fever my friend!!

[USMC_SGT]

I'll throw in a there too, my wife (surprisingly), is supportive of this venture even with telling her a much higher reto cost than it will cost

She said the budget is there this year...so game on!

[snoel]

Good Deal! Go for it.