John Deere 214

[chuckles]

i posted about buying a new tractor today. Either base model JD or a Craftmans. Some one told me to check craigslist and found a JD 214. It looks old and is 550 dollars but nothing shows up on the forum when i search this model. Is this a good or bad buy? Listing says its a kholer engine that runs good, mows good and looks good.

[stladrill]

Is it like this one? (I know the pic is small)




You can go check here for more info http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-trac...deere-214.html

[chuckles]

YEA THATS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. is this a sought ofter model? Good for the start of a nice lawn mower restore project? im gonna take a shot in the dark and say no since i cant find any threads on the forum about it.

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

I don't think the forum is set up to look for 3 figure searches. Try 318. If you don't find anything, it is the search that isn't working. Lots of threads on 214's.

[md212]

Not necessarily a sought after model. It is basically the same as the 210, 212, 216....only difference is horsepower. Does it come with any attachments? 550 seems a bit steep for one in not so good shape. Regardless, those models are pretty darn reliable. They were gear drive with a variable speed, and most were manual lift. If you could get the price down a bit, definitely worth a restore. Just my opinion.

[chuckles]

the listing says its already in good running and mowing shape. Pick didnt look to bad either.


here is listing.

http://huntington.craigslist.org/grd/1598664892.html

[KHodges]

The picture looks pretty nice, I think it's been at least repainted. The 200 series is very tough, lots of them still around. They are all manual tranny and have a creeper gear, plus the variator drive. The transmission is the same in all the 100's and 200's (except the 140 hydro's). You might have to search around for implements, but they are out there. The Kohlers are great engines, parts are available, but the engines aren't made any more. If it doesn't knock or smoke more than a little on startup, and the deck bearings are okay and it's not rusted out, I'd say it's worth what he's asking. It looks complete. I didn't notice what model year it was. the were made from 1975 to 1987. I have an '86 model, it doesn't look as good as that one, and I gave $700 for mine. The deck had new bearings and sheaves, it smokes a little and the carb needs a rebuild, but it runs well enough to use whenever I need a second machine to pull a wagon, etc. If you want a basic, tough tractor that you can use to mow or work in the garden (if you find the implements), plus one with some collector appeal, it's a good machine.

[Cat385B]

One thing about the 200 series. If your yard is small or requires lots of turning around or trimming, the 200's do not have an impressive turning radius.

[KHodges]

Originally Posted by Cat385B

One thing about the 200 series. If your yard is small or requires lots of turning around or trimming, the 200's do not have an impressive turning radius.

I'll second that. When they were new, it wasn't so bad, but with these new machines that will turn in their own length, well..........

Like the song says "Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around....."

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

Heres my take on the 214. It is basically a 110 (same bullitproof transmission and variator) with newer 80's styling and the also tough as nails 14hp kohler that powered everyones premium tractor back then including Deeres own 140, Cub 1450 and most Economy tractors to name 3 of the biggest.
It also has 1" front spindles just like the 317s.

If you are ok without power steering (they don't need it) and a manual transmission with manual lift, they are great, tough, undervalued tractors...better than the legendary 110's too.

Buy to use though. They don't resell well because everyone wants a 300 series...they gotta have hydrostatic transmissions so the neighbors can hear that whine.

[Cat385B]

The first time you drive one, if there isn't a problem in the steering you will think it has power steering. I have a late 70's model with the 47" deck. Beautiful cut.