JD 214 is it a LT or GT?

:ditto: definitely a GT I can't think of a LT the tips the scales at 800 lbs built like a tank and even the 14 hp version will spin the wheels before you run out of power. I don't have a blower for mine but I'm sure it will run one just fine. The only disadvantage to blowing snow with it is that its a gear drive so you have to shift gears to change direction.

judging by your avatar you are in to cub cadets or know of them. These use the same K series Kohler engines that were common in most GT's back in the day. Great tractor and plenty of power, dont let the 14HP rating convince you otherwise. Basically just make sure it runs good, shifts good and stays in gear under a load, variator works in all positions, general stuff. These are heavy built with fiberglass hoods, even though they are getting older there is still good part sources for new and used and if you were inclined you could prob run it another 20+ years with reasonable reliability if you wanted to.

A 214 could have manual lift, electric lift or hydraulic lift. Hydraulic lift is the best. There was a helper spring available that made lifting a snowblower manually possible. Without the helper spring, manual would be hard work.

The 200 series tractors used a belt drive, 4 speed transmission with a variator in the belt drive to change ground speed within the gear. They don't always work, and while anything can be fixed, it would be something to check to see if that works.

They are a good little tractor. I have one dedicated for snow removal and its a good machine. I live in Maine, we get plenty of snow, wet, light, heavy, you name it. I'm very pleased with mine other than it has a manual lift, which I'm hoping to replace with a hydraulic lift. Most parts are readily available and it's built rugged.

Hugh-SS/16 said:

They don't steer well, the engine shakes a lot, and the variator can cause a lot of head aches, but they are solid and work hard.

Click to expand...

They steer well if lubricated, which most aren't. They are manual, and will never be as good as a 300 series forward, but are better with rear weight. Honestly, I like the rumbling and shaking of the 14/16 hp Kohlers. The tractors are usually just in need of belts after 25+ years of clutching, variating, and lugging the tranny. They have some flaws(most manual lift, some manual PTO, and stick(not as nice as hydro))