[tracktortag]

While I've been a MTF member, I'd like to introduce myself to the Deere forum.

While I used a (now old) Gravely 2 wheeler when I was young, and own some Gravelys at present, (which to me, are great tractors in their own rite), I also picked up a 1972 Deere 140 H3 a year or two ago.

There are a few reasons. The first is that to me, the John Deere name represents "Americana". The second, is that, while my grandfather had a Gravely, he also had big John Deere tractors. So a part of my having the 140 is in rememberence of him. The third reason is that I've been wanting to experience hydrostatic drive. The last reason is that Deere owners are just as enthusastic about your Deeres as we Gravely owners are about our tractors! I had been thinking that there HAS to be something to this, and I need to find out what it is!

My goal is to restore my 140 as I have my Gravelys. When I bought it, the original engine had a rod knock. I found a nice Kohler 16HP engine out of a 316. I pulled the original, but am now re-considering if I should complete the transplant, or rebuild the original. I know that using the 16HP, I'll have to use the 14HP tins. I may also have to change the stator, or use the 16's rectifer.

I know that one thing we all like are pics. One pic the seller's pic as posted on CL. The other (minus the engine) is recent. One thing that stands out is that the hood "decals" were actually hand painted after the tractor had been brush painted. This tells me that a P/P/O thought a lot about this tractor.

And I just have to say, seeing all of the recent pics of 4x4 728s, and 749s....!

 

[SonnyT]

Welcome to the Green side! Those that have 140 H3's love them. Looking for one I can afford myself! Good Luck with it and keep us updated on your progress!:fing32:

 

[Sergeant]

Well Here are some Links To Help Out with Your 140
JD Bone Yards
http://www.jdlawntractor.com/
http://www.tractorsalesandparts.com/
140 Reproduction Cat 0 3point Hitch
http://www.jimsrepairjimstractors.com/3_point_hitch-three-point-hitch.htm

Some Other Good Parts Links for JD Decals and Replacement Hoods
http://hapcoparts.com
and welcome to the Green Side of the House
I came Very Close to Joining The rear engine tractor side of the House In 1999 and sometime I regret I didn't Buy a Gravely Back Then But Hopefully somewhere Down the Line I'll Get a Pro G12 Or a Pro G16 with Hydraulic Lift:thThumbsU

 

[green-blood]

Hi tracktortag, you have a true JD lawn and garden tractor classic! I have two 140's in my garage, my father in law who introduced me to this addiction, has 6 of them. We have been fortunate since all of them are still using the original engines they came with. I also have a couple of 112's as well, and can tell you that rods are a Kohler weak spot in several horse powers. A simple tear down can ID the knock and with the help of a machine shop you could find a simple and cost effective alternative to trying to retro the 16hp to your tractor. Whatever you decide, I am sure you will enjoy the 140.
Doug

 

[slkpk]

Good luck with your 140 and IMO it's one of the best looking tractors JD ever made. slkpk

 

[JDFANATIC]

Welcome to the green side. Looking forward to following your restoration.

 

[UrbanTractor]

Welcome, and those 140 H3s are real nice! Well worth the time and effort to get it going again.

 

[tracktortag]

Thanks for your comments, and links. I'm sure I'll be needing them.

In addition to rod knock, the original engine also smokes. I would have to guess rings for starters, and maybe an out-of-round cylinder bore.

I did a quick check of the rod while swapping the oil pans. Everything seemed ok when I turned the flywheel , but was able to duplicate the knock when I moved the rod side-to side at the crank shaft journal. There is also some surface rust on the inner frame rails, but that's to be expected. The good thing is no hydro leaks.

I need to get going on it again so that I can try it out this summer.

 

[Aksarben96]

Having used a Gravely 812 and 814 in the past the JD 140 feels just as solid a piece of machinery . If you get a 54" four way plow in the future you will really appreciate the three port hydraulics . The only area that the 800 series does better is its top speed in four high if I recall was 10 mph plus ? versus the JD 140 at 6 mph . The independent rear brakes are very handy on the 140 , while the hydro-static control lever is the same placement as the Gravely's drive engagement lever, though it takes a little practice to get use to its gated movement versus the straight front to back of the Gravely , and the 140's left peddle that returns the hydro-static lever to neutral which allows you to use it as foot speed control when your hands are busy with the steering wheel and hydraulic levers.

 

[rabbitking61]

Welcome! I am sure you will enjoy your 140 as much as I have enjoyed mine. The engine was bad in mine when I got it and I had a shop that specialized in rebuilding engines fix mine. Sometimes I enjoy driving it as my 318 or 445. They are built to last.

 

[tracktortag]

Having used a Gravely 812 and 814 in the past the JD 140 feels just as solid a piece of machinery . If you get a 54" four way plow in the future you will really appreciate the three port hydraulics . The only area that the 800 series does better is its top speed in four high if I recall was 10 mph plus ? versus the JD 140 at 6 mph . The independent rear brakes are very handy on the 140 , while the hydro-static control lever is the same placement as the Gravely's drive engagement lever, though it takes a little practice to get use to its gated movement versus the straight front to back of the Gravely , and the 140's left peddle that returns the hydro-static lever to neutral which allows you to use it as foot speed control when your hands are busy with the steering wheel and hydraulic levers.

I was impressed by the overall construction as I exposed the frame. Everything is heavy gauge. The drivetrain also impressed me. When I removed the seat pan, I was greeted by a very stout looking hydro unit, complete with cooling fan. A nice surprise for sure.

Steering brakes are nice too. My 430 has them, and they come in handy as a limited slip in the woods. The 814, and 816 don't (although the 814 has limited slip).

I only ran it long enough to get it off of the trailer, and into the garage, but your mention of the gated hydro control lever brought a chuckle. I DID need to be mindfull of that as I went from reverse, to forward a few times.

Yes, a four way plow is on my list. Power angle is nice to have.

 

[JRW]

It sure is a small world. My grandfather owned and operated a Gravely dealership for 20 years until he died. I was probably five or six the first time he let me drive a Gravely around the lawn outside the shop. Going there and playing with the tractors was better than an arcade to me. Coincidentally, my first full time job was at the shop when I was 16. There's still a ton of Gravely red in my house.

Last year when I was in the market for a used garden tractor, naturally I looked for a Gravely. But it was next to impossible to find one, and there was an abundance of Deeres in my area. I guess that's because there are two Deere dealership within a half hour of me, and there hasn't been a Gravely dealership around here sine 1988. On top of that, as you know, parts and attachments for Gravelys aren't easy to find either.

So I ended up buying a JD 214 and couldn't be happier. Yes, there's a small part of me that wishes my tractor was red instead of green. But it's a heck of a good machine, and whenever I need anything for it I don't have to look far. As far as quality and reputation, I think JD and the old Gravelys are on equal footing.

 

[tracktortag]

Yes, I remember seeing the pics in your post. You certainly have many very neat items.
The tin model D sign still stands out in my mind.

Reading of your grandfather, his dealership, and your riding the tractors, I would continue keeping an eye out for an old Gravely, maybe like the one you used to ride.
Part of the reason I picked up the 140 is for the same reason. I remember my grandfather always having JD tractors. The 140's hood, open engine bay, and front grill with the headlights reminded me of his old tractors.

Seeing pics of different models, I can tell that these tractors were certainly not underbuilt. Even the 70 and 110 look like little tanks! I get a kick out of seeing them. They look like neat little tractors.
And then to follow through the line to the new x700 series. Seeing them with their 4X4 drives, and other features makes me want one one day. Having and using this 140 could be the beginning of a whole new "problem" for me.

 

[jossbrad]

Yes, I remember seeing the pics in your post. You certainly have many very neat items.
The tin model D sign still stands out in my mind.

Reading of your grandfather, his dealership, and your riding the tractors, I would continue keeping an eye out for an old Gravely, maybe like the one you used to ride.
Part of the reason I picked up the 140 is for the same reason. I remember my grandfather always having JD tractors. The 140's hood, open engine bay, and front grill with the headlights reminded me of his old tractors.

Seeing pics of different models, I can tell that these tractors were certainly not underbuilt. Even the 70 and 110 look like little tanks! I get a kick out of seeing them. They look like neat little tractors.
And then to follow through the line to the new x700 series. Seeing them with their 4X4 drives, and other features makes me want one one day. Having and using this 140 could be the beginning of a whole new "problem" for me.

Welcome to Team Green. That 140 will make a very nice project. My grandfather had a couple John Deeres as I was growing up and it was always a big thrill for me when he'd let me mow with one of them. I'm sure that's where my love of the green machines comes from. I wish my grandfather was still here today to see my X728. He'd be very proud, although he'd most likely give me a lecture for what it cost. Like you said in your initial thread, John Deere is a piece of Americana.

I personally think you should take a trip to your local dealer sometime and test drive a 700 series model. It's a nice "problem" to have.

Again, welcome aboard and keep us updated on that 140.

 

[Aksarben96]

Tractor addiction knows No color . Although brand loyalty is a different thing.
Every mfg line up has good and bad , its knowing its limit's if you want things to last as long as possible and that the units at the lowest cost end of the line are built for the lowest price point and are not intended to last very long so are the first to be obsoleted and dropped by the maker.