Ford Garden tractors anyone?

[cdeal28078]

Anybody into the Ford Lawn and Garden tractors? Not the big stuff like the 9N's but stuff like a 12ho Kohler Garden tractor?
My father in law passed away a while back and loved collecting older garden tractors like the Cubs and John Deeres. The last one he bought he had been after several years. It had sat in a warehouse for 20 years. HE brought it by to show it off on his way home. So I went through a bit of a hassle with the daughter in charge of his estate but came home with it. I wanted it because it is a Ford and it was the last one he bought. I intend to paint his name on the side of the hood once I re-paint it. You know something classy looking. IT is a Ford LGT 12H with a 12 hp Kohler engine and hydrostatic drive. I got it running and cutting grass and it is a tough one
clint

[Mancar1]

Now that is a good looking Lawn Tractor.

[cdeal28078]

Thanks Mancar1. It is all original except the engine. I traded some air tools for a Kohler engine with 20 some hours on it. I couldn't get the original engine to quit smoking bad. There is only 322 hours on the hour meter and since it sat in a warehouse for 20 years I think the hours are right. I think there was a problem with the original engine making the previous owner store it. The original piston would ride the side of the cylinder no matter what I did. I am thinking it had a bent rod. The new engine is perfect though and that is one grass cutting mower. It is not a riding mower but a Lawn and Garden tractor.
I am in the process of cleaning up and painting some areas of the 2-3 year old John Deere LA115 I have. I don't need it anymore. The Ford cuts a prettier lawn, rides much better with the taller rear wheels and is just plain stronger. In high grass the 19.5 hp JD engine will bog down where the 12HP cast iron Kokler powered Ford will go through the tall grass without loosing any RPM's. I love this Ford LGT 12H
clint

[ezernut9mm]

i love it clint. i knew they were out there, but you don't see many around here. i have also always wanted a little massey ferguson lawn tractor.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/grd/2572701704.html

[FLATBEDFORD]

Nice tractor. I have a IH Cub Cadet 125, built in '68, that has a 12 hp Kohler. I know what you mean about the power. I just don't understand how the new, little lawn tractors have so much higher hp ratings than the old stuff. The snow thrower on my IH will put snow on the roof of my house, but today you would have to buy a 20+ hp machine to run as big a snow thrower.

[cdeal28078]

There was actually a class action lawsuit a while back because engine manufacturers were lying about the HP ratings on the engines. I got $75 back from me and a couple of friends from it. I have a 19.5 Briggs on a JD and it will not mow the high grass like the old 12HP Kohler will. Just has more torque I guess
clint

[crazyhorse]

Cdeal , that is one nice looking mowchine.
I found one nearly like that for sell but it was gone before I got there.
I have John Deeres & Wheel Horses.
I am looking for some 10" to 12" wide by 12" diameter wheels for the rear on one of mine
now.
I like to tinker with them.
That looks like paint on yours.
Hope you enjoy it for many years.

[71 LONG BED]

Nice tractor! I'd like to get my hands on one also. I agree with the others, they are getting hard to find and are quite costly when you do. I have a 1967 Wheelhorse 1057 that only has a 10hp Kohler and it pushes snow like a bulldozer! They sure don't make 'em like they used to...

[FLATBEDFORD]

I found this on Hudson Valley, NY Craig's List.

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/grd/2604374427.html

[flyboy2610]

Just needs a little bit of lovin'!

[cdeal28078]

What a deal Flatbed. You did get it I hope. I would love to have the blade for mine but not sure if mine has the required hookups underneath. It does have the hyro. lift for the deck which I THINK raises the blade. What model is yours. I couldn't make it out
clint

[FLATBEDFORD]

I didn't buy it. I have a '68 IH Cub cadet 125 already. If I buy another tractor, it will be another IH.