Satoh BISONS650 4.30 star(s) (8)

So Far So Good
Model Year: 0

Got this with front loader bucket and bush hog for small jobs around a country home. Although it has performed flawlessly so far, I am looking to trade for a diesel and 4 wheel drive. We live on a clay based bog type of property, and I have sunk into deep mud several times.

Pros: Has started right up and ran without a problem.
Cons: High rpm for power and only 2 wheel drive. Parts will be hard to come by.

What Is This?
Model Year: 1970

Okay, I'll make it quick and sweet, no one has ever heard if a Satoh Tractor here in Oklahoma. Seriously!

Pros: Small, agile and tough.
Cons: No Satoh tractor parts available in Oklahoma.

Little Known Tractor
Model Year: 1984

Rugged, quality tractor, that few people have heard about. Perfect for small farms, takes care of garden, bush hogs fields.

Pros: Ease of use.
Cons: Parts......

Satoh Bison is a Great Machine for its Size.
Model Year: 1987

Works really well.

Pros: Power, traction, maneuverability.
Cons: Only way to get parts is online.

Satoh S650G
Model Year: 1972

I purchased this old Satoh in fall 2010, for doing work around the property and almost immediately I realized I've been without a tractor way too long. Although its old, it has proven to be extremely reliable, starts and runs good with strong hydraulics. The front loader is a priceless feature (I would never consider another without one) it has ample power for what I need. however I think a diesel model would likely be a better choice...better fuel economy, torque, less maintenance etc... Maybe next time.

Pros: Reliable, compact, suprisingly strong, good price.
Cons: Parts availability may be issue, diesel eng. would be nice, its ugly.

Satoh 650 Overall Review
Model Year: 1974

Having owned the tractor for a few months now, I feel that the tractor is of fair value ($3k and in pretty good condition). Loader, PTO, 3 P.H. work fine. Overheating is a problem, and parts are not easy to come by. When you do find them, they are expensive, even the smallest of parts. Definitely, make sure that the cooling circulation is gone over very well. I had to recore the radiator, and flush the engine well. Hydraulics are weak and slow. I can only lift about 450 LBS. of material. But for a cheap tractor, what can you expect, right? Power steering is nice. Narrow wheel base is not nice. Could roll over easily on slope terrain. Engine is fair (25 hp) for the size of the tractor. Not a tractor for heavy work. A few improvements would go a long way to get this tractor to another level. First, if there's a way to improve the hydraulics, that would be a great start. Second, the cooling is terrible, but I when I recored the rad, I had them oversized just a bit, and since then, overheating hasn't been a problem.

Pros: Features, Reliability, Cost.
Cons: Hydraulics, Wheel Base, Cooling System, Parts.

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My New Old Satoh S650G
Model Year: 1980

I needed a tractor I can leave at camp to work with when I'm there. Starts easy, runs great, has a front end loader to carry my lime, fertilizer and seed to the food plots. It is a hard working tractor. I've had Ford 8ns, 9ns, Yanmar, and for the price it's the best so far.

Pros: Everything works as it should.
Cons: No lights yet.

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Just purchased & engine seized
Model Year: 1971

Engine seized - sat for 15 years in barn, bought for 500. Still evacuating tractor.

Pros: None.
Cons: None.