B8200 HST - Should I stay or should I go?

[dspence73]

Hi all, I've finally got close to buying my first tractor... however...

It's a 1980ish B8200 HST 4X4 with a front loader but here's the kicker, it has issues. The deal is right at $2700.00 but they say it's leaking fluid from the rear badly, the engine is solid, the HST will only work properly in LOW but it trys to working high range but just can't quite get started.

They also say the hydraulics for the loader works good as long as it's in low range.

Now, I know I'm asking a loaded question but is this something I want to consider? If it's just seals, air leaks, etc. then I'll make out like a rose but if it's the pump, crack in body/transmission then I'm screwed. I can work on engines and electronics all day but HST's are new to me.

It's 2 hrs away from me and I have not inspected it yet. It only has 749 hrs on it too.

I guess what I'm asking is, if it were you, would you even look at it or run like mad?

Thanks!

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Run fast and far.

 

[Patches]

Do ya feel lucky today; well do ya??? I wouldn't touch it, but I've missed other good deals erring on the side of caution

 

[C4Ranch]

How much do you want to invest ($ + time) and are you mechanical? Sounds like you'll may need to replace the hst. If you do, you could have a good solid tractor. But you gotta also ask yourself, how has the rest of the tractor been treated?

 

[alchemysa]

The HST and loader problems could simply be caused by clogged metal mesh screens or HST filter. Easy and free to fix if you know how. The HST and loader use completely separate pumps, so for both to be 'slow' suggests its a fluid supply problem, or even some kind of operator error. I dont see how it would make any difference to the loader which range its in.

I dont know much about the 8200 but compact HST tractors are often completely gutless in high range anyway so don't expect huge improvements in that area.

Thats very low hours for a near 30 year old tractor. I'd be a little skeptical about that.

 

[Leejohn]

Try getting it for around $1500.00, then go for it.

 

[dspence73]

Thanks guys! I'll keep searching and maybe I'll come across something fully functional. Keep up the excellent work!

 

[dspence73]

Here is the tractor... just for looks... the more I look at it, it looks really, really used and somewhat abused.

 

[Leejohn]

That tractor is at a dealer and they aren't fixing it????? That right there is very BIG reason to pass, they know what it cost. The cost to fix is more then they can sell it for.

 

[alchemysa]

That tractor is at a dealer and they aren't fixing it????? That right there is very BIG reason to pass, they know what it cost. The cost to fix is more then they can sell it for.

Doesn't look all that bad to me for the money. Over here you'd probably pay a lot more for a lot less.

Its not really unusual that a dealer could not afford the time and effort to fix a tractor like this and sell it at a profit. But that doesn't mean that a home mechanic couldn't come out ahead.