Bison S670 & S670D serial numbers

[Volvoman]

For members here who own a Satoh/Mitsubishi Bison S670 or S670D tractor, are you willing to share the serial number of your tractor? No need to post all the digits, perhaps leave the last one as an X, but it would be interesting to determine how many of these are still in use, and also if possible, when they were made. Maybe someone knows if the manufacturer used purely sequential numbers, or if not, if the number was coded to include model info or year of manufacture. I will start here by listing my serial number: S670D 5044X. It is hard to fathom there having been over 50 thousand of these tractors built, but perhaps there were. If not, then perhaps the digits include other information. Anybody with some insight into this care to weigh in?
VVM

 

[stnbenn]

I just bought an S650G with the 27hp Mazda engine. My serial number is 500795. I am trying to determine the year that this one was built. Can find absolutely no info on decyphering the serial numbers for the year of manufacture.

 

[Roadworthy]

You can get minimal information here: TractorData.com Satoh Bison S65 tractor information and from satohparts.com/

 

[stnbenn]

You can get minimal information here: TractorData.com Satoh Bison S65 tractor information and from satohparts.com/

Thanks, I checked them out prior to my posts. Seems very little exists when searching for information concerning the serial numbers for these old obsoletes. If we can see some serial numbers of tractors with known age, we might be able to create a data base. Thanks Roady.

 

[sharkman62]

from what I understand, the tractors were imported for a little more than 10 years. The early year tractors (early 70's) were brown and white, mid years red and white and final years blue and white. Most I have seen are red and white

 

[stnbenn]

from what I understand, the tractors were imported for a little more than 10 years. The early year tractors (early 70's) were brown and white, mid years red and white and final years blue and white. Most I have seen are red and white

Mine is White fenders/hood, and rest is red. Built in headlights, and grill with one piece red screen. Guess it to be in the mid 70's. Were the blue ones diesels?

Got it to roll over yesterday with new battery. Wow do they ever charge for those small batteries that fit the little battery holder. I opted to buy a group 24 for $49 and modify the holder slightly for fit. The group 51 which would just fit was around $120 at most of the stores.

 

[Volvoman]

Thanks folks for adding to this thread. My original request is for serial numbers for the S670, which is the diesel version of the S650. They are a different beast than the gasoline powered S650. Here are some photos of my tractor, plus one of a new one taken from an original brochure back in 1983.

 

[Volvoman]

Sorry for the rather disjointed photo array, but that’s how the forum randomly placed them. I had meant to add some more commentary, but thought it may be best to do that with this separate posting.

In reply to stnbenn’s post regarding colors: The S650G tractors, specifically the earliest models were similar to David Brown colors of brown and off-white/gray, while later, the early models had the red painted chassis with off-white colored sheet metal. Late model tractors had a different, more squared off hood at the front grill surround. Early tractors had a different grill and a surround that was tapered inward surrounding the headlights. I have seen early versions with side headlights, too, but they had the same hood.

As for the red chassis.....the “late” tractors initially came with a red chassis and off-white sheet metal, but the latest of the late S650G tractors were offered with a blue chassis and off-white sheet metal.

Now for the S670 diesel.....it only was offered with a blue chassis and off-white sheet metal. It was introduced in late 1979 and continued production until 1984. It only used the later style of hood.

The wheelbase of the S670D, the 4X4 model, was well over one foot longer than the 2WD version. Not exactly what all the reasoning was for lengthening the chassis, but no doubt part was to accommodate the front axle. Likely there were other considerations that went into the final decision to lengthen the “D” model (designates front wheel assist), but without a Mitsubishi engineer involved in this decision to add facts, all one can do is guess the reasons for it.

As seen in photos above, power steering was standard on the S670D. PS was optional on 2WD S670 and also on S650, as it was often equipped with a front end loader, which always benefits from having power steering.

You will note the hood side decal “Live PTO” on the S670D. When I purchased my first S670D back in ‘83, I made a point to ask the dealer whether or not it was a “true” Live PTO. He said, “Yes, it is”. As there are not many of these tractors to be found, I have not been able to verify that claim, but perhaps someone like Bill Rodgers, who sold these new, can chime in to verify the Live PTO claim one way or the other.

I’ll close by saying that the tractor pictured is my latest acquisition, the result of tracking it down after a very long search (years), having obtained it from another original owner who babied it for the past 35 years. Keeping them inside when not being worked also makes a big difference!
Vvm

 

[stnbenn]

Sorry for the mistake of posting the inquiries for the S650G series on your thread that you clearly asked for serial number info on the S670. That said, I really like your diesel and see that it has been well taken care of. I would prefer the diesel and 4WD over the 2WD project that I just acquired. My sheet metal is pretty beat up and would require much more effort to make it back to original than I care to do. I'm mainly interested in finishing the complete wiring harness replacement and using the front end loader that came with it. I have a few acres of scrub and Palmetto that I want to clear so it will get a workout when I get it running.

 

[Volvoman]

No problem at all on the serial # posting. A record of serial numbers/production dates for both S650G and S670 tractors would be helpful for sure. Not sure if it is possible to create an editable file here on TBN, but it could well be. Moderators would know if it is or not.

But, to your comments about the S650G. For good reasons, there are many very happy owners of Satoh S650G tractors. They were in production for a good long time, many were sold, and did what they were designed to do, provided it wasn’t beyond their capabilities. Both of these tractors, gasoline and diesel versions, are long out of production and parts availability/affordability seems to be a common issue among owners.

So, what to do if already an owner or a hope-to-be owner of one. No mystery here, if you have one that has been well maintained and you continue to maintain it well, it will serve you well, too. If you are seeking one of these, be patient and wait until you locate one that, likewise, has been well maintained. My rule is: if it is beat-up and obviously neglected, chances are high it has hidden issues as well. But, if it has clearly been well taken care of, then chances are much better that it is also in good condition mechanically. Yes, there are always exceptions to rules like this, as there are owners who aren’t particular about cosmetics, but are very diligent about mechanical service to keep it in top condition for use. But, don’t count on that being the case, despite what you may be led to believe. Fixing problems caused by someone else’s neglect oftentimes ends up “throwing good money after bad.”

If a tractor’s hour meter is working and correct, it’s usually a good place to begin when looking at a tractor and assessing condition, but not always. I will take a two thousand hour tractor that’s been well maintained over a 500 hour tractor that’s been beat into submission daily. No need to explain why. Any old tractor can turn into a money pit when trying to bring it back to decent operating condition, especially those that are uncommon and available parts are preciously expensive. That said, buyer beware when purchasing this or any other old tractor!

I am in no position to declare superiority of the diesel tractors over the gasoline versions, as my experience is strictly with the diesels. What I can say from personal experience about the Bison diesel is that it is a tough beast, well built, and does everything I ask of it, from brush cutting, front end loader work, snowblowing, rear grading, tilling, and random other towing tasks. But, I know its limits and don’t press it to do more than I know it is capable of doing. Same common sense reasoning that one would apply when using any other tractor, too.

I wish you well with your S650G, and hope it all can be restored to its former glory. Take some time to inspect it thoroughly before spending a great deal, then only proceed if your cost estimates show it is worth your time and money. Sometimes, such as when restoring Grandpa’s or Dad’s old tractor, those rules aren’t going to be followed, or if cost is not a concern. Then, the project changes from one of practicality to one of novelty. And, who hasn’t been guilty of pursuing those before?

Vvm