Gravely L worth?

[sigpros]

Found a model L that the owner says is missing the carb? Whats it worth? And how hard is it to find a carb? I have been wanting to get a 2 wheel tractor to fix up and restore to use mowing pasture grass, working a garden, and pushing snow off the driveway. Thanks for any help

 

[js5020]

My opinion,, a straight L isnt worth as much as say an L8, a straight L would be kinda fast for many garden tasks, snow blowing, and some types of mowing, unless one really did a bit of clutch slipping. A non runner would be worth substancially less, no way to know what else doesn't work or what shape the engine is really in. Parts can be had off epay and other sources but it wont take many parts till you could have a "turnkey" runner or a later model tractor.

 

[2manyrocks]

I think GravelyMay responded to me that a nonrunning L8 would go for $100-$200 tops. An L would be less valuable, and you need to subtract off the cost of buying another carb from that. If you have to buy magneto parts or there are other problems, your costs start going up.

Seems like some guys want to buy the L machines because of their memories of running them years ago. Although the L engine parts are available, they are pricey. If you're actually going to use it, you should be looking at buying a more recent kohler powered unit or looking at the cost of doing an engine conversion.

There are a couple of threads on engine conversions. This is the one I'd start with and be sure to look at the external link in that thread. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/gravely-ariens/190762-model-l-model-c-repower.html

The issue with converting an L is the old Gravely engine ran at 2600 rpm. Today's engines run faster, and you either have to change the gear ratios or run the replacement engine at low rpm.

If it were me, I'd avoid an L unless I was getting the attachments cheap, and then I'd still be looking for a kohler powered unit to either run or convert. Just my 2cents.