Hello,
I bought my Satoh 650 about three years ago after an extensive search for a Kubota or JD. Little did I know that tractors, even OLD ones, are expensive!
Before this tractor, I had only seen them at the county fair... zero knowledge. I needed it for a project (clearing my lot full of trees...looked for skid steers and other heavy equipment...figured the tractor would be the least expensive route)
Why did I buy the Satoh, well...it was the only thing that I could afford! I bought her at $2000 with a FEL, Power Steering, 5' Bush hog. SOLD...hahahaa. I was a little nervous after all the reading about "the PARTS" situation. Don't let that get you nervous... My ol' girl worked to the edge of total failure (I didn't know it at the time, but she was only running on two cyl for two years! No wonder the tractor sounded really strange...like no "car" I ever heard before...hahaha) Last fall, after 2 yrs of helping me clear 1 acre lot of trees, moving them, lifting these massive logs, moving a 20' shed...I mean I was using this thing for everything ...the works... I had an electrical gremlin that wouldn't quit and she finally lost all power with the rat's nest of wires ( a couple of sparks, then a real big one then nothing). So, I sat there and thought, "well, I worked this machine to death...the only thing I did was give it gas and she did all this work for two years. Do I, trash her and feel like I got my money's worth (which I felt I got my $2000 worth) or do I fix her?"
Still wanting a "nicer" Kubota or JD...I felt this ol' girl was "disposable". I didn't make up my mind that night. I slept on it.
About a week later, after "looking at other machines...a couple of JDs and Kubotas" I didn't like them. Maybe because at this point I had some tractor experience and was a "tractor owner" that kind of knew the "basics". I'm sure the JDs and Kubotas are very nice machines, but I felt that if this machine did what she did for me limping around for two years, what can she do for me at 100%? My decision was made. I will keep the ol' girl and fix her (remember at this time...I thought this was just an electrical issue)
So I started off with a total rewire. Removed the wire harness, chased every wire, ohm checked it, replaced bad wires...the works. New keyed ignition, new bulbs, new 10 ga wire for the starter...a complete rewire package.
Then she started right up...still sounding "rough" and now the middle of winter...figured I'd give her a tune up. GUESS WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE SPARK PLUG WIRES got changed? She WOKE UP and for the first time I heard all 4 cyl firing! Now, oil and water was seeping everywhere...yup... total top end rebuild with new head gaskets and head milled (I warped the head...no thermostat, water instead of coolant, running on two cyl...bad situation). Worked on her all winter long...took my time, many calls to Bill at Valley Power and Len at Schafer's tractors. Got a new carb for her, new tires, new seals, all fresh fluids, even got her electronic ignition! Total cost about $1500 parts/labor (had to outsource some stuff). Not bad, if you ask me...for a truly turn key tractor. She started right up and WOW what a difference in her tone, idle, response and POWER!!!!
I tell you what... I LOVE my TRACTOR! She is strong, starts right up and keeps on working for me...to the point where I get tired before she does!!!!
These little machines are tough and can handle the abuse. I wouldn't recommend abusing them, but in my extensive research I found most everything I need at NAPA (routine maint, not engine rebuild)
DO THE MAINTENANCE!!! Again, I was thinking that this tractor was just a place holder until I got my Kubota or JD...so I was just "using and abusing" until she quit. Imagine if I would have done routine maintenance on her three years ago...I could have saved a lot of time, aggravation and maybe money.
I chalk it up to Satoh 101 and that was my cost for tuition. I feel that I know this little machine inside and out now and would say Satoh is not a bottom tier machine (don't let them tell you otherwise...these machines are built to last). Parts are available and i even know one fellow that is converting his 650 into a "green machine"...yes, he has converted this machine into a 100% electric tractor. Very neat!
In the end, I can say that what I "thought" was a no name brand, cheap, disposable machine has turned out to be the best $3500 I have spent.
I recently upgraded her bucket to a brand new one (hired a welder to design a new all 1/4 inch steel bucket...with the new geometry...she picked up a mound of dirt so big that we all stood there in amazement!). Yes, this ol' girl ROCKS!!!!
Okay...enough about my tractor... as you can tell... I'm a happy S650 owner. if you have any issues... ask... I'm around.
Raf
