Shibaura SD2200 w/RFM & Boxblade

jinman · Jul 26, 2006

I have a friend who has a Shibaura SD2200 with about 660 hours on the proofmeter. The tractor also has a 60 in. RFM and 60 in. KK boxblade. The RFM has recently had the three spindles replaced and it is a J-Bar brand made in Georgia.

Of course, I know what he wants for this tractor, but I'm wondering if it's a good or bad deal. I don't want to say what his selling price is, but I think it's fair. Let's just say it's less than $6000. Would some of the Shibaura experts please give me their estimate? I'll let you know what I paid for it in a few days when I decide to buy it or let it go. Right now I'm leaning toward buying it because this fellow is a very good mechanic and has done a good job of maintenance.

I'm attaching a couple of pictures.

buppy69 · Jul 26, 2006

In my opinion that is way too much. It is an old tractor, an unpopular model plus it's just 2 wheel drive and I don't believe you'll ever find any parts for it if needed. Around here they almost give those away. My friend is a grey market dealer . He has 2 of these he's been trying to sell for $1900 for almost 2 years.

Eugene

LMTC · Jul 26, 2006

Ask yourself, or better yet, ask your friend, where you will get parts for that tractor. We sell Sitrex finish mowers, and I have one I have used for 6 seasons now. We have never sold a spindle for one. I would be very curious as to why all three spindles needed to be replaced.
Do yourself a favor and read the following thread. Then search for threads started by Jim57 and read his epic tale of trying to get his SD2200 repaired, beginning with trying to get a part.
Thread

Here is a link to an auction result from 05 for a 2200 (apparently with a loader) that brought $3200.
Auction

You should be able to get a 26hp Yanmar (with great parts availability) with a ROPS and seat belt, NEW finish mower, and a box blade for that figure you mention.

jinman · Jul 27, 2006

Thanks Wayne and Eugene, that's good info.

I was wrong when I said this gent had replaced the spindles on the mower. Actually, he replaced all belts with new ones, new blades, and replaced the wheel bushings on the guage wheels. I don't know how I "translated" that to spindle bearings. Oops!

Anyhow, he is asking $4,900 for the package. I'm thinking more like $3,900 as a mowing tractor. He has had the tractor for three years and not a single problem. This model does not have the electronic 3PH that some do and I see being 2wd as a plus for it's intended use. Since I own a New Holland TC45D for all my heavy jobs, this tractor would just be a finish mower and I'd sell the boxblade since I already have two of them.

I understand that in a bid sale these tractors may be questionable as to their condition. Since I've been discussing this tractor with my friend for many years before he decided to sell it, I know it has be reliable and trouble free. The reason he is selling it is that he completed some landscaping around his house and last year inherited a very nice riding mower. Also, someone else took over mowing around the church he had previously mowed. This tractor is just sitting and not being used.

I think it would make a good reliable mowing tractor for someone like me who has a large semi-rough area that would look much better mowed than cut with a rotary cutter. This tractor would be far less than a similar riding mower and much more versatile. What do you think?

buppy69 · Jul 27, 2006

It could last for years without any problem or it could break down tomorrow. It is up to you if you think it's worth the risk. If you use it for 4 or 5 years it has paid for itself.

Eugene

LMTC · Jul 27, 2006

Even if you got 5-6-7-8 years before you ditched it for lack of a part, why invest in it when you can invest a bit more in something that can be maintained? That would be the question I would ask myself. Apart from that, Shibaura built good tractors.