should I buy?

[snowmannn]

Looking at an early 1980's Beaver satoh s370D, 15 HP, 4x4, with kubota bucket, clean and no leaks. only 823 hours and original owner. Asking price is $3400 and dealer will not budge. Is this a good price? Does anyone know lift capacity and total tractor weight with bucket? What maintenance should be done? I am a newbie here and have never owned a tractor like this. Need for general landscaping around the cabin. Thanks for the help.

 

[Mundy]

I have a Beaver with a Blackhawk loader on it. The Blackhawk was the loader avalable for them from the dealer. I have seen several old Kaboto tractors about the same size that the loader looks just like mine so maybe the same maybe not.
Lift capacity is going to vary depending on how the loader is powered and the size of the cylinders. My BlackHawk loader is powered from the tractors hydro pump and lift capacity around 400lbs with a counter wieght mounted on the 3pt.
I have done alot with my tractor. It is very capable. Some of the Beavers had a small counter rotation PTO. Mine happens to be standard so I can run standard implements.
The price does not seem too bad for a loader tractor in good shape.

 

[oliver28472]

PTO rotation is somewhat of an issue. Get the dealer to show you which way it spins. If it spins counter clock-wise, that means it may be difficult to find pto implements that work on it. Price should be adjusted downward for that but don't know how much.

 

[snowmannn]

The PTO is not counterclockwise and also comes with 3pt hitch and counter weight box. Will post pictures if I buy.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[snowmannn]

Here are some pictures of my new tractor. I do have one question regarding shifting gears, I get a little grinding going on but not all the time and happens in all gears. Are there any suggestions or maintanence that needs to be done?

 

[wushaw]

I have had my 372 for 8 years and the gears grind a little every time, these trannys don't have syncronizers like a car tranny so they will grind a little.
Nice tractor.

 

[carpenter383]

I'd like to have one of those, that would be a handy little tractor for tight spaces. I looked at a bare suzue 4x4 similar to yours (no impliments or attachments) with just under 800 hrs for $2,200. It had very loose steering for some reason and the clutch made funny noises when depressed (throw out bearing I'm guessing) I'm still thinking about buying it. So for the price it looks like you did good.

 

[Rowdy Raven]

Hello,

I am not that familiar with Satoh tractors. I am going to look at a 18 hp unit with 4wd. Are parts available in the North Carolina area? How do these compare with same size Kubota, JD or MF tractors? Thanks in advance
Keith

 

[oliver28472]

I have one that my father bought new around 1979. It is in pretty rough shape but it's a very tough little tractor. It is not a grey market tractor and I can get air, oil and fuel filters at NAPA. Other parts have to be bought from Bill or Len. They two of several good vendors that post here and can get just about whatever you need. You will not need parts very often as these are well built tractors. Parts can be pricey, but I bet it's the same for other brands too. I also have grey market Mitsubishi 1450FD. It is the little brother to the S-470D Satoh I have and they are pretty much identical except for engine size. Would not hesitate to buy another grey. Things like starters and water pumps can be rebuilt locally or sent off cheaper than buying them new.

 

[Rowdy Raven]

Thanks for the reply. I will let you know how the visit goes.

 

[Rowdy Raven]

Hey, I am going to need tires for the tractor. Are such available from general suppliers?