Got a chance to buy a 185..

[outdoors4evr]

Nice Catch! Looks like you have most of the 3-point hitch as well. Did you find the arms? Might be worth asking about - especially since it already has the hydraulic cylinder and the diverter valve.

Order a new gas cap (free) right away.
https://www.ihgascap.com/

[MikeEyre74]

Yes, I have the lower hitch arms and all of the stuff to attach the snowplow blade as well. I just didn’t take any photos of those. I just posted a new question to the group regarding the transmission on this when it left me stranded in my neighbors backyard on the hill… If you have any insight on that, I would love to hear it?

[Eugene]

The clutch must have an adjustment because it’s really loose and you can’t really engage the gears without clashing.

There are two pucks on the back side of the pressure plate to stop the pressure plate from turning when you depress the clutch.

Adjustment specs are in the service manual. New pucks, HamiltonBobs.

[MikeEyre74]

Ah. I was looking through the owners manual yesterday and I think I saw those in the pIcture... I have the service manual that came with this as well, I will check that for more details.

[fordyford]

WOW! What a deal! Congratulations.

Where does the starter mount on a 185? Looks like the location on the right side (like my 184's) is blocked off?

[MikeEyre74]

The starter on the 185 is still a starter/generator set up, Like a 154 was.

[Saucymynx]

The trans/hydraulic filter looks original!

[MikeEyre74]

It might be!

[mozer71]

Oh Mike. I was one of those who said "go for it". Since then it has been heartache as you uncovered one problem after another. I will never recommend except in broader terms a specific tractor again. It didn't look bad to me but gosh, I hope you don't hate it before even using it.
What threw the cake out the window was the shot inside the rear. Damn,no way all that sludge. I still hope that was from another tractor for that is instant "lock up" of the precision pinion and ring clearance. That would bust your gears pronto. Hope it goes where it should with assistance.

[outdoors4evr]

Mozer, I wouldn't say it was a bad buy. Mike picked up this running tractor (not driving yet) at a scrap price. That 3-point hitch with the diverter is worth more than he paid for the tractor. The creeper (once fixed) is another desirable option. Those usually bring $800ish. The mower deck and blade are additional bonuses.

If he ends up putting $1K more than purchased into it then he's got a really great machine for less than most cost without all those fancy options that were included. In my opinion, Mike found a pot of International Gold.

I must have overpaid for my 184, but have thoroughly enjoyed owning it (and working on it).

[MikeEyre74]

Mozer, don’t worry. This is the coolest machine I’ve ever bought next to my Standard Cub. That rear end full of sludge you’re referring to was indeed a different tractor, a 1948 Standard Cub that I bought to take the Woods mower off it and then resell. The new owner got the engine in that 48 up and running and is just waiting on a bearing in the mail to put the transmission back together. He said it all cleaned up nice and it’ll be just fine. My 185 that I referenced above will also be just fine. I ordered a new 2-3 slider gear and shifter fork from Hamilton Bobs and a roll pin for the creeper which turned out to be the whole extent of the damage inside there. If I wasn’t on vacation right now, I’d probably have that machine back together and running as I type this!! I’m super excited to get back home and get that thing back together. I have three extra days after this trip to play in the garage and I’ll be getting it done then for sure.

[outdoors4evr]

The numbered lowboy's are the 1970's "Cadillac" of mowers. Those big tires give a nice smooth ride. The torque can't be matched by a zero turn. An Independent PTO is a wonderful feature. The large mower deck does a nice cut.
Outside of golf course management, I think it took 20 years for the industry to come up with a mowing machine that could top it.

[mozer71]

I'm sorta glad you said that. My brother, who is familiar with farm tractors , used the 154 for mowing the steep changing lawn, around and under trees and he called it a Cadillac too.

[MikeEyre74]

For the 300 yards that I got to drive it before the transmission kicked the bucket, I would have to agree. It was way more comfortable than the wheel horse that I am used to. The steering has a lot of turns, lock to lock, and that will take a little getting used to… But it felt like power steering by comparison to anything else I’ve driven on my lawn.

[mozer71]

Hey Mike. These are perfect for a spinner knob! I had an old one which really clamps the wheel good. My 154 has the narrow front tires/ wheels, so when it is moving, it is like power steering anyway Just too many turns . I like to mount them at around 5:00 o'clock or 7:00- or what is comfortable when mowing straight.