mikeg75 Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Hello everyone. A little background, I have a 317 deere with a bad KT17 kohler engine. This engine is notorious for early failures in the 317. I have been meaning to rebuild or replace the engine, but I have stalled to the point where it is ready to blow (due to cost of rebuild/repower). I need to get the grass mowed and garden tilled. I am looking at purchasing a 917 allis with a tiller and snowblower, for $575. It has a Kohler KT17 engine. I looked at the engine spec number, I assume it is a splash-lube engine. I don't know much about AC garden tractors at all. The tractor seems to run fine, and the mower runs ok when engaged. as well. The tiller tines are worn. I don't know whether a person can get replacement tines easily, or not. I will borrow the machine to mow my lawn (about 2 Acres) to see if it uses any oil. I think I will try to test the tiller as well. Does this seem like a good deal? any specific problems with the 917 to watch out for? I am curious to see what your thoughts are. I appreciate any and all replies.
2burning Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Tines should be available, I just got a new set for my 36" tiller. In my opinion, I would think a 917 would be a fine machine. I would keep the oil always! on the full mark though, and I would not mow big banks with it if I owned one. Do the JD 317s blow becasue of cooling problems? If so, that may not be a problem with a 917 as it is more open to keep the engine cooler.
GregB Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 At that price it would not last around me :D. I have about $800 into my 917, between buying it and a newer engine to replace the one with a rod hole in the side. And at that it was just a deck, no other attachements. Mine has the hydraulic lift for attachments, a nice feature to have. I would borrow it if you can to test it to check out the oil use. But before you use it give it good looking at underneath. Is it oily? Is it dusty? Grass stuck in the flywheel screen? Spend some time cleaning it so that it will not overheat during your test. Is it loaded with grass clippings under the deck belt covers? They can rust up there if it sits outside and the clippings hold water. Snowblower should spin freely, tiller tines can be replaced. Is the cover/sheild all dented up? If so it may have tilled up rocky soil, hard on bearings etc. Does it have all the belts, idler pullies for the tiller? They are pricy to find if not. Just some starting info, search on Simple Tractors home page for more info, specs etc. GregB
Kent Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 Be aware that some of these tractors also had the KT-17 Series I engine that gave the JD 317s such fits. They are susceptible if you do a lot of mowing on side slopes. The later models had Series IIs, so make sure you know which one you're getting. That said, the 3 attachments (tiller, snowblower, 48" mowing deck) are just about worth his asking price, so the tractor is essentially "free"... The tiller does a fine job, BTW -- I think you'll be impressed -- and we think that the Simplicity mower deck gives the best cut in the business.... :D
goatfarmer Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 If it runs out as good as it sounds like it will,$575.00 is a very good price.
RayS Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 917H is proably one of the best machine that they made. You don`t have to disassemble the hole tractor to work on them. that is cheap with those attachments but make sure the BGB is in good shape you can easily put $400.00 in one of those.
mikeg75 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Posted April 24, 2006 Thanks everyone, for your replies. How do I check the Bevel Gear Box? I assume this would be the differential? Thanks in advance,
BLT Posted April 24, 2006 Posted April 24, 2006 quote:Originally posted by mikeg75 Thanks everyone, for your replies. How do I check the Bevel Gear Box? I assume this would be the differential? Thanks in advance, No, the BGB is "Bevel Gear Box" It is the 90 degree transition box between the engine drive shaft and belt pulley to hydro. There should be no or little blacklash when holding one side. I think someone at onetime no more the 1/16" back and forth motion measured at the outer edge of belt drive pulley.
mikeg75 Posted April 25, 2006 Author Posted April 25, 2006 By the way, what are the engine spec numbers for KT-17 series I, and series II? Thanks again, Mike G
RayS Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 Not sure of the spec. numbers, but any of the series II that I have seen had a decal on them that said Series II on it.
stevenj Posted April 25, 2006 Posted April 25, 2006 quote:Originally posted by RayS Not sure of the spec. numbers, but any of the series II that I have seen had a decal on them that said Series II on it. KT17 Series II - Specification numbers 24300 and higher. Series II engines use a Full Pressure Lubrication System.
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