Questions about an Allis B210

[dhermesc 0]

First I’d like to compliment on how the nice site appears and I hope to post here occasionally. I’m looking at buying a B210 over the internet from a guy that seems reasonably trust worthy but the tractor is a couple hundred miles away. Shipping appears to be easily arranged, but once I buy it I own it, I won’t have an opportunity to run it first. I've never seen one in person but I have the opportunity to buy one at what I think is a good price. I'm assuming they have three speed transmissions with a variable drive similar to my John Deere 110 (only it has a 4 speed transmission). Other then that I know nothing about them. Do they have Kohler engines or BS, how are they for durability? How solid are their transmissions? Any weakness in the decks? What is the common deck size? Where do you put your feet when operating (from the pictures it appears to only have peg rests like a motorcycle). He has a plow, disk and a front blade offered with it, can they really pull a plow? How hard is it to switch implements? How heavy (hard) is the lift handle (no hydraulics on this one), my wife doesn't have a lot of arm strength. Just any information on your experience with them would be appreciated.

[TomSchmit 55]

BS engine, heavy duty cast iron tranny, fully capable of pulling a plow! Implements are very easy to change -100 times better than any JD set-up I have ever seen. Lever lift for implements can be managed by a lady, with the possible exception of a heavy plow. Will be no problem with the mower deck (42" or 48" available). You will like it if it is in good working condition! Tom

[PatRarick 1]

To add to what Tom stated, a 42" deck is the common size on a B-210. You can use a 48", but with the original 10 horse engine it's a little short on power if the grass gets too high. No problem with a 42" though.

[UCD 14]

Also there are front and rear counter weights available to make the lifting of the heavier implements front (snow blower, 46" remote angle spring trip plow) and rear (rototiller, moldboard plow) very easy without a Hydraulic lift.

[bob1959 0]

I could be wrong on the 210, but the 110 would only take a 42" deck the wheel base is shorter than the 112. It may be the same for the 210 vs the 212. I have a 42" deck on my 112 and it does a nice job.

[dhermesc 0]

A 42" deck would be all the larger I'd want with 10 hp. The current seller (selling it for a family member) says the center spindle is shot and will need to be replaced before regular use. How expensive/hard to find are they? Beside that one issue and a lack of paint (will need color codes/decals) the unit is represented to be in good operating condition. Can you get an optional (salvage) foot rests? My wife and son are both pretty small and I see them stepping on the deck to get on and off the tractor.

[UCD 14]

That was only for the B-110 3 speed. The B-112 B-210 B-212 with Variable and HB-112 and HB-212 hydrostatics Have a 4" longer wheel base and will accept the 48" deck. I have a 48" deck on my HB-112 and 2 HB-212's and my Nephew has a 48" deck on his B-112.

[Chris727 2,136]

You might find a good deal on a center arbor on ebay, otherwise you would probably have to buy a new one from a Simplicity dealer. There have been many discussions about the yellow paint, do a search or check commonly asked questions or maybe tech tips forum. There are 2 sources I know of for B-Series Decals, Wells Implement and Maple-Hunter Decals. Sorry but I don't have their contact info available right now.

[JimDk 1]

Doug, I think that you will find the foot rests quite comfortable. Also, don't worry about stepping on the deck. Other than scratching the paint, you won't hurt it. We have used a B-210 for more than 20 years. My wife mowed a lot of grass with it before she had to get bionic knees. Our grandson was more than glad to take over the mowing duties. He managed just fine, with supervision, at 12 years old. Safety training was needed as there are no PTO or seat switches. It does have a neutral start safety switch. Maple-Hunter has decals on e-bay at this time. Good luck, Jim

[Ketchamized 2]

Doug, I have a B-210. Love it! They're pretty easy to work on, and they are very durable. I ran a snowblower and a deck on it with no problems. They're pretty easy to change out too. If it's for a good price (Less than $300) go for it. If it's in absolute mint condition $500 or less would be decent. Even that number is high, (they are plentiful, so they are cheap priced) but the way I look at it- it's either that or piece of crap mowers that you find these days in stores. Also, the B-210 has a lot of implements available that you can use on it. I have seen pictures of them pulling a large speed boat on a trailer. :) Best Regards, Erick

[stevenj 4]

quote:

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Originally posted by dhermesc
Can you get an optional (salvage) foot rests? My wife and son are both pretty small and I see them stepping on the deck to get on and off the tractor.

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I wouldn't worry about stepping on the deck to get yourself up on the tractor seat. You aren't going to hurt the deck one bit. The foot rests on the B210 are quite comfortable. However, the original 42" deck for the B210 also had a wire formed foot rest that lifted your foot off the deck covers. As a young kid, I used to rest my foot on those when I mowed. Someone might be able to post a picture of what I'm talking about.

[GWGAllisfan 159]

I likewise used to always mow on a B-10 with the feet on those wire foot rests. Later when the deck was replaced with a late model one, i often rode with my feet on the top of the deck. If the deck is down it is plenty strong to take being stepped on.

[Kent 436]

quote:

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Originally posted by stevenj

quote:

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Originally posted by dhermesc
Can you get an optional (salvage) foot rests? My wife and son are both pretty small and I see them stepping on the deck to get on and off the tractor.

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However, the original 42" deck for the B210 also had a wire formed foot rest that lifted your foot off the deck covers. As a young kid, I used to rest my foot on those when I mowed. Someone might be able to post a picture of what I'm talking about.

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Here ya go:
[img]http://www.simpletractors.com/images/mower1_ops/ft_cvr_small.jpg[/img]

[Chris727 2,136]

One thing to consider is that while these tractors may be "plentiful" in some regions of this country, they may not be in other places and could go for more. I'm planning on paying $300 for a non-running B210. I know the guy could sell it to someone else for that price because there is decent demand for them around here. Also consider the implements included, what would it cost you to equip a new tractor that way, just to buy something that can really handle a moldboard plow you're looking at $4000 to $10000. What I am trying to say is that if it works good for you and you like it you shouldn't have feel like you've overpaid and if you do get it for a bargain then thats great.

[toomanytractors 0]

Doug; I have a B-210 at my mothers place a mile up the road from me that we only use for mowing. Sits out under a tarp year round and gets a good going over every spring along with a couple of oil changes during mowing season. I bought this thing about 5 years ago and replaced valve guides in the engine, lapped them in and adjusted and replaced piston rings. The first real problem other than a couple belts was just this past Sunday when a bearing siezed on the end of the s/g.XX( I am amazed every time I use it at what a great job it will still do after 40 years. That yard is rough, I mow when I have time -sometimes it's really wet (early morning or after a rain) and it still comes out looking like a golf course. My oldest sister uses it and she is one who shouldn't be allowed near any piece of equipment including a car!!C Still the old tractor keeps coming back for more. These things will still outperform and out mow any of the new junk that's on the market. Don't be scared--Go for it and good luck!!! Just remember the first word in the name of this club--that tells the whole story1 Welcome aboardsm01 Dave

[Ketchamized 2]

Chris, I paid $50 dollars for my B-210. It has brand new electrical system installed by previous owner, as well as brand new solenoid, brand new voltage regulator, brand new ignition... Of course, it helped that the previous owner inadvertently hooked up the killed wire to the ground. It wouldn't start. After looking over it for a while, I finally realized that the kill wire was grounded. So, I simply ungrounded it and it started up the first try. It runs great and mows great. Not bad for $50 bucks.

[dhermesc 0]

Thanks for all the replies. B series and Simplicity models in general are RARE in Kansas - John Deere and Cub Cadet make 90%-95% of the older garden tractors with a few Sears models making up the balance. He's offering it for $400 with the plow, disk, front blade and mowing deck (with the afore mentioned bad spindle). To give you an idea what older garden tractors sell for around here: http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?purple23/7456 (It is as rough as it looks) http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?purple5/7063 (Barely ran - died when the hydro was engaged - sold for unpaid storage fees) http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?purple5/category/LAWN-AND-GARDEN and they weren't any cheaper last year: http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnarclist.cgi?purple/20050428/category/LAWN-AND-GARDEN http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnarclist.cgi?purple/20050414/category/LAWN-AND-GARDEN http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi-bin/mnarclist.cgi?purple/20050512/category/LAWN-AND-GARDEN